Reflections from Year One of the Carey Music Academy

Starting something new always sounds so exciting, doesn’t it? You’re full of possibility, vision, and momentum. But what happens when the daily grind of real-life hits hard and carrying that vision through feels daunting? Let me tell you... this is when you remember your why. Why did you start? What is your goal? That’s what you come back to – every time.

This time last year, I stepped into something I’ve dreamed about for a long time: building a multi-teacher music academy rooted in mentorship, community, and hands-on learning. I knew it would stretch me. I just didn’t know how much.

Now that the dust has settled and I have had time and space to rest and recuperate from a very full year, I’m taking a deep breath and reflecting on what worked, what didn’t, and what I hope to do differently in the year ahead. This post isn’t polished strategy. It’s better, in my opinion. It is real, honest reflection from someone who is still very much in the middle of the process.

If you’re a teacher, director, or someone who is “in charge” of something creative and beautiful and messy, this is for you.

🎹What Worked

·      The Concept Itself

At its core, the idea behind CMA worked. And that matters so much to me.

We created a space that met a real need in our community. The goal was to provide affordable, high-quality music education for the children and adults of our community, while at the same time giving college students meaningful, hands-on teaching experience.

This wasn’t a pretend classroom. Our student teachers ran real studios. They managed schedules, planned lessons, worked with kids of all ages, and communicated with families. Some of them were a little nervous. Some were completely new to private teaching. But all of them grew.

Watching those students discover their voice as teachers... Y, all! I don’t even have words. It was a daily reminder of why I love this work.

·      Our Group Classes

We launched three small but mighty classes:

• Intro to Piano

• Music + Movement for Littles

• Adult Piano Class

Each one had its own energy. And each one gave our student teachers a new challenge.

I especially loved watching our Music + Movement teachers lead toddlers through songs and games. Let’s just say they learned a lot about patience and adaptability.

It stretched them. And it gave families a new way to engage with music.

This class was led by music therapy majors, which I loved! Getting our MT students involved was one of the best choices I made this year – even though it wasn’t made intentionally. CMA is now working with our Music Therapy program to offer even more classes in this coming year.

·      Student Teacher Growth

We had a wonderful group of student teachers this year. One of our piano teachers is a recent Carey grad. He was such a great addition to our team! His laid-back personality is polar opposite of my intense, type A personality, and that is exactly what his students needed.

One of our voice teachers is preparing to graduate this fall. She is kind, nurturing, and such a wonderful light!

In the spring, we also introduced 4 new piano pedagogy students to our team. These students were in the student teaching portion of my Piano Pedagogy course and took on their roles so beautifully. They led our adult piano class, and each ended up working one-on-one with an adult from the course. They also sat in and often led private K-12 lessons.

They weren’t just “helpers”—they were leading, making decisions, and building relationships. They felt the responsibility, and they proved their ability as teachers.

The best part? Many of them left the year saying, “I didn’t know I could do this, but now I think I can.” One has even decided that she wants to pursue a Masters in Piano Pedagogy after graduation. I am so proud of these students! That, my friends, is the power of real-world experience wrapped in mentorship!

·      Academy-Wide Recitals

Recitals were such a sweet spot this year.

We gathered everyone and filled the room with music and nervous excitement. I watched college students beam as their students walked on stage, bowed, and played with heart. These moments mattered. They gave families a sense of pride. They gave teachers tangible proof of their impact, and they gave our students a memory they’ll hold on to for a long time.

·      Clear Policies and Steady Communication

It absolutely does not sound glamorous but having clear studio policies saved us more than once. Parents knew what to expect. Teachers had a foundation to fall back on. Having clear policies is a necessity for any studio!

And regular communication - emails, updates, reminders- kept things running smoothly. No one was left guessing, and that built trust. This can always be improved, but overall, I am really pleased with our communication this year.

🎹What Didn’t Work

Okay, here’s where I have to keep my ego from getting in the way. I am about to be REAL with y’all. This, friends, is what did not work this year:

·      Trying to Do Too Much Too Fast

We partnered with an outside program this year that, in theory, could have expanded our reach. On paper, it worked; but in practice, it was too much, too soon. Our visions didn’t fully align. Our teachers were stretched too thin. I personally was overwhelmed.

It was a hard but important lesson: just because something sounds like a good opportunity doesn’t mean it’s the right one for right now. I will approach these opportunities more thoughtfully in the future.

·      Invoicing and Payroll Burnout

I’ve admitted I am a type A person. I often think I can do it all. I can’t. Case in point – invoicing and payroll. I tried to manage all the invoicing and payroll manually. I’m not proud of it—but I’ll say it: I was drowning. I spent too many evenings trying to sort spreadsheets and calculate hours. It’s not sustainable. Systems must grow with the work. This one didn’t. That’s on me.

·      Not Enough Support for Teachers

This is the one that really sits heavy on my heart.  I wanted to do more teacher support—more check-ins, more trainings, more “Hey, how’s it going?” moments. But I let admin tasks and weekly fires eat up that space. Some of our teachers really needed that extra layer of support. They were navigating new territory and doing the best they could. Next year, I want to be more present for them.

·      Limited Performance and Outreach Opportunities

Yes, we had recitals. But I want our students to experience music in a variety of spaces - not just on a stage with a bow.

I want porch concerts. Pop-up recitals at coffee shops. Nursing home visits. Opportunities where music becomes part of the fabric of the community, not just something we practice behind closed doors.

That’s something we’ll intentionally build in this year.

·      Communication Gaps with New Teachers

Some of our student teachers struggled with parent communication. This wasn’t because they didn’t care but because they were new. Learning how to be clear, kind, and professional takes time. I gave them a foundation, but next year I’ll give them more tools. They shouldn’t have to figure it out alone.

🎹Where We’re Headed 

·      Automating What We Can

First step: automate invoicing and payroll.
This is not the year I spiral into spreadsheet purgatory again. I have made a promise to myself and to my daughter (who also happens to be my behind-the-scenes assistant).

We’re putting systems in place that free up my time and energy for the teaching, leading, and mentoring. After all, this is the work that really matters.

·      Teacher Training with Intention

We’re starting the year with a clear teacher support plan:

• Monthly training sessions

• Resource sharing

• Built-in feedback loops

• Office hours for coaching and connection

No more leaving it to chance. Our teachers deserve intentional care.

·      More Opportunities to Perform and Share Music

We are dreaming up creative ways for our students to perform more often and in more meaningful spaces. Whether that’s a fall showcase, service opportunities, or an “open studio” night, music deserves to be shared; and our students deserve to know their music has a place in the world.

·      Strengthening Communication Tools

We will equip our teachers with email templates, check-in scripts, and sample language. We’ll model clear communication and talk about how to navigate hard conversations. Communication is part of the work, and we can’t assume it comes naturally. I would rather give my teachers too much training than for them to feel unprepared.

🎹A Final Word 

This year was both messy and beautiful. It was full of little wins and big lessons.

We built something from scratch, and people showed up. That alone is worth celebrating, isn’t it? We started with a $0 budget and ended with a surplus. We taught hundreds of lessons and held multiple recitals. Our students shared music in their schools, and parents are sharing about what their kids are learning at Carey Music Academy.

To our teachers: thank you for taking risks and growing in public.
To our families: thank you for trusting us with your musicians.
To my fellow studio leaders: you’re not behind. You’re building. Keep going.

And to anyone who feels tired but deeply called to this kind of work... take heart. You’re not alone.

Let’s keep growing.

Much love to you all ~

Christina