Things I do as a music school owner you would never expect

When people imagine the life of a music school owner, they usually picture something glamorous: sitting at a grand piano in a sunlit studio, sipping coffee while students practise scales in the background.

The truth? My days are far more varied — and often surprising. Running Music Makers Academy means wearing more hats than I ever expected. And while some of those hats have nothing to do with playing an instrument, every single one of them matters for creating the kind of experience I want families to have here: professional, joyful, and purposeful.

Here are some of the things I do that most people would never expect.

1. Moving Furniture (Again and Again)

On the morning of a recital, you’ll often find me dragging chairs across the floor, adjusting music stands, and double-checking that every harp, guitar, and piano is in the right place.

It’s not glamorous, but it’s essential. The setup of a room can completely change how confident a student feels on stage. A carefully placed chair or a stand at the right height can turn nerves into comfort.

In many ways, I think of it as setting the stage for success.

2. Emergency Instrument Repairs

Broken strings, sticky keys, loose tuning pegs — I’ve seen it all. While we have repairers we trust, the reality is that sometimes things break five minutes before a lesson or performance.

That’s when I step in with tape, tuning tools, or a backup instrument. It’s not about perfection; it’s about keeping the momentum going so a student never feels derailed by something outside their control.

Parents often tell me they didn’t realise how much “fixing” is part of teaching. But honestly, it’s a life lesson too: in music and in life, things go wrong, and we keep going.

3. Event Planner, MC, and Stage Manager

Our concerts don’t just happen. They’re weeks in the making. I design programs, coordinate tutors, schedule rehearsals, and make sure every child feels ready to step onto the stage.

On the day itself, I’m often the MC, the stage manager, and the problem-solver all rolled into one. If a harp stool is missing or the next student feels nervous, I’m there to step in.

The best part? Seeing the look of pride on a child’s face as they take a bow — knowing all the behind-the-scenes chaos was worth it.

4. Tech Support Extraordinaire

We live in a digital world, and music education has embraced it. From filming practice videos to setting up cameras for YouTube week, I’ve learned more about cables, editing, and cloud storage than I ever thought I’d need.

Parents might not see it, but these small details help students feel connected. Whether it’s watching their performance back or sharing a video with grandparents overseas, technology helps their music feel bigger than the practice room.

5. Cheerleader for Parents (Not Just Students)

Sometimes the people who need encouragement the most aren’t the kids — they’re the parents.

I often find myself reassuring mums and dads that slow progress is normal, that a rough patch doesn’t mean their child isn’t musical, and that technical work really does have a purpose.

It’s easy to forget that parents are on this journey too. They want the best for their child, but they also need someone to say, “You’re doing fine. Keep going.”

6. Community Connector

Music isn’t meant to stay within four walls. That’s why we bring our students out into the community — from retirement village concerts to local markets.

These performances don’t just build confidence for the students. They also bring joy to audiences who might not otherwise experience live music. For me, organising these opportunities is one of the most rewarding (and unexpected) parts of my role.

7. Juggling Hats in a Single Day

A typical day for me might look like this:

• Teaching a harp lesson in the morning.

• Answering enrolment emails during lunch.

• Fixing a piano pedal in the afternoon.

• Filming a tutorial for our YouTube channel.

• Setting up microphones for an evening concert.

It’s not always smooth, and it’s definitely not always glamorous. But that variety is what keeps things interesting.

Why Share This?

Because when families join Music Makers Academy, I want them to know the depth of care behind the scenes. Running this school isn’t just about teaching songs. It’s about creating an environment where students feel supported, parents feel reassured, and music feels like part of everyday life.

Every chair I move, every string I fix, every program I print — it all connects back to one purpose: helping students find joy in music through excellence, professionalism, commitment, and care.

Final Thought

So yes, I’m a music school owner. But I’m also a mover, a fixer, a planner, a cheerleader, and occasionally, a tech nerd. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Because behind every scale, every performance, and every proud smile is a whole lot of unseen work — and that’s exactly what makes the magic possible.