We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Gina Korte. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Gina below.

Hi Gina, thanks for joining us today. Are you happier as a business owner? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job?

At the end of the day, yes I am. I absolutely think about it!!! I wonder how people just get to clock in, clock out, and click a button for paid time off. The last time I really thought about it was when New Moon Studios was moving brick and mortars. We had outgrown our first location and needed somewhere twice the size. Between the building hunting, negotiating, and the 18 hour days being pulled to get the place ready…you start to question your choices! =) However, it is always worth it. Every time I step into New Moon Studios it is a reminder of so many things. We have an INCREDIBLE team of instructors, an awesome community of students, and much more. We are not just co-workers-we are family here. There is something about creating art with each other that is unexplainable. The performances, recitals, comradery, and growth. Watching our students flourish in not just their craft but in life is something that I will forever cherish. When you realize that you don’t learn anything from success…it is from the failures and obstacles…it changes your entire perspective on everything.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I own New Moon Studios School of Music. We provide quality music lesson instruction on a variety of instruments and voice in a community atmosphere. Throughout the year we have several performance opportunities for our students! I have been performing since I was a small child. My first stage appearance I was five years old and emceed a show. I’ll never forget my little red sequined bowtie I wore. I am the most comfortable when I am on stage. I still perform to this day. I found a love for sharing my gifts with others to help them hone in on their craft. This is where I decided to get my Bachelor of Arts in Vocal/Choral Music and Master of Arts in Education. Once I started a family, I decided individualized instruction was the best path versus classroom. I have been teaching private lessons since 2008. In 2017, I became a part of a wonderful studio Arts On Elm. In December of 2021 I was offered to purchase the business and make it my own. I never had that in my plan but the signs aligned for that choice. Thus, New Moon Studios was born! On Valentine’s Day this year, we will celebrate our 3 year anniversary with over 200 students. I think what sets us a part from a performing standpoint is the group involvement. We work together. For example, one of my voice students will sing on a guitar students piece, while a bass student plays on it with a violin. We work together! As for being set a part as a whole from others is our diversity in backgrounds, teaching styles, skill level, and age levels. ALL our welcome here. It is an inviting environment. We are a family. I am the most proud of how we provide a safe space for everyone. This isn’t just about creating art. It is building life skills, growth, and providing support for our students in all aspects of life.

Any advice for managing a team?

You have to remember that you are a team. A team needs a leader who is organized, respectful, appreciative, and provides a safe space for communication and met expectations. I make sure that each and every one of my teachers know that I respect and appreciate them for who they are and what they bring to the table. Regularly checking in with my team on not just a professional level. Life is more important than your job. You have to make sure that you are supporting your staff. It isn’t always easy, but it is what I think it is critical for the environment everyone is working in.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

We set certain expectations and live up to those. New Moon Studios is a place where you will receive quality education but within a community atmosphere. This is a judgment free zone. When you come into our school you will immediately feel the jovial surroundings and welcoming environment in the air. No matter if your 5 or 75, novice or virtuoso, we are here! That along with an organized, well-communicated team, and supporting community…the atmosphere speaks for itself, and I am so proud to be the one behind the chaos and madness of it all!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.newmoonstudiosstl.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewMoonStudiosSTL
• Youtube: @NewMoonStudiosSTL

Image Credits

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