Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Meghan Davis. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Meghan, thanks for joining us today. What’s something crazy on unexpected that’s happened to you or your business

After about a year of building my clientele, I reached a very exciting and nerve wracking junction where I had too many clients interested for me to take on by myself. I knew I had two options: to either start a wait list, or start looking for someone to hire. At around the same time I discovered I was pregnant (yay!) and quickly realized the best option would be to look for someone to hire, since that would enable me to have someone else to cover my clients when I went on maternity leave.

I received a number of applications and ultimately decided to take a risk on someone who seemed very passionate even though they didn’t necessarily have the highest qualifications. Things started out well enough, but unfortunately after only a few weeks on the job, they didn’t go to an appointment because there was “too much traffic.” When I called to tell them that was not an acceptable reason to cancel a session, they quit right there on the spot.

While client relationships matter in every business, it is especially true in my business that your reputation will make or break you. This was a huge hit for my business and I unfortunately lost the trust and respect of several clients because I hired the wrong person. After that debacle, I adjusted my hiring process to make sure potential employees were very clear on the expectations of the job from the get-go and have had no major issues since then (I’ve had four other employees since that first person).

I tell this story for any other business owners out there who have also made a huge mistake out of naivety. You can almost always recover, even when it feels like the end of the world in the moment.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

There’s this mythology around being a musician that it’s only for the most talented among us. That music should only be performed by those who have a “gift” and that the goal is some sort of ethereal perfection achieved by spending hours upon hours in a practice room.

I studied as a classical flutist in college while working toward my degree in Music Therapy, and as I witnessed first hand the ways music could be used therapeutically and the ways it can be adapted for EVERYONE to participate, I began to disagree with the standard mythology. Not only can everyone participate in music making, but everyone SHOULD participate for the numerous mental, physical, social, emotional, and spiritual benefits to your overall quality of life.

In 2018, I started MusicAbility with the philosophy that music is not an elite club. Music making should be accessible to everyone regardless of their age or disability. Everyone has the right to live a creative and expressive life.

We provide lessons on guitar, piano, flute, and voice for students who are at least age six. There is no age limit; adult learners are welcome. We know many students feel most comfortable and are most successful in their own homes and so we travel to you throughout Williamson County, TN. Our team is comprised of Board-Certified Music Therapists who are specially qualified and experienced with adapting music to be accessible for all people, regardless of their age or their disability. We have experience with both neurotypical students and a wide range of diagnoses including learning disabilities, ADHD, Autism, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, and more.

Most recently we also released Guitar for All: A Primer for Beginners in paperback and eBook. The book is carefully designed by a Board-Certified Music Therapist for many different types of learners. Progress at your own pace as the book guides you through fundamental concepts a little bit at a time, aiding comprehension and mastery. Kids and adults alike will find that by the end of the book, they will have a thorough understanding of guitar fundamentals to carry into future playing. Teachers may use the book in their curriculum or prospective guitar players can use it on their own.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

My relationship with my students and their families is my number one priority. I strive to create a relaxed environment in the music lesson while also pushing them to excel. We put on twice a year recitals so that parents can see their progress over time and celebrate all their hard work. On the back end, I also obsess over making sure things like enrolling, paying invoices, or rescheduling lessons is as painless as possible.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

Referrals, referrals, referrals. I put almost all of my energy as a business owner into making sure I’m providing the best service I can, and that turns into clients telling their friends and neighbors about me which is where 90% of new business comes from.

Contact Info:

• Website: musicabilitylessons.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musicabilitylessons/
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/musicabilitylessons
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/musicabilitylessons/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkGsRe4TFYIqslfMWEKqBZA
• Other: Email: [email protected]