Today we’d like to introduce you to Tiffany Horrocks.
Hi Tiffany, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Consider this the story of that kid who hated practicing piano, and how she ended up building a Music School, with a drastic twist in the middle!
I was that kid who really liked piano lessons, but never wanted to practice. I had one of the best teachers! Though I’ll admit I am a bit biased – my teacher was my mother. She was a wonderful piano teacher, and she taught all of her daughters how to teach piano as well. Naturally, I began teaching piano when I was 15 years old, following in my mother’s footsteps.
It’s been a wonderful skill to acquire and has been a very fulfilling career that I’ve enjoyed all these years! I went on to obtain a music degree from the University of Utah, and I dreamed of one day opening a music school – assuming that would happen when I was an empty-nester with no kids at home. For now, I was happy to be teaching my own private students and supplement the family income.
Ready for the drastic twist? My husband’s health took a downward turn and made it difficult for him to be able to work. Yet, as you all know, bills don’t stop coming. I soon found myself doubling my student load and working a part-time job. I was never home to enjoy time with family, and I began loving teaching a little less.
One morning, I woke up dreading having to get ready to put in another day’s work, and it hit me. “This is going to be the state of *The Rest Of My Life!* if nothing changes.” I couldn’t continue putting in hourly work for an hourly wage. Then, reminded of the aspiration I had of opening up a music school, I decided to look around at office spaces I could rent out.
“This is Crazy!” I thought. This was just a dream that was hoped for another 20-30 years later, not now. How could I possibly open a brick-and-mortar business? “Just start looking, and see what it would cost to rent a place” was the second thought that followed. Of course, the perfect location just happened to be available at just the right price. We took out a loan, signed the lease, and began searching heavily for furniture, pianos, decor, etc. to fill the space.
The second dramatic twist? Little did we know, when we signed the lease on the space, I was pregnant. It was also May of 2020 during the pandemic that we thought would “soon be over.” We all know how that turned out. Let’s just say that opening a brick-and-mortar business while pregnant during a pandemic is not something I’d recommend. However, we pushed through and worked hard to provide music lessons to families throughout the city.
Fast forward to now, as I see all the families that come into our music school and how they are learning the joy of making music, I am so grateful that I didn’t quit piano lessons all those years ago as a kid, because this fulfilling career as a piano teacher has turned into one of the greatest blessings and experiences of my life, and has allowed me to care for my family financially, and be home with them as needed.
Whoever said you couldn’t sustain a family teaching music?
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The main struggle, in the beginning, was being an exhausted pregnant mama trying to sign students up for music lessons when Covid was keeping everyone inside.
Although it seemed bleak in the beginning, we were ready for the wave of students to come when the time was right for them! Once January of 2021 hit, it seemed everyone in town was anxious to get out of the house and learn some new fun skills. We have been growing wonderfully ever since that time!
Another obstacle was learning how to make the change from teaching out of a home to opening a studio location. Then of course hiring new teachers and finding those that would be just the right fit for our music school and the students. It was definitely a new experience for me.
However, there are music business coaches out there who helped me through each step of the way!
We’ve been impressed with Jordan Music School, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We are a music school located in West Jordan that provides music lessons for all ages in the family – from toddlers to adults!
At Jordan Music School, we offer pre-instrumental music groups for toddlers to dip their toes in the music world with concepts they can understand. We have another music group for Preschoolers and Kindergarteners, introducing them to basic concepts of reading music so they can be more prepared for their instrumental lessons. Then for all others, we offer Piano Lessons, Guitar Lessons, and Ukulele Lessons.
Something that sets us apart is that each of our teachers becomes more than a teacher to these students. Our students feel seen, heard, and cared for by their teachers. We cater our teaching style to the individual, rather than the lesson plan.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My biggest mentor throughout this journey is my mother.
She was my piano teacher, and also owned a studio with several teachers as well. She is known by many music teachers throughout the state and works with music publishers to publish her own music and educational tools. Most of all, she gave me the love of music, and the joy it can bring when teaching children and families that same love.
I also owe a great deal of credit to my business coaches. If you are looking for a business coach for music school owners, look up The Studio Challenge, you’ll be glad you did!
I’m so grateful I discovered the Women’s Business Center of Utah and its Next Step program. They provide many services, workshops, and mentoring for women in business.
Lastly, my husband, my kids, and my sisters have all been a great support to me along the way. I appreciate and love them so, so much! They’ve been such great cheerleaders and strengthened me and my business in too many ways to list!
Pricing:
- Music with Me! (Ages 18mth-3yrs) $50/month
- Mini music (Ages 4-6) $120/month
- Piano & Guitar Lessons – 30 minutes $135/month
- Piano & Guitar Lessons – 45 minutes $200/month
- *Pricing is Subject to Change*
Contact Info:
- Email: info@JordanMusicSchool.com
- Website: www.JordanMusicSchool.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jordanmusicschool/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jordanmusicschoolutah/
Image Credits
Jesi Peterson Photography
