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Hello! It is an honor to serve as the new MTNA Business Resources Coordinator. Many thanks to Beth Gigante Klingenstein for her expert stewardship of the MTNA Business Digest for the past two years.
The business of teaching has long been an interest of mine. I have presented many sessions at local/state/national conferences and authored the American Music Teacher business column since 2007. I am excited to now work with the excellent Business Network team of teacher-authors!
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Taking care of business also means taking care of yourself. This issue features the debut of a new regular segment, Life-Work Balance, featuring an article on the value of professional development—a priceless investment in yourself. You will find threads of “life-work balance” throughout this issue. For example, the Spotlight article focuses on diversifying income, which can mitigate financial risk and in turn reduce stress about income stability. The Resource Gems segment features free resources to support your career development goals.
Wishing you a rewarding and joyful balance of life and work.
Karen Thickstun, NCTM
MTNA Business Resources Coordinator
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♪ Just a Note: For those who have an interest in the topics below, links are provided at the bottom of many of the Digest articles to take you to various MTNA Business Resources sections of the MTNA website. | |
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In the Spotlight
The Why, What and How of Diversifying Income
Karen Thickstun, NCTM
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How many times have you been advised “don’t put all your eggs in one basket” or told that “variety is the spice of life?” My tuition fees are part of my overall income “pie,” but other slices include a church position, adjunct collegiate teaching, accompanying and speaking engagements. How many ways can you divide the pie? And why should you? Read more. | |
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Bonus: Step-by-Step Guide to Launching a Diversified Revenue Stream
José Valentino Ruiz and Marcos Sanchez
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Diversifying revenue through coaching or other professional services, such as marketing consulting, website design or social media engagement, creates a sustainable business model for long-term success. Get started with seven proven steps. Read more. | |
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Meet the Entrepreneur
Josh Wright
Josh Wright is the recipient of MTNA’s 2023 Stecher and Horowitz Power of Innovation Award, a national award given to an individual who displays innovation and entrepreneurship in the field of music. His work in online music teaching and performance has reached more than 185,000 subscribers and 20 million views.
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For this short video, Wright was asked to describe his current projects/career while sharing key steps that guided him and advice that he would give to others hoping to follow a similar path. Watch Video. Read Transcript. | |
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Life-Work Balance
Invest in Yourself: The Value of a National Conference
Karen Thickstun, NCTM, with Jennifer Stadler, NCTM
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Would you hire a CPA who is not up to date on the latest IRS regulations? Would you retain a lawyer who doesn’t stay current with the latest rulings? Professional development is an essential element of staying relevant in any profession. An investment in yourself is…priceless. Read more. | |
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Top Five
Top Five Ways to Afford a National Conference
MTNA Business Network
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Professional development can be expensive but well worth the investment in yourself and your career. A national conference is a known expense that can be planned for in advance. The MTNA Business Network members offer the following tips for affording a national conference. Read more. | |
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Legal Landscape
Business Insurance 101 for Music Teachers, part 1
Deborah H. How
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Insurance is an essential part of running any business. Rather than thinking “I’ll take care of that later,” move insurance coverage to the top of your priority list. Exactly what types of insurance do you need for your studio business? Over the next four issues, Deborah H. How will take a deep look at insurance for music teachers. Read more. | |
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Resource Gems
Free University Resources to Help You Tell Your Story in the Job Market
Timothy Stephenson
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Looking to update your resume, cover letter, teaching philosophy or other job application materials? Universities across the country house career centers with free online resources that can help! Read more. | |
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Looking for a Good Read?
Entrepreneurial You by Dorie Clark
Karen Thickstun, NCTM
Diversified income streams are one answer to the question “How can you create a long-term, sustainable business that rewards you emotionally, intellectually and financially?” Read more.
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Heads Up
Key dates referenced in this issue:
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Would you like to contribute to a future MTNA Business Digest? Contact Karen Thickstun at mtnanet@mtna.org with any ideas or questions you may have. We’d love to hear from you! Guidelines for submission.
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We invite you to share the MTNA Business Digest as a resource for the readers of your local or state newsletter, blog, website, webpage or on social media. Digest Archives can be found by clicking here.
- MTNA offers its sincere thanks to all those who contributed their insights, knowledge and experience in this issue of the MTNA Business Digest.
Many thanks to the members of the Business Network team who are writing articles, offering advice and making recommendations for topics and authors during the coming year:
- Deborah H. How
- Andrea Miller
- Heather Smith, NCTM
- Jennifer Stadler, NCTM
- Timothy Stephenson
- Jennifer Walschap, NCTM
- Gary Ingle (ex-officio)
- Peter Mack (ex-officio), NCTM
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Music Teachers National Association
600 Vine St., Ste. 1710
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Phone: (513) 421-1420 or (888) 512-5278
mtnanet@mtna.org
www.mtna.org
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