Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Swan
Hi Chris, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve always loved music, ever since I was a little kid. I started taking piano lessons when I was 5, but it was learning how to play songs I heard on the radio by ear that really made it fun for me. Then I start writing my own songs and soon I was out playing gigs by the age of 12. I haven’t really looked back since. I am so thankful because I knew from a young age what I wanted to do with my life, and I know it’s not that easy for everyone. As I have pursued a career in music, I have learned and grown a lot. It didn’t always turn out the way I planned, but it turned out exactly the way it was supposed to. And the story is not over yet! I have had the chance to play music all over the world. Now I get to play music in the greatest city in the world, NYC, while also teaching music to others. It’s a great life and one big adventure!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
A life in music is not usually an easy one. The path is not straight and it’s not obvious. One of the biggest obstacles was choosing one path and focusing on that. There are so many options when following a career in music and I have tried many of them. But when one fails, you try another. You have to be flexible and follow the opportunities that are presented to you. If you do that, you will end up right where you are supposed to be. When I was a kid, I wanted to be a famous rockstar, but now I just want to use music to encourage others. I don’t have to be on stage at Madison Square Garden to do that. I can do it at a restaurant gig, a private event, playing at church, or by encouraging my students.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I teach music to students of all ages! I teach at my studio in New York City as well as online to students all over the world. I mainly teach piano and voice, but I also teach songwriting, music theory, and music marketing. My specialty is learning how to play or sing by ear because that is what made music so fun for me. Most people think you have to be born with some magical talent to play or sing by ear, but that isn’t true. It’s a system that anyone can learn. It’s a lot of fun to hang out with awesome people and help them achieve their dreams. That is what I get to do every day!
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Be flexible. Make plans, set big goals, and then be flexible. If you follow the opportunities that come your way, you will end up exactly where you are supposed to be. Don’t fight it, embrace it.
Pricing:
- 60 Minute Weekly Lessons – $340/mo
- 30 Minute Weekly Lessons – $200/mo
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mynycmusiclessons.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/mynycmusiclessons
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/mynycmusiclessons
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamchrisswan/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mynycmusiclessons
Image Credits
Joe Bayer
Dervon Dixson