We were lucky to catch up with Bernadette Ashby recently and have shared our conversation below.

Bernadette, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Everyone has crazy stuff happen to them, but often small business owners and creatives, artists and others who are doing something off the beaten path are hit with things (positive or negative) that are so out there, so unpredictable and unexpected. Can you share a crazy story from your journey?

I never thought that I would be able to play the piano. After all, I was an adult with just a dream. As a child, I was jealous of my friends who could play Fur Elise; I wanted to play just like them. My parents graciously allowed me to take lessons with two different teachers. After a few months with each one of them, I quit. I gave up my dream of playing but knew music was inside me, just waiting to get out. As a young mom, I wanted my children to play and found a program that unlocked the musicality for them and me. So, at the ripe old age of 37 years old, I began a journey of playing the piano as a novice and started a music career teaching piano lessons through a breakthrough piano program called Simply Music. It has never been the same. There have been many ups and downs as an inexperienced piano player turned piano teacher, but I have built a successful career despite the challenges. My story is conveyed in my book called A World Where Everyone Plays. The inspiration that it took to become a Master Simply Music teacher was not an easy one. But my life and the lives of my students have been forever transformed because of music. My three adult children still play.

Bernadette, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Music is such a gift and should be enjoyed by all. I am fortunate to have found a system that can unlock piano playing so that almost anybody can experience the power of music. As an instructor, I teach a revolutionary piano method that has beginning piano students playing blues, accompaniment, classical, and popular pieces immediately from their very first lessons. It is considered a non-traditional approach to piano playing. I teach students that range from ages 6-106. I have been running For the Love of Piano Studio for over 24 years. If given the opportunity, anyone who desires to play the piano can. I know because I’ve lived it. When I never thought I would, I did. I’ve taught hundreds of children and adults to live out a dream of possibilities.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

When the 2008 financial bust happened, it affected my husband’s income. We were worried about losing our home because of the loss of income. But I knew my piano method was unique, and I offered something that most piano businesses didn’t. I contacted a girlfriend who told me to go to work, pound the pavement, and not spend money on advertising. I think that is key to success when you have a support system behind you. I began to advertise by word of mouth and within a few months, I doubled the number of students I taught from 35 to over 70. I was working part-time and was making over six figures. Now, I know and am confident that I could go out there and make things happen if needed. Plop me down in any city; I can start a business. It just takes a little gumpshun and the right mindset. These days, in addition to teaching piano, I focus on training employees and coach teachers to build their businesses.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

In my business, it’s all about relationships. Most of the parents in my studio are looking for ways for their children to learn how to play the piano and to help them navigate their child’s formation and growth. My retention rate is very high because I take the time to care for my students and families. I also provide value by creating creative opportunities for students to share their music with the world. For example, recently, my students went into a professional recording studio to record their music on a CD. It’s unique because most people never go into a recording studio unless they are experienced musicians. My students do. Parents appreciate that so much, and it’s such a special memory for the kids.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.pianolessonssanjose.com