We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Claire Dupre a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Claire, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea

My journey into entrepreneurship began with a passion for music and a desire to share it with others. Initially, I started teaching a handful of private students while also working within the school system. However, in 2021, my career took an unexpected turn when budget cuts led to the elimination of the music program, resulting in my layoff. Determined to continue pursuing my musical endeavors, I made the bold decision to establish my own personal music studio.

As I gradually built my client base, I supplemented my income by working part-time at various schools, honing my craft and expanding my expertise. By 2023, I had transitioned into full-time self-employment, embarking on a mission to give back to my local community and create something greater than just a music studio.

Driven by a vision of fostering creativity and collaboration, I set out to establish a full-fledged music school, equipped with a diverse team of skilled instructors capable of teaching various instruments. Currently, we’re in the exciting process of relocating to a new building, where we’ll have the space to realize our vision fully.

Beyond traditional music education, my goal is to cultivate a vibrant community hub where local musicians can come together to share ideas, collaborate on projects, and inspire one another. Additionally, recognizing the challenges independent artists face in navigating the music industry, I aim to provide a recording studio and distribution center, offering a platform for talented individuals to showcase their work without the constraints of large record labels.

Through my journey, I’ve learned that music has the power to connect, inspire, and transform lives. And with my music school, I’m committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment where individuals can unleash their creative potential and pursue their musical dreams.

Claire, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’ve always had a deep passion for music, which was ignited during a transformative experience at the Colorado All State Choir event during my junior year of high school. This led me to pursue a degree in music education at Grace University, where I honed my skills and developed a deep understanding of the power of music to enrich lives.

After six fulfilling years teaching in the rural public school system, I felt compelled to shift my focus to providing personalized music education through private lessons. This decision stemmed from my belief in the profound impact that individualized instruction can have on a student’s musical journey.

At Dupré Academy of Music, we offer private music lessons in any instrument, including voice. What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment, where students can explore their musical passions and unleash their creative potential. Our lessons are of the highest quality, as we follow the Toronto Royal Conservatory of Music syllabi guidelines, ensuring that students receive a comprehensive and structured music education. From our passionate team of instructors to our diverse range of services, we’re dedicated to providing an unparalleled music education experience.

We’re proud of the vibrant community we’ve built, where students of all ages and skill levels can thrive and grow as musicians. Our main focus is not only on teaching musical skills but also on instilling a lifelong love of music and the arts. We believe that music has the power to transform lives, and we’re honored to play a role in shaping the musical journeys of our students.

Ultimately, what I want potential clients to know about us is our unwavering passion for music education and our dedication to providing the highest quality instruction possible. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced musician, we’re here to support you every step of the way on your musical path.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

My current students are my biggest fans and the best source of advertising. Their satisfaction and enthusiasm for our music school lead them to constantly refer their friends for lessons. Their positive experiences and recommendations have played a significant role in building our reputation within the market. We strive to provide exceptional service and personalized instruction to every student, which in turn fosters a strong sense of loyalty and advocacy among our student community.

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

One of the most challenging moments in my journey was when I was unexpectedly laid off from a teaching position I had poured three years of love and effort into. It was a devastating blow, and initially, I felt lost and uncertain about the future. However, rather than letting this setback define me, I chose to view it as a blessing in disguise. I saw an opportunity to redirect my energy and focus on building the local music community. It was a journey filled with ups and downs, but my determination and resilience guided me through. Despite the obstacles, I remained steadfast in my commitment to music education and creating a space where everyone could explore their musical passions. This experience taught me the importance of adaptability and perseverance, and it’s a testament to God’s provision in my life and the lives of those in my community.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.dupreacademyofmusic.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dupreacademyofmusic/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066700491571
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-dupre-881235263/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DupreAcademyofMusic