Today's episode is a rebroadcast of a super fun conversation I had a few years ago. I'm talking to two musicians about how they've made a career in music over the last 15 years. I think their story illustrates what it means to be not just an entrepreneurial musician, but an entrepreneur in general.

You'll hear about how they've made plans and pursued ideas, while keeping an open ear to what's going on in the market and the world around them, so they can respond with products and services that meet real needs and opportunities. At points this has led them to make pivots. COVID has been one of these points, but we also talk about how the 2008 financial crisis impacted their work and how they bounced back.

Here's my conversation with Barbara and Keith.

The transcript and show notes for this episode can be found at MusicStudioStartup.com/episode176.

This week, as we observe Veteran's Day in the US, I'm honored to be talking to a Vietnam Veteran and guitar teacher for a non-profit organization that aims to brighten the lives of veterans who suffer from physical and mental wounds from their times of service.

You'll hear about how their mission is shaped by those they serve, how they raise funds for the program, and how they address some unique considerations when matching teachers with veterans and finding creative ways to make the guitar accessible.

Here's my conversation with Bernie.

Full transcript available at musicstudiostartup.com/episode175

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If you've ever wondered whether the music you compose or arrange for your students could become more than a creative outlet—maybe even a second income stream—this episode is for you.

My guest, James Michael Stevens, is a composer and college music dean who has steadily built something quite remarkable: a catalog of thousands of piano and organ pieces, all self-published online, that reaches players around the world. What I love most about his story isn't just the scale of what he's created—it's how he's done it. His process is simple, consistent, and completely self-driven, and it offers a model for any creative teacher who wants to turn small, steady efforts into something substantial.

In our conversation, James shares how he got started, what keeps him motivated, and the systems he uses to sustain that level of creative output year after year.

Whether you write music, design resources, or just have an idea you've been meaning to follow through on, this episode is full of practical wisdom for anyone building something one step at a time.

Here's my conversation with James.

A full transcript and resources from this episode can be found at MusicStudioStartup.com/episode174.

MSS Entrepreneurs Hub + Mastermind

MSS Studio Launch Grant Competition

Music Studio Business Building 101

Business Finance for Music Teachers