Jason Sifford is a piano teacher, composer, and performer based in Iowa City. He runs an independent studio, writes pedagogical music published by Willis/Hal Leonard and FJH Music, composes original musical theater for a children's theater program that now reaches hundreds of kids across Iowa, and recently joined the MTNA Board of Trustees as West-Central Division Director. He also just launched Piano Blocks, a newsletter for piano teachers on Substack.

In this conversation, Eric and Jason talk about building a career rooted in community and curiousity, make the case for 45-minute lessons, and share the origin story of Jason's highly successful theater project.  We also discuss his unique strategy for his latest Substack project.

This episode is perfect for any music teacher contemplating the arc of their career.

Topics covered:

• The 45-minute lesson format and why it works
• Leaving academia to go freelance and what that decision made possible
• The Aspen moment: finding your place in the club
• How a COVID-era theater project became a six-show, 17-employee operation
• Composing for students: writing only what doesn’t already exist
• A/B testing your music with real students
• “Passive income” and why the crank never stops
• Piano Blocks: writing for yourself first, audience second
• The income quilt, building a resilient career
• Work-life balance by the year, not the week

Learn more about Jason's work here...

• Website: jasonsifford.com
• Piano Blocks on Substack: jasonsifford.substack.com
• YouTube: youtube.com/@jsifford
• Instagram: @jasonsifford
• Sheet music: search “Jason Sifford” at halleonard.com

🌊 Connect with us:

• Join a supportive community for teachers & creatives at the Fons Family Facebook Group
  a supportive community for teachers & creatives
• Follow on Instagram: @getfons
• Learn more about Fons (Soon to be MakeMusic Studio!)
• TikTok: @getfons