Finance

In the Spotlight: “What Do You Charge?” (Open Access)

The fear that the answer you give to this question will lose a desired prospective student may be the most important reason independent music teachers sometimes hesitate to charge a professional-level fee.

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From Surviving to Thriving: Mindset and the Ability to Earn a Good Income

Many musicians dream of a successful career, but lack the financial tools to support their creative vision. By working with money mentor and accountant Katherine Pomerantz, I learned that business and creativity are two sides of the same coin.

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Technology Tips and Tools: Learn the Best Ways to Save Money, Track Your Income/Expenses and Get Paid in 2022 (Open Access)

Check out some of our favorite tools for getting paid, tracking mileage, managing expenses and even saving money in 2022. …

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Technology Tips and Tools: The Best Music Studio Management Applications for Music Teachers

Gone are the days of keeping track of financial records in a written ledger. Not only are there valuable accounting apps, we now have online programs developed specifically for music teachers to assist with registrations, auto invoicing, scheduling lessons, payment reminders, communications with parents/students and more. Here are four excellent programs worth considering. …

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How Do I Fund Thee? Let Me Count the Ways (Open Access)

Fundraising is not an Elizabethan tragedy. Successful fundraising is a concrete plan of action with specific, targeted and diversified activities. Fundraising can be undertaken by a Collegiate Chapter, a non-profit organization, an individual teacher or performer—anyone! Let's count the ways! …

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Grantwriting 101: Just The FAQs

Grants can provide a source of revenue for individuals, organizations and associations. A faculty member applies for a university research grant; a collegiate member applies for a travel grant; an independent teacher applies for a professional development grant; a non-profit academy applies for equipment funds; or a state/local affiliate applies for project funding.

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Legal Landscape: Taxes for Small Business Owners (Including Independent Music Studios/Schools) (Open Access)

As a tax preparer and enrolled agent, I am asked quite often about taxes related to small businesses. Here are some of the most frequent questions that I’m asked pertaining to small business owner taxes.

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From a CPA’s Perspective: Top 5 Ways to Prepare Your Records for a CPA

Nervous about your taxes? See the Top 5 recommendations from a CPA/piano teacher on ways to prepare your records for your tax return.

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Coming Soon!

Top Five: Five Things Every Freelancer Needs to Know About Finance (Including Teachers!) (Open Access)

Independent music teachers, owners of independent music schools, and free-lance performers can all feel overwhelmed by the challenges of short and long-term financial planning. At times, it can seem almost impossible to get out of debt or start saving for retirement. This Top 5 list highlights five important ways to strengthen one’s current and future financial health. …

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Retirement Planning: You Can Never Start Too Soon

My favorite quote about planning for retirement comes from Chris Hogan, “The Retirement Fairy isn’t coming!” …

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