About | Kim Murray Music

I didn't want to be a music teacher.

Starting in middle school, my dream was to become an orchestral clarinetist. I was so excited when I received a scholarship to attend a highly respected Conservatory to earn my degree in clarinet performance. Everything was coming together.

And then it fell apart.

Once I arrived on campus, things didn't go the way I expected. Yes, the instructors were knowledgeable and the music-making was excellent. But the toxic perfectionist atmosphere common in many performing arts institutions made it difficult for me to feel comfortable taking the risks necessary for musical growth.

Eventually I didn't even enjoy playing anymore. I was terrified of falling short of expectations and embarrassing myself in front of my peers. I reluctantly concluded that the career of a professional musician was not for me.

Fast forward a few years...

To earn some extra money, I started giving private lessons on the side. It turned out I loved teaching and was good at it. I loved it in part because it gave me the opportunity to create a musical learning environment that resonated with my values - one that was supportive and inspiring.

Creating a safe, nurturing learning space for young musicians became my mission.

I wanted to encourage students to take growth-related risks while also learning the skills and discipline necessary to succeed on their instrument and in life. I went on to earn my Master's in Music Education and teaching certification and have been teaching now for over 25 years.

My years of teaching has taught me many things. One is that private music teachers have a tremendous opportunity to positively shape their students’ musical and life experiences.

I also learned that sustainably offering a high quality learning experience to students is only possible if the studios we build reflect our authentic values and support our needs in the same way we support those of our students.

Today, I have a new mission. I help independent music teachers build financially successful and personally rewarding studios that support and reflect their authentic selves.

YOU are your music studio’s greatest resource. I truly believe that your studio must reflect and support who you truly are as a person and teacher in order for you to sustainably offer a high quality learning experience to your students.

I’m focused on helping you grow the successful studio you want that also supports your values and needs. Whether you sign on as a Jumpstart coaching client, join me inside The High Value Music Studio online course, or subscribe to my blog, I hope you'll join me on this journey.

Signature with transparent background_ed