Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in voice/vocal education but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dan Faber, Founder of Dan Faber Vocal Studio, located in New York City, NY, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

I am a Voice Teacher and Vocal Coach training Musical Theatre singers from Broadway to Main Street. Many are currently working on Broadway or singing in National Tours or international and Regional theaters; some are performing in their local community theaters or school-sponsored productions; some simply want to be better at belting it out in the shower or car! I also work with many singer-songwriters currently on tour or performing locally. If you're singing - I can help!

Tell us about yourself

I am a singer, AEA Musical Theatre Actor, SAG TV/Film actor, and Vocal Pedagogue based in New York City. I became a certified voice teacher in 2012 when I graduated with the highest honors from the University of Delaware with my bachelor's in Vocal Music Education. I am currently continuing my education with the world-renowned Institute for Vocal Advancement (IVA), working through rigorous course study to matriculate through its many distinctive certification levels. Over the past decade, I have performed in a variety of styles on some of the greatest stages in New York, Boston, LA, Seattle, Tokyo, Beijing, Sydney, Melbourne, Munich, and over 200 other towns and cities, nationally and internationally. After a long contract away from home, I decided to open my private voice studio aiming to strike a balance between performing and teaching. Over the pandemic, those dreams became a reality! I am truly blessed to do what I do - getting to work with incredibly talented singers around the world every day. It's a lot of work -- more hours and effort than I've put into anything else I've done in my career -- but it's also by far the most fulfilling venture I've ever experienced!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I was growing my business for a few years, working primarily with aspiring musical theatre singers seeking coaching for auditions and performances. When the pandemic hit, my entire business went away. There were no more productions and no more auditions, so no more coachings. Rather than give up, I changed my business model from being in-person to being all online. I started a TikTok and YouTube channel and started churning out content, attracting clients from all over the country and around the world to take 1:1 lessons and Masterclasses via Zoom, as well as purchase Vocal Warm-Up Tapes and the recordings of past masterclasses on my studio website. This exponentially grew my business and, frankly, changed my life!

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

I wear ALL the hats! I am the voice teacher and vocal coach, but I'm also the web designer, social media manager, content creator, editor, office manager, etc. I teach a full schedule, then work a full schedule to make sure every student has everything they need to be set up for success, as well as make sure the business has everything it needs to thrive. It's a lot of hours, but it's worth it!

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Take a deep breath. You have a dream and a vision of how to make that dream a reality. That means you're at the beginning of a journey that has a lot of steps. That can be overwhelming looking at the big picture and all the work yet to be done! Make your plan, trust your plan, and take it one task at a time.
  2. Remember to enjoy your work! You're working on YOUR business - your passion. You chose this business because you believe in it, and it's something you have a deep connection to. Even when you're grinding long hours, remember this is time spent doing something you love and care about.
  3. Believe in yourself! Do your best to block out the voices in your head saying you aren't good enough, you're an imposter, and you shouldn't be doing what you're doing. Everyone has imposter syndrome at times! But you ARE enough, and your business CAN be a success! Just keep taking it one thing at a time, always working to improve your business and yourself!

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I am so grateful to all the students who have taken lessons and all the singers who have enjoyed and learned from my content! I look forward to further educating and entertaining everyone, and I am so excited to further develop and grow Dan Faber Vocal Studio!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: http://www.danfabervocalstudio.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DanFaberVocalStudio
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/DanFaberVocalStudio/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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