We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Glory St. Germain. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Glory below.
Alright, Glory thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?
Earning a Full-Time Living from Your Creative Work
As a young musician, playing piano was always my passion. At 16, I had a simple yet powerful goal: to buy a car. Like most teenagers, I dreamed of independence, but I didn’t just dream—I took action. I turned my creative work as a piano-playing teenager into my first entrepreneurial venture: becoming a music teacher. That decision changed the course of my life.
From the very first day, I knew teaching music would be my life’s work. I wasn’t just teaching notes on a page—I was inspiring young musicians to explore the expressive, creative world of music. Seeing their eyes light up as they composed, played pieces they loved, and developed their artistry was a feeling that no amount of applause as a performer could match. By the end of that year, not only had I paid cash for my first car—a Volkswagen—but I had also ignited a fire within me to build something even bigger.
Of course, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. While I was passionate about teaching, I quickly learned that teaching music and running a music teaching business were two entirely different things. Passion alone wasn’t enough to sustain a full-time career—it required a whole new set of skills I wasn’t taught in piano lessons: financial management, marketing, leadership, and budgeting.
One major turning point in my journey was embracing the mindset of a music teaching entrepreneur. I realized that if I wanted to create a sustainable, full-time income, I needed to elevate my skill set beyond music. Learning how to manage finances, set a budget, and market my studio were milestones that transformed not only my business but my confidence as an educator.
Looking back, if I knew then what I know now, the journey wouldn’t have taken 20 years to reach the success I enjoy today. This realization is what led me to become an author, course creator, and coach. My mission is to help other music teaching entrepreneurs achieve their dreams without spending decades figuring it out on their own.
Today, I am proud to say that my creative work as a music educator has not only provided a full-time living but has also enriched my life and the lives of others in ways I could never have imagined. By helping others transform their passion for teaching into thriving businesses, I’m fulfilling my purpose and creating a lasting legacy in the world of music education.
Glory, 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?
About Me, My Art, and My Mission
For those who may not know me, I’m Glory St. Germain, and my journey in the music teaching industry began with a simple yet powerful realization: music education is about more than just playing notes. It’s about understanding the language of music—music theory—and using it to elevate musicianship, creativity, and confidence.
As a passionate music teacher, I often found myself frustrated by the lack of comprehensive music theory teaching resources. Most programs were fragmented, focusing on specific instruments, age groups, or levels, and none offered a clear path from beginner to advanced. That’s when I decided to stop searching for the perfect solution and create it instead.
In 2008, I founded the Ultimate Music Theory Workbook Program, a step-by-step system designed to provide teachers and students with a sequential, easy-to-follow approach to mastering music theory. To date, I’ve authored over 60 books with my editor and co-author, Shelagh McKibbon-U’Ren, and together, we’ve built the only music theory program that works for all instruments, ages, and levels.
But my journey didn’t stop there. While traveling and teaching about the Ultimate Music Theory Program, I discovered that many teachers, though excited about the materials, lacked the confidence to teach music theory effectively. That insight sparked the creation of the Ultimate Music Theory Certification Course, designed to empower teachers to teach theory with confidence and truly help their students succeed—not just in exams but in their overall musicianship.
As more teachers became certified, another challenge emerged: the business side of teaching. Many teachers weren’t sure how to market or monetize their newfound skills. That “Aha!” moment led to the development of the UMTC Elite Educator Program, which equips teachers with the tools to elevate their income, impact their teaching, and grow their expert music teaching businesses. This program brought the Ultimate Music Theory brand to a global stage.
What I’m most proud of is how we’ve come full circle with the creation of the UMT Teachers Membership. Learning is important, but so is having ongoing support and consistent coaching. The membership offers courses, community, resources, and weekly coaching to keep teachers current on industry trends and help them thrive—not just survive—through the ups and downs of the economy. It’s a space where like-minded music educators connect, inspire, and empower one another to achieve their dreams.
At the heart of everything we do is the belief that music education can transform lives. Our programs help teachers build confidence, create thriving businesses, and pass on the joy of music to the next generation. Whether it’s through our workbooks, certification courses, or coaching, our mission is simple: to help music teachers teach with passion, purpose, and profitability.
If there’s one thing I want readers to know, it’s this: you have the power to elevate your teaching, your business, and your life. All it takes is the right system, the right support, and the courage to take the first step.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The Most Rewarding Aspect of Being a Creative
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in the music education space is knowing that my work directly impacts others by enriching lives through music education. Every resource, system, and course I create is designed to help music teachers and musicians unlock their full potential, and seeing their success fuels my passion.
One of the most rewarding experiences has been creating the Ultimate Music Theory Flashcards System. These flashcards, which correlate seamlessly with our UMT Rudiments Workbooks, are more than just tools—they’re transformative learning aids rooted in brain science. They help students learn faster, retain more information, and truly understand the language of music. Watching students grasp concepts they once struggled with and light up with confidence is a gift that never gets old.
Beyond the practical tools, being a creative allows me to explore the deeper connections we all share through music. Can you imagine a world without music? Impossible. Our very existence relies on frequencies, tones, pitch, and vibrations—music is all around us, enhancing our lives in ways both profound and subtle. Whether it’s through meditation, celebration, reflection, or pure creativity, music shapes who we are and how we experience the world.
To know that my work contributes to this universal language—helping teachers teach, students learn, and communities grow—is the ultimate reward. Through music education, we’re not just teaching notes and theory; we’re building connections, fostering creativity, and leaving a legacy that will resonate for generations to come.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
A Story of Resilience
When I reflect on my journey, one of the most defining moments of resilience came early in the creation of the Ultimate Music Theory Workbook Series. At the time, I believed in my vision with every fiber of my being—but when I approached publishers, I was met with rejection after rejection. The feedback was disheartening: “Come back when you’ve sold some books.” Those words were a punch to the gut, and for a moment, I was heartbroken.
But even in the face of rejection, I held on to my true purpose: helping others. That purpose gave me the strength to adapt, pivot, and persevere. Instead of waiting for someone else to believe in me, I launched my own publishing company, Gloryland Publishing (and yes, it’s named after the song *“I’ve Got a Home in Gloryland That Outshines the Sun”—a little nod to my roots).
Starting my own publishing company was no small feat. I had to learn everything: typesetting my books, working with printers, building relationships with distributors and retail stores, and getting my books on Amazon. It was a steep learning curve, but it allowed me to take full control of my vision.
Fast forward to today, and we’ve sold millions of dollars worth of books, courses, and coaching programs. Our Ultimate Music Theory series has become a trusted resource for music educators worldwide. Beyond that, I’ve become a five-time international bestselling author through “The Power of WHY Musicians” anthology book series. Every rejection I faced fueled my determination to bounce back stronger, and I did.
One of the proudest moments in my journey was sharing my story on the global stage through two international TEDx Talks. The process wasn’t easy—I started with a vision, purchased the iconic round red rug, and sought the guidance of a coach to help me navigate the path to becoming a TEDx speaker. That experience reinforced a lesson I now live by: Coaching is the key to rapidly achieving your goals.
This belief in coaching is at the heart of why I’m so passionate about being a music teachers’ business coach. I know what it feels like to hit roadblocks, to feel like the odds are stacked against you. But I also know what it takes to rise up, showcase your inner strength, and persevere through tough situations. Helping others achieve their ultimate dreams and live their best lives brings me immense joy.
Resilience is not just about overcoming challenges; it’s about turning those challenges into stepping stones. My journey taught me that when you believe in your purpose, adapt to the circumstances, and seek the right guidance, you can create something extraordinary.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ultimatemusictheory.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ultimate_music_theory/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UltimateMusicTheory
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glorystgermain/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ultimatemusictheory
- Other: FREE Music Teaching Success Formula https://my.ultimatemusictheory.com/teachingsuccessformula
Ultimate Music Teachers Podcast https://www.ultimatemusicteachers.com/podcast
FREE Ultimate Music Teachers Resources: https://www.ultimatemusicteachers.com/
