Today we’d like to introduce you to Darren Siman.
Darren, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Initially intended as a “job-between-jobs” as I exited the role of running a wedding entertainment company, I became a popular kid’s private music teacher in the Brookline and Newton areas. Within 6 months, which is like a blink of an eye in the business world, the demand got so overwhelming. It got to the point where I was working 7 days a week, traveling between homes of over 50 kids each week- I’m exhausted just thinking about it!
After some doubts (I still had my dreams of moving to Los Angeles and making a career as hit songwriter the stars and actually moved my family there for a summer), I decided it was time to take “the plunge”.
In 2013 I started the initial steps in forming InHome Jams with the focus of being the leading boutique in metro Boston. Over the last four years we have grown to serving over 125 families! It’s still small enough where I know every kid’s name, and get to know all the parents on a personal level. Many of the parents of our kids are musicians, some run their own bands, and some have even built large music companies (Jeff Toig, CEO of Tidal was a long-time client).
Two years ago, realizing the need for our own space, we built a really cool and funky studio in West Newton which houses our KidzBandz (ages 6-18) program the TheWeeMix (ages 3-5), and Summer Tunes (rock n’ roll summer camp). Currently, we are searching for warehouse space in local communities as we look to expand, and bring our services to even more families!
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?
Being an entrepreneur and business owner has its positives and challenges. As creative mind, I enjoy the building process, i.e. looking for the next cool musical idea, writing songs for an upcoming RockMusical, and developing talent. As a type-A personality, I also thrive on meeting new people, client outreach and the look on the kid faces when they visit our studio!
The journey have not been without its challenges. Self-funded since the start, I had to realize things take time, and that you have to budget for a rainy day. Since our reputation depends on having the BEST teachers who had that kinetic kid/student connection, I have had to really mine Boston’s talent pool for right teachers who share the same outlook and excitement towards modern music, kids, and who are trustworthy and responsible. After all this is not a 9-5 office job 🙂
The biggest challenge for me has always been time management. There is never enough time to achieve all my goals with the business, never mind, writing songs, coaching my son’s soccer team, and going on the occasional date with my wife!
That said, there’s nothing cooler than being the captain of your own ship, running a thriving business and spend day’s rockin’ out with kids-I couldn’t dreamed it better!
We’d love to hear more about your business.
InHome Jams provides a modern take on music education. We believe that kids have so much more fun learning an instrument when they play songs that they like. We also feel that unlike traditional music lessons, which are steeped in reading and technique, today’s kids benefit from a method that expedites the learning process and gets them making music with other like-minded kids.
Areas served: Newton, Brookline, Wellesley, Needham
The Rock n’ Roll Tool Box (our services) include:
Rock 101 in-home private lessons (ages 6+) offering lessons in Piano, Guitar, Drums, Bass, Vocals, Sax, Trumpet
KidzBandz (ages 6+)
The WeeMIx (ages 3-5)
Mom/Dad Rock Jamz
SummerTunes (ages 6+)
Seasonal Camps
Twice a year we hold a “Rockin’ Recital” at an area music hot-spot where participating Jammers get a chance to perform for a large crowd of their families, friends and peers!
What were you like growing up?
As a 9 year old kid in the 1980’s, living in suburban Maryland, I had a ton of unfocused energy (before there was something called “ADHD”) but showed an excitement for beating on pots and pans… So my parents did the natural thing-they got me drum lessons. After a month of playing “rat tat” on a little rubber pad every day, I lost the excitement for rhythm, and I temporarily quit music.
Fast forward a few months later, and I am seated on a piano bench in my parent’s living room, staring at a piece of sheet music. Different instrument, same result. What I now realize is that I was searching for a connection, and I wanted to be good at something. What kid doesn’t want this?
It was only a few years later (after I returned to the drums) and found a charismatic and passionate teacher named Nora Davenport, that I had a profound realization. I was put on this planet to make music! Each week, she challenged me to go higher and instilled confidence within me. My life was changed and to this day I strive for InHome Jams to make the same impact on our students.
As a parent of two kids Nolan (8) and Reilly (5) I know how important the arts are to a child’s development. I have watched my own kids develop their confidence, creativity, uniqueness, both through taking lessons and participating in our KidzBands and WeeMIx programs with their peers. My wife Audra manages the day-to-day operations of the business, and I stay on top of the teacher/student management, sales, and all things creative.
Contact Info:
- Address: West Newton
- Website: inhomejams.com
- Phone: 857-234-1935
- Email: inhomejams@gmail.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InhomeJams230/
Image Credit:
Liz Linder, Brian Phillips
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