Honesty Pill Podcast Episode 44: Kelly Riordan - Outside the Bachs

Show Notes

Episode Overview

In this episode, Chris dives deep into the world of private music studios with Kelly Riordan, a powerhouse in music education, hybrid teaching, and marketing. Kelly shares her journey from building her own thriving private studio to helping over 3,000 teachers and students grow their music careers worldwide.

This conversation explores everything from setting rates, avoiding burnout, and managing student anxiety, to leveraging marketing strategies for long-term success. Whether you're a seasoned educator or just starting out, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

Key Sections

1. Building a Thriving Studio

   • Transitioning from a traditional "dollars-for-hours" model to flat-rate tuition.
   • Managing a teaching schedule to avoid burnout.
   • Understanding the importance of identifying and working with aligned students.

2. Mastering Hybrid Teaching & Marketing

   • Strategies for breaking out of local teaching into online, hybrid models.
   • Effective, non-salesy ways to promote your studio using social media and local outreach.
   • The importance of creating a balance between relatability and professionalism.

3. Supporting Musicians Worldwide

   • How Kelly helps music educators build sustainable studios.
   • Using tools like the "nice file" for self-confidence and imposter syndrome.
   • Offering scholarships while maintaining a thriving business.

4. Mindset Shifts for Success

   • Reframing performance anxiety as an opportunity for growth.
   • Understanding the "portfolio career" as a way to create fulfilling, multifaceted music careers.
   • Using self-belief and intentional thought patterns to shape your success.

Memorable Quotes

• “Sales isn’t a dirty word—it’s about showing up authentically and serving others.”
• “If you don’t believe in yourself, how can you expect others to believe in you?”
• “Letting go of students who aren’t the right fit isn’t rejection; it’s leading them toward better opportunities.”
• “Raise your rates to lead with service—you can’t help others if you’re barely making ends meet.”

Key Takeaways

• Marketing Strategies: Start locally by building relationships with schools, community groups, and local music organizations. Use social media as a long-term strategy to showcase your teaching style and build credibility.
• Mindset for Growth: Don’t let fear of pricing or imposter syndrome hold you back. Confidence in your value leads to stronger connections with aligned students.
• Studio Organization: Avoid burnout by streamlining admin tasks with software, creating structured tuition models, and focusing on your ideal student.
• The Power of Testimonials: Ask students and parents for testimonials after big wins and use them to attract more students.

Links & Resources

• Kelly Riordan’s Website: Outside the Bachs
• Join the Facebook Group: A supportive space for music teachers to share insights and advice.
• Free Strategy Call: Request Here
• Subscribe to Inbachs: Kelly’s free weekly newsletter for actionable tips and mindset shifts.

Call to Action

If these topics resonate with you, subscribe to the Honesty Pill YouTube channel, and share this episode with your fellow musicians. Let’s keep the conversation going—drop your thoughts or questions in the comments or on social media!

Welcome to Episode 43:

In this episode of the Honesty Pill Podcast, I sit down with career coach and author Angela Beeching. Angela, the author of Beyond Talent, has helped countless musicians break through the overwhelm and frustration of building a sustainable career in the music industry. We dive into goal setting, time management, and even overcoming fear and self-doubt to create a career that you not only enjoy but one that pays the bills—crazy, right?

In this Episode:

• How to develop a "portfolio career" and balance multiple roles without burning out.
• Practical tools for managing fear and impostor syndrome.
• Strategies for moving beyond overwhelm to set goals that actually move your career forward.
• Mindset shifts that can help musicians tap into their full potential.

Highlights:

• (00:33) Angela talks about how musicians can find jobs they’re great at, that people need, and that they might actually love.
• (03:33) "What does it take for people to be happy?" Angela explores the balance between success and enjoying the journey.
• (07:01) The "Magic Index Card" exercise—how simple actions today can move you toward your career goals.
• (16:53) Angela guides me through her “Cosmic Rage” tool to quiet fear and resistance.
• (26:49) We discuss the importance of mindset and how to shift from a victim mentality to one of empowerment.

Memorable Quotes:

• "What we think of as success in terms of our career is just one component, and not being so obsessed with the outcome that you can’t enjoy the journey is key."
• "We are all capable of so much more than we realize, and we don’t know how much we are standing in our own way."
• "Successful musicians engage in specific patterns of thinking and behavior. It’s these habits, beyond talent, that help them move ahead despite the inevitable challenges."

Connect with Angela:

• Website: AngelaBeeching.com
• Sign up for the Pathfinder Guide: A free guide to help musicians who feel stuck or unsure about their next career move.
• Follow Angela on social media for more tips and advice on managing your career in music.

Additional Links:

• Angela’s book: Beyond Talent – A must-read for musicians looking to take control of their careers.

A Big Thank You:

Big thanks to our sponsor, the Yamaha Corporation of America. Yamaha has been a huge supporter of my career and the Honesty Pill Podcast since day one. Their commitment to music education, from marquee artists to beginners, is truly inspiring. Check them out at usa.yamaha.com. Stay tuned for more insightful conversations and diverse perspectives on music, practice, performance, and the business behind it all.

Honesty Pill Links:

• Sign Up for Our Weekly Newsletter
• Honesty Pill Podcast
• Visit Our Blog
• Follow Us on Instagram
• Like Us on Facebook

Additional Programs:

• Audition Accelerator Program: Dive into our intensive course designed to unlock your audition potential, empowering you with strategies, feedback, and insights to nail those high-stakes auditions. Learn more & Enroll
• Online Business Accelerator Program: Elevate your musical career with our program geared to equip you with the essential tools, strategies, and insights to build and scale your online music business effectively. Learn more & Enroll

Guest: Nikki Abissi, professional trombonist

Key Topics:

• Nikki's musical journey from growing up around NYC to attending Juilliard, New World Symphony, and becoming an orchestral musician

• Dealing with performance anxiety, negative self-talk, and the importance of mindset work

• The "3 envelope" audition preparation strategy

• Bringing a sense of "play" back into music practice

• Losing your professional identity and how to rebuild

• Nikki's invention of the "Extend Bone" slide extension device

• Being newly diagnosed with ADHD as an adult

• The value of normalizing struggles and being vulnerable

Takeaways:

• Have strategies and techniques for audition prep beyond just the music

• Find ways to quiet the analytical brain and focus on performing

• Titles don't matter as much as value you provide - build an authentic platform

• Normalize discussing mental health, mindset, and personal struggles

• Read "Peak" by Anders Ericsson on developing expertise deliberatively

Memorable Quotes: "My other superpower is I don't care about being vulnerable and honest." "Your title doesn't matter. What matters is can you solve a problem for someone."

 

Stay Connected with Us:

• Subscribe to the Honesty Pill YouTube Channel for the latest episodes and updates.

• Follow us on Instagram for behind-the-scenes content and exclusive updates.

Sponsor Message: This episode is brought to you by the Yamaha Corporation of America.

Visit Yamaha Corporation of America to learn more about their products and services.

Episode Title: Productivity, Mindset and Overcoming Roadblocks with Cami McLaren

Introduction: In this insightful episode, we explore strategies for productivity, mindset shifts, and overcoming roadblocks with our guest Cami McLaren, founder of McLaren Coaching. Cami shares her unique perspective as a former lawyer who transitioned into coaching musicians and professionals from various fields. Get ready to dive into practical tips, thought-provoking discussions, and personal insights that will empower you to unlock your full potential.

Key Discussion Points:

1. Mindset Matters
   • Importance of beliefs in achieving goals
   • Overcoming self-limiting beliefs and assumptions
   • Discussing "The Art of Possibility" by Ben Zander
2. Productivity Tips
   • Effective to-do list management and prioritization
   • Multitasking vs. being present and focused
   • Taking ownership and accountability
3. Coaching for Growth
   • Distinctions between coaching and teaching
   • Power of asking open-ended questions
   • Becoming aware of unconscious patterns
4. Building a Successful Business
   • Mindset around making money as a musician/creative
   • Appreciating your worth and value-based pricing
   • Cami's "GameChanger" workshops
5. Overcoming Roadblocks
   • Cami's personal journey transitioning from law to coaching
   • Redefining identity and following your passion
   • The Passion Planner tool for aligning goals

Conclusion: Cami McLaren's insights offer a fresh perspective on productivity, mindset, and overcoming obstacles. Whether you're a musician, entrepreneur, or simply seeking personal growth, this episode provides valuable tools and strategies to help you thrive in your pursuits.

Connect with Cami McLaren:

• Visit McLarenCoaching.com
• Follow Cami on social media @mclaren_coaching

Additional Resources:

• Learn more about Cami's GameChanger workshops
• Explore the Passion Planner for goal alignment and productivity

Stay Connected with Us:

• Subscribe to the Honesty Pill Podcast for more inspiring episodes
• Follow us on social media for updates and exclusive content

Show Notes:

Episode Title: S3E40 - Emmanuel Ceysson: Mastering the Harp

YouTube Video Link: Watch Here

Introduction: In this captivating episode, we delve into the fascinating world of harp mastery with Emmanuel Ceysson. Join us as we explore his remarkable journey from starting the harp at the tender age of 7 to becoming a renowned professional harpist. Emmanuel shares insights into the challenges he faced as a male harpist, the intricacies of the pedal harp, and his unique approach to overcoming performance anxiety.

Key Discussion Points:

1. Early Beginnings and Unique Sound:

   • Emmanuel's journey into the world of harp playing, starting at the age of 7.
   • The allure of the harp's unique sound and its impact on Emmanuel's musical journey.

2. Challenging Stereotypes:

   • The obstacles faced by male harpists and the stereotypes associated with the instrument.
   • Emmanuel's perspective on breaking through these stereotypes and carving his own path in the industry.

3. Understanding the Pedal Harp:

   • Detailed insights into how the pedal harp functions, including its unique tuning mechanism.
   • Exploring the technical aspects of the pedal harp, with 7 strings per octave that can be altered with pedals.

4. Historical Perspectives:

   • A glimpse into the history and evolution of the harp, including the competition between pedal and chromatic harps in the late 19th century.

5. Preparing for Auditions and Performance:

   • Strategies for preparing for auditions on unfamiliar instruments and navigating inconsistent tuning.
   • The visual impact of Emmanuel's iconic red Salzedo harp on stage.

6. Orchestral Experience:

   • Contrasting experiences of playing in symphony orchestras versus opera orchestras.
   • Emmanuel's approach to learning orchestral repertoire, focusing on musicality over technical perfection.

7. Overcoming Performance Anxiety:

   • Insights into managing performance anxiety by focusing on personal growth rather than external validation.
   • Emmanuel's journey in overcoming nerves and finding confidence in his craft.

Conclusion: Emmanuel Ceysson's story is a testament to the power of dedication, perseverance, and passion in pursuing one's musical dreams. Whether you're an aspiring musician or a seasoned professional, this episode offers valuable insights into the world of harp performance and the art of mastering one's craft.

Connect with Emmanuel Ceysson:

• Follow Emmanuel on Instagram @emmanuel_ceysson
• Visit Emmanuel's Website for more information and updates on his performances and projects.

Additional Resources:

• Explore more of Emmanuel's performances and interviews on his YouTube Channel

Acknowledgment: Special thanks to Emmanuel Ceysson for sharing his expertise and experiences with us. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more insightful conversations with talented musicians like Emmanuel.

Stay Connected with Us:

• Subscribe to the Honesty Pill YouTube Channel for the latest episodes and updates.
• Follow us on Instagram for behind-the-scenes content and exclusive updates.

Sponsor Message: This episode is brought to you by the Yamaha Corporation of America.

Visit Yamaha Corporation of America to learn more about their products and services.

In this episode of the Honesty Pill podcast, we sit down with Stephanie Thompson, a functional nutritionist with a unique background as both a musician and a nutrition expert. Stephanie shares invaluable insights on the pivotal role nutrition plays in a musician's performance, energy levels, and overall well-being. She delves into common dietary myths, offers practical advice for improving nutrition, and introduces her transformative program, "Play Like an Artist, Fuel Like an Athlete."

Show Notes:

Highlighting the Gap: Stephanie opens the discussion by addressing the often-overlooked aspect of nutrition in musicians' training compared to athletes. She emphasizes that musicians, much like athletes, require proper fueling of their bodies to perform at their best.

Myth-Busting Diets: The conversation shifts to debunking popular diet trends, including keto and intermittent fasting, underscoring the importance of finding what genuinely works for each individual's unique needs.

From Musician to Nutritionist: Stephanie shares her personal journey from being a professional orchestra musician to pursuing a career in functional nutrition. Her transition was motivated by her desire to help musicians navigate the complexities of food, energy, and nutrition.

Introducing the Program: Stephanie introduces her upcoming program, "Play Like an Artist, Fuel Like an Athlete," a six-week deep dive designed to empower musicians with knowledge and strategies to optimize their nutrition, energy, and performance. The program aims to create a bridge between the worlds of music and athletics, highlighting the critical role of nutrition in artistic excellence.

For more information and to enroll in the program, visit: Play Like an Artist, Fuel Like an Athlete

 Conclusion: This episode sheds light on the crucial, yet often neglected, aspect of nutrition in the lives of musicians. Stephanie Thompson's expertise and personal journey inspire a holistic approach to musicians' health and performance, promising a path to not only excel in their craft but also improve their quality of life through better nutritional practices.

S3E38 Elizabeth Rowe: How to Break Free from Limiting Beliefs

Podcast Summary

In this episode, host Christopher Still speaks with acclaimed flutist Elizabeth Rowe about redefining success, moving past harsh self-criticism, addressing implicit bias in classical music, coping with professional setbacks, and making hard choices to align with your values.

Guest Bio

Elizabeth Rowe is the principal flute of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. She is also an advocate for women’s rights and gender equality in classical music and a career/leadership coach for musicians and other high achievers.

Key Takeaways

Don't reduce your identity solely to a job title or label. Figure out what success and fulfillment mean for you personally. Meet yourself with compassion instead of criticism. Friendliness enables lasting excellence more than harshly driving yourself. Acknowledge that everyone has implicit biases. Be honest about your limited experience with certain groups in leadership roles. Fall with awareness and acceptance. Reflect on what you can learn personally from setbacks while recognizing institutional problems. Make the uncomfortable choice you can understand and live with. Difficult experiences often prove to be immense gifts.

Memorable Quotes

"The way that we achieve sustained excellence is by meeting ourselves where we are with friendliness, with encouragement, with compassion."

"We are all biased. Before we can advocate for structural changes, we need to own our individual roles and responsibilities."

"Part of what is important to me as I'm moving through this myself is to be really clear that big feelings doesn't make something wrong."

Resources Mentioned

Elizabeth Rowe's website: https://iamelizabethrowe.com/

Book: "More Time to Think" by Nancy Kline Elizabeth's

guide: "The High Achiever's Guide to Moving Past Failure"

Connect with Elizabeth Rowe

Website: https://iamelizabethrowe.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamelizabeth.rowe

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamelizabethrowe/

Additional Links Elizabeth's TEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7lbT0485wI&t=367s

Show Notes:

Hey everybody, welcome back to the Honesty Pill Podcast! 🎵 Today, we’re diving into a rich conversation that's all about music, mentorship, and those magic moments that only happen in the orchestral world.

We're hanging out with Neil Kimel - a phenomenal horn player, who’s been lighting up audiences from the stages of incredible orchestras and, nowadays, is lighting a fire in the next generation of musicians over at Northwestern. 

Neil’s got stories and wisdom that span from the audition room to to the practice room.

In This Episode:

• Get a backstage pass to Neil’s journey from playing the horn in Chicago’s vibrant music scene to becoming a beacon of guidance and inspiration at Northwestern.

• Explore the nuanced world of auditions, where Neil spills the beans on what it’s like to hear auditions and how to really make a mark.

Highlights:

• Navigating Orchestra Auditions

• Dive into Neil’s relationship with the horn, auditions, and cinema

• Auditions Unveiled: Get the inside scoop as Neil takes us through the transition from auditioning to listening in auditions, revealing what really makes a performer stand out.

Links:

• DePaul University Music Programs: https://music.depaul.edu/faculty-staff/faculty-a-z/Pages/neil-kimel.aspx

Take Away: Neil’s journey through music, education, and the beautiful moments in between is a tune you don’t want to miss, whether you’re an upcoming musician or someone who just loves a good, harmonious tale. His stories and tips shed light on the commitment, the art, and the pure joy found in a musical journey.

A Big Thank You:

Big thanks to our sponsor, the Yamaha Corporation of America. Stay tuned for more insightful conversations and diverse perspectives on music, practice, performance, and the business behind it all.

Honesty Pill Links:

• Sign Up for Our Weekly Newsletter

• Honesty Pill Podcast

• Visit Our Blog

• Follow Us on Instagram

• Like Us on Facebook

Additional Programs:

• Audition Accelerator Program: Dive into our intensive course designed to unlock your audition potential, empowering you with strategies, feedback, and insights to nail those high-stakes auditions. Learn more & Enroll

• Online Business Accelerator Program: Elevate your musical career with our program geared to equip you with the essential tools, strategies, and insights to build and scale your online music business effectively. Learn more & Enroll

 

Show Notes:

Welcome to the first episode of Season Three of the Honesty Pill Podcast! We're kicking off this season with a deep dive into the intersection of music mastery, performance, and entrepreneurship—a crucial area for musicians looking to expand and excel in their careers.

We're chatting with Michelle Lynne, a musician who's not just sticking to the stage. She's weaving her talents as a pianist and singer with her knack for entrepreneurship, showing us how musical skills can open doors to diverse and rewarding career paths. Michelle’s here to break things down, share her story, and provide some inspiration for fellow musicians wanting to wear multiple hats in the music world.

In This Episode:

• Discover Michelle's journey from musician to musical entrepreneur, influencing audiences and students around the globe.

• Understand the importance of entrepreneurship in music and find the balance between musical passion and business savvy.

• Pick up some practical tips on personal branding, marketing, and building an online community around your musical journey.

Highlights:

1. Music Meets Entrepreneurship:

• Learn how to translate musical talents into diverse and successful careers.

• Understand the entrepreneurial mindset that’s key for musicians wanting to make a mark in the industry.

2. Building Brand and Community:

• Discover strategies for crafting a strong brand and fostering community connections, essential for sustaining a musical career.

• Learn about the power of networking and effective communication in establishing collaborative musical opportunities.

Connect with Michelle Lynne:

• Website: Michelle Lynne's Website

• Instagram: @michellelynne

Additional Links:

• The Fearless Artist Mastermind: TheFearlessArtistMastermind.com

• Stream "Hold On" Now: MichelleLynnePianist.com/New-Release

• Opus 16 Concerten: Opus16Concerten.nl

• Candlelight Concerts: CandlelightExperience.com

Conclusion:

Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with inspiring stories, actionable advice, and practical tips. Michelle’s insights highlight the unlimited opportunities available in music, encouraging a balanced approach to building a fruitful musical career.

A Big Thank You:

Big thanks to our sponsor, the Yamaha Corporation of America. Stay tuned for more insightful conversations and diverse perspectives on music, practice, performance, and the business behind it all.

Honesty Pill Links:

• Sign Up for Our Weekly Newsletter

• Honesty Pill Podcast

• Visit Our Blog

• Follow Us on Instagram

• Like Us on Facebook

Additional Programs:

• Audition Accelerator Program: Dive into our intensive course designed to unlock your audition potential, empowering you with strategies, feedback, and insights to nail those high-stakes auditions. Learn more & Enroll

• Online Business Accelerator Program: Elevate your musical career with our program geared to equip you with the essential tools, strategies, and insights to build and scale your online music business effectively. Learn more & Enroll

 

Episode 35 of the Honesty Pill Podcast is LIVE!

My guest today is one of the most sought after young orchestral conductors in the classical music scene, Elim Chan.

Here's a pop quiz for you: How many professional, female orchestra conductors can you name right now? Ready...go!

How'd you do? Not so great? Need some help?

I'm going to introduce you to just a few of the industry leading orchestral conductors who happen to be women, and whose names you need to know.

We talk about life in Belgium, what it's like to travel the globe conducting the world's most prominent orchestra, and what rather unusual sport Elim likes to enjoy to wind down after a long week (hint: she's got a slick right hook!)

We also address classical music's long standing gender problem, and what our arts organizations and schools need to be doing about it.

 

Enjoy and Happy Listening!

Chris @ Honesty Pill

The Honesty Pill Podcast is proud to be sponsored by the Yamaha Corporation of America. Thank you, Yamaha!

 

Links

Elim's website: https://www.elimchan.nl/