The first step for educators that want to become entrepreneurs is identifying the “need” or problem, and then figuring out a solution. Dr. Jonathan Haas, from NYU provides a great starting point for learning the ins and outs of entrepreneurship, and implementing the goals, strategies, and execution plans to achieve success. As a percussion major in college, Dr. Haas did not have many opportunities to perform. So, he began putting together concerts to create performance opportunities for himself. This was a very successful endeavor, which led to other entrepreneurial ventures throughout his career. His story is sure to inspire. Check it out here:

What does teaching, writing, arranging, authoring, performing, recording, consulting, and publishing music all have in common? For me, they are entrepreneurial endeavors that have become branches in a diverse career firmly rooted in Music Education. This article on is a great primer on the attributes and educational opportunities available to music education entrepreneur:

http://www.artistshousemusic.org/articles/music+educators+are+entreprene...

Andrew Surmani, Vice President of Marketing and Managing Director of School and Church Music at Alfred Publishing, discusses career opportunities for music educators in the classroom as well as in the music education industry. He explains that with approximately 14,000 unfulfilled music education positions in the United States, there is a great need and lots of opportunities for aspiring teachers. He also talks about the many different kinds of positions a music educator can fill at a music education publishing company such as Alfred including sales, marketing, finance, production, editorial, and licensing.

Sandy Feldstein is a music education luminary. In this video interview, Dr. Feldstein discusses different types of career opportunities there are for music educators beyond the classroom including writing, arranging, and consulting. Dr. Feldstein has had a very successful career in the music education industry and offers insight and an entrepreneurial spirit into the possibilities and opportunities available to aspiring music educators today.

Of course, there are many different kinds of teaching opportunities. You can teach music in a public or private school setting. You can also start your own private teaching practice. In the following video clip, Andrew Surmani provides practical advice on how to start a private teaching practice.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this little entrepreneurial-focused tour. There are many more resources that speak to the music educator as entrepreneur within Artists House Music. You can visit the Entrepreneurship in Education section here. Be sure to check out the Entrepreneurship category within the Artists House Music Business section as well. Good luck with your own entrepreneurial pursuits!

Debbie Cavalier
Debbie Cavalier is the dean of continuing education for Berklee College of Music’s online extension school, Berkleemusic.com.