Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Brereton.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started Medford Music Studio in 2005, shortly after leaving a job as a teacher at an after school program in Cambridge where, amongst other things, I taught music to kids in grades K-4. Some kids (and even some of their parents) started to ask for private lessons, and I discovered I really enjoyed teaching the private lessons. So, I decided to take a leap of faith that running my own business would work, and I opened my own home studio, teaching guitar, singing and songwriting and then eventually adding piano as well. I began with just a handful of weekly students and now, 13 years later, my husband and I run the studio together with a full teaching load between the two of us with dozens of students. We’ve added bass and music technology as well. In addition to teaching lessons, I also run the Kid’s Open Mic at The Burren in Davis Square, Somerville, which gives young performers an opportunity to showcase their talents. And we also offer The Songwriting Project to local elementary and middle school aged kids. For this enrichment program, we work with each class to write and record an original song based on an element from their curriculum. About 2 years ago, I started a program called the Women’s Guitar Workshop. I learned to play guitar as a young adult, and I wanted to offer a workshop for women to have an opportunity to be creative and try something new in a supportive and fun way. The workshop is a small-group format and typically runs for six weeks. There are three levels: total beginner, Level 1 and Level 2. And, for those students in Level 1 or 2, there is also an opportunity to do Song Groups, which are like book groups but instead of reading a book we learn a handful of songs and then get together to play them. Finally, I work as the Programming Coordinator for CACHE, a non-profit arts organization that hosts festivals in Medford.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has mostly been a smooth road, but there are challenges to running your own business. The biggest challenge for me is having to do all aspects of the job. I don’t just teach, I also do marketing, accounting, scheduling, lesson prep, communication, and social media management. It’s exciting to wear all of those hats but it can also be quite a juggle! There is also a certain amount of anxiety in making sure that we have a full schedule and filling spaces if we have them.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
My husband, Raleigh Green, and I run Medford Music Studio. We teach guitar, piano, singing, songwriting, bass and music technology. We offer private and semi-private lessons, and we can accommodate small ensembles as well. We work with students ranging from around age 6 (depending on the instrument) up through adults. Our lessons are interactive, creative and fun. We encourage our students to take an active role in their learning and give input about what songs they are interested in playing. We also incorporate music theory, ear training, and technique into the lessons. We are patient and easy-going, and we strive to instill a love of music and learning in all of our students. Our students have an opportunity to perform at our annual spring recital in early April, and students ages 12-18 can participate in the Kid’s Open Mic which happens about 5 times/year (this is also open to other kids, not just our students).
What were you like growing up?
I was a “doer.” I was always building or making something. I loved to pretend and dress up, and I often played teacher (foreshadowing my real adult life?). I was friendly, outgoing and funny and had great friends. I was a competitive swimmer for 15 years and I also did a lot with music, mostly singing.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.medfordmusicstudio.com
- Phone: 617-308-7218
- Email: medfordmusicstudio@gmail.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MedfordMusicStudio/
Image Credit:
Lori Harris
Billy Copeland
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