Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ross Sandlin. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Ross, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?

I established a reputation throughout the Front Range music scene between 2014 and 2020, where many friends and peers would ask for lessons. After reading Victor Wooten’s book “The Music Lesson” I was inspired to start teaching lessons professionally through music studios in the Denver Metro area. My initial experience teaching lessons helped me to realize that I enjoyed teaching students and sharing my passion for learning and writing music. When Covid hit in 2020 and shut down all live performance opportunities, I started giving lessons remotely. I noticed that students were learning faster due to being in an environment where they were comfortable. Due to increased referrals, I decided to open my virtual music studio. It became clear that I could reach more students and give better-quality lessons remotely, and in the Fall of 2021, I officially started my studio “Music Lessons with Ross.” By using the Zoom and Venmo Platforms I was able to host virtual lessons and receive payment from my first students.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My lifelong relationship with music was fostered by my family, where there was always played music around the house. After studying composition and performance at the Santa Fe University of Art and Design I moved to Denver to pursue a career in music performance. This continued until 2020, when the pandemic shut down live music and I knew it was time to change my direction. My diverse taste in music allowed me to learn and play many styles including Jazz, Rock, Country, RNB, and Hip Hop. Those experiences have informed my teaching style where I help my students develop a long-lasting relationship to the rules of music. I offer lessons for guitar, bass, songwriting, and music theory and have worked with students between the ages of 5 and 75. I love helping young students who audition for band in middle school, high school, or college. I also work with adults with little to no experience learning their first instrument. When working with me I prioritize the skills and knowledge required to collaborate with others. This includes a focus on music theory and the universal rules of music. Encouraging my students and holding them accountable in their journey is very important to me. Music can be challenging but should be fun and I try very hard to support my students emotionally while preparing them for the expectations of the music world.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

Word of mouth and referrals continue to be the best way to grow my clientele. In my experience, the most important client relationships I have came directly from a referral. My first student who I worked with for over three years helped me to create many of the strategies I use to this day to support my students. It is also important that I refer students to colleagues and business that I trust when they need support outside of my expertise.

We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.

Meeting each student where they are and building a real relationship is the best way to foster brand loyalty. Each client has different needs as they grow, and as I get to know them the easier it is to help them. Showing patience and understanding is critical to developing those relationships. At times the topics I teach are challenging, but as I model and encourage resilience the students can challenge themselves in a safe space. Those lifelong lessons have an impact far beyond music.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.musiclessonswithross.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musiclessonswithross/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MusicLessonsWithRoss
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ross-sandlin-9130241a4/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-P8-sdb-MQPn-4ByfzhwYQ
• Yelp: https://biz.yelp.com/biz_info/Gy_PCDVcZLUx40RkTypjWQ
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@bassmanross

Image Credits
Charla Harvey