inBachs / Building My Portfolio Music Career

For a lot of musicians, building the portfolio career feels kinda strange.

I remember being a kid and thinking my music teachers, band directors and private lesson teachers had it all figured out. (I still think that by the way!)

When I got to university, my professors who also had orchestra jobs, were my role models. (They still are!)

The professional ensemble and academic career path felt so clear and it was easy to want that.

Then, when I graduated, and built a Frankenstein career of entrepreneur - private music teacher - content creator, it felt so untraditional.

Sometimes I feel like an imposter, posting an edited picture or showing up with a cheerful face in front of a class. It’s not always easy. But it’s real. And sometimes our empathy is the most powerful thing we can give people.

This is exactly why I believe so strongly that learning how to build a private studio matters. It’s one of best vehicles to create stability, grow income, and build a owned career while still leaving room for artistry, performance, and creative work. Not to mention the impact teachers have on the lives of their students.

I’d love to hear from you (in the comments or by replying here.) Are you building a portfolio career? Is teaching part of the vision? And if it is, what do you hope it makes possible for you?