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

Jenna, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s start with a story that highlights an important way in which your brand diverges from the industry standard.

When most people think of music lessons, they picture walking into someone’s home or place of business, sitting in a staged room for learning, and going home to ignore what had been said. When I began teaching in Texas, I lived with family and there was no space for me to have a studio. I had to get creative. I offered to teach in student homes, and there are fabulous benefits other teachers miss in refusing to travel.

I don’t think this approach is the best for everyone. But, if teachers taught one lesson per year in each student’s home, they would learn so very much. My job includes not only music instruction for a student, but often guiding parents in what realistic expectations look like for their children, consulting about practical practice spaces, showing all family members that they are appreciated and welcome in the learning process, and loving on every pet that approaches me.

Fighting about practicing exactly ten or thirty minutes per day doesn’t work if a child isn’t accustomed to a practice routine. Start with habit, then grow the habit. Many learners may need background noise or silence, a simple adjustment to seat or stand heights, a little help with organizing their music, or ideas on using technology to remind them of responsibilities.

A student home lets me experience a small slice of what daily life. Is there a pet squirrel enclosure across the room from their piano? Is everyone expected to be studious and silent, or will chaos erupt with sibling life? What cultural influences are present and shaping expectations? All of this helps me best understand how to provide a holistic approach to learning for all ages and experience levels.

Jenna, 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 own a small, local music lessons business. I teach in student homes in north Austin and the northern suburbs. With nearly 12 years of experience, I have spent over 10,000 hours instructing others in general music, violin, guitar, piano, voice, and ukulele. At one time, I had five other teachers helping me, but the pandemic slimmed things back to just me. I am in the process of rebuilding, and feel optimistic about the future.

I unintentionally became a regular resource for neuro-spicy learners. Strict pedagogy can fail to reach through ADHD, Autism, sensory issues, epilepsy, memory or cognitive struggles, dyslexia, etc. Striking a balance of setting difficult but attainable goals isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation. With his in mind, I try to approach each new student with high standards, flexible routes to reach them, and a deep understanding that growth is never linear.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

Embracing vulnerability and imperfection took me a long time, and I’m still working on it.

The classical music world can be incredibly competitive, it can feel like your only choice is to pretend like you’re perfect to convince others that you’re a worthwhile musician.

I spent years with an attitude about good and bad musicians, feeling like I needed to be in constant competition with peers or colleagues, and always trying to hide my own learning and practice. All it did was sabotage my habits and make me want to quit playing music all together for a while.

We’re all messy, and learning is never linear. I want to help shape a new approach regardless of gender or genre where my students feel comfortable and confident that trying is the goal, the point. I want them to skip feeling shame at asking for help or putting in the work as they tackle something difficult.

This approach goes well beyond reading notes or playing songs. Ideally, everyone is constantly growing and learning in some area of life. Admitting where we struggle helps develop a broader community of friends, family, teachers, mentors, and peers to lean on and contribute to.

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

There are a few things I tell new teachers, whether they work with my company or not.

First, you have to be yourself. Kids are people, too. They can tell when you’re pretending. If you’re naturally sarcastic, be sarcastic and make it work for you. If you’re sweet and sensitive, embrace it. The only way to help others authentically be themselves is to let them meet the authentic you along the way.

Second, consistency is key. We say this to our students, but are we living it? So many music teachers reschedule constantly to prioritize any performance opportunity, but their students can tell whether they’re a priority or not. Set up your lessons schedule in a way to be a consistent presence in student lives.

Third, trade vulnerability. I and teachers who work for me teach in the homes of our students. We see an intimate slice of their lives, and it’s only natural and normal for families to need to get to know us a little as we go to feel comfortable about our presence in their space.

All of these and a history of working with neuro-spicy students of all ages has led to the reputation I have as a teacher. Nearly all of my business comes in through referrals, and I maintain many students in the company for years.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.JennaGMusic.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenna_gmusic/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JennaGMusic
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennagmusic/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@JennaGLive