Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in music education but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Heidi Fivash, Founder of Piecewise Piano, located in Mountlake Terrace, WA, USA.

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

At Piecewise Piano, I provide digital and online educational tools for adult pianists to improve their skills step by step, piece by piece. I sell all digital products, including practice planners, ready-made practice plans, online courses, and music scores.

Tell us about yourself

I've always loved the piano, but I've never been the type of person to practice for hours and hours. Instead, while I was a music major at university, I devised a practice planning method that allowed me to maximize my practice time, reducing the time I needed to practice to reach my goals. Since then, I've shared this method with my students, and am now sharing it with people worldwide through my business, Piecewise Piano. I love helping pianists make progress at the piano and figure out how to plan practice around their busy lives. I believe music should be for everyone, not just the lucky few who have time to pursue it.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

This fall, I launched my first online course, Complete Piano Reset. In my course, I focus on a holistic approach to piano practice, involving a lot of reflection and problem-solving, in order to make practice time efficient, effective, and, most importantly, fun!

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

As an online business owner, it can sometimes be hard when I receive negative feedback or refund requests. The hard part is that I know if I could meet for a lesson with these people, I could help them solve the issue and show them how to make my materials work for them. Unfortunately, I can't always meet with everyone individually, so it's disappointing when someone turns away from something that could revolutionize their piano practice.

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

  1. Research. There's so much free information online, as well as social media groups, to help you figure out what you need to start your business.
  2. Slow and steady wins the race. When first starting, it may feel like very little happens for a long time, but progress can happen in sudden bursts. Keep working diligently and try not to take too long breaks, which will often stifle momentum.
  3. Evaluate yourself and your business regularly. Always pay attention to how you're spending your time and whether you're getting the best return on your time investment. Yes, I mean, what will make you money, but that's not all that matters. It's important to also spend time on things you enjoy and that make you feel fulfilled. So if you have a project idea that may not sell well but you would love to create, go for it! Just make sure you're also spending time on your regular day-to-day business.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://piecewisepiano.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/piecewisepiano

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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