Suarez Monique Interview Fall2016pdf

ISM- INTERVIEW ASSIGNMENT QUESTIONS
Student Name:
Printed Name of Person
Interviewed:
Role of Individual:
Place of Business:
Business Address:
Monique Suarez
Period:
7th
Mariam McFalls
_X_Mentor ___Other Professional #1
The Opera Lady
Phone Number:
5727 Abilene Trail

Austin TX 78749
832-523-2078
Date of Interview:
11/3/2016
___Other Professional #2
Type of Interview: _X_ In Person ___ Telephone* ___Email*

*Documentation Required (Attach E-mail to Interview Verification Page)
1. For someone working in your field, please describe the fantasies versus realities of the job.
(fantasy vs. reality)
Mrs. McFalls says the fantasy of the job is that it seems like a hobby or like a job (not much work
involved, you can set your own hours, youre in control, and the money pores in), when in reality, there is more
preparation work, and if you want compensation, you must work with the clients hours, which usually runs into
the evenings and weekends. You have to stay on top of your clients to ensure they pay on time, and enforce your
policy if they cancel at the last minute.
2. What is your current educational level? What continuing education and training are required?
(educational level and requirements)
Bachelor of Arts Voice from University of Houston.
Training none required, but credentials are a plus, and parents generally look for someone with
experience.
Continuing education relies heavily on the local music teachers organizations as she meets and
converses with other professionals doing the same thing as her. In Austin, each monthly meeting for the local
MTNA group includes a business meeting followed by a workshop/presentation on a variety of topics. This years
topics are: working with transcriptions, accounting/business practices, how to choose the right tempo, EdTech and
Musicianship for the 21st century, collaborative arts in the private studio, building healthy practice techniques,
student retention and lesson atmosphere.
The other group she belongs to in Austin is the Wednesday Morning Music Club. Each meeting includes
a short business meeting, followed by a recital on various genres (this years line-up: sacred music, international
music, American composers, chamber music, American women composers, musical mlange, and strings). These
mini-concerts are performed by the various artists from the organization, as well as guest artists. She believes that
it is really amazing the amount of talent in the group, and exposure to all types of classical genre she gets to hear.
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Not only is it a mini-concert, but they are given a short paragraph description of each piece performed its
background, meaning, etc.
So, she receives a lot of continuing education just by being a member of these organizations.
3. Please describe the typical day to day activities of someone working in your field.
(day-to-day activities)
On the docket this morning was to look for suitable Christmas music for 4 of her students, in their level.
She also had homework to grade and return, and had to answer various emails from parents and students. An
email needs to go out with the date/description of her upcoming Christmas Recital. The last week of every month
she puts together music statements for the upcoming months lessons, which are emailed out.
Typically each day includes answering various email communications, and setting a plan of action for the days
students (what are they working on, whats the next thing we will work on based on their goals, etc.).
4. How secure are you in your current position? What do you think is the future of your field?
(job security)
In general, she feels secure, as most parents understand that there is a direct correlation between musical
ability and educational learning (like math and language). If she were still in League City, she would have no
issue with job security as she had a waiting list, and referrals fed her business. Here in Austin she is the new
guy, and it has been slow going building a practice there. There are several music schools everywhere in Austin.
These are stand-alone businesses where a student can come to for every type of instrument/voice instruction, in
every genre (classical/pop/jazz). Some of the teachers are members of the local music groups, but most are not.
These schools have their own performance avenues via recitals or performing at events around town. The other
thing she has encountered is many parents that call her ask if she will travel to their house for instruction. So
instead of moving to a new environment and competing with other private instructors, she is also competing with
travelling instructors and music schools. The good news is that in the Live music capital of the world, music is
still King. She just may have to change her style of teaching to survive.
5. What is a typical (average or lowest to highest) salary of someone working in your field?
(salary)
The piano teachers are told not to discuss salary. However, its not very hard to find out what other
professionals are charging, with a little research. There is a wide range based on professional experience. One
thing she has noticed is that level of education is not always the determining factor. For instance, most of the
instructors in the music schools have either a Masters or DM (doctor of music) degree in performance. Since they
are a part of the school, the fees are all the same regardless of education or experience. Professors at the university
obviously command a higher salary. Location is also a determining factor. She charges a higher rate in Austin
than she does in League City. If she were to move to a smaller town, her fee would change accordingly.
6. What potential for growth is there in your field?
(growth potential)
That depends on how motivated you are. There will always be music and there will always be
creativity, so the subject will always be there. Technology is expanding her business. She has added Skype to her
business profile, and has included various software programs to incorporate into her business. Its new and
exciting as she has the potential to reach a wider audience AND teach from anywhere in the world. She has
continued working while visiting family in Florida for example. On Monday, one of my Austin students was
unable to come to my house, so we did our voice lesson via Skype. How about that student that is not musically
talented in an instrument, but is crazy about creating music? Instead of making him/her go through an agonizing
30 minutes of a standard piano lesson, how about they record a short melody (original composition or from an
established composer), and layer it with other instruments using music software such as garage band or music
Revised Fall 2013
maker? Now youre incorporating the analytical side of the brain, which may be this particular students forte.
The possibilities with technology are endless.
7. What is your favorite part about teaching students piano and voice?
She seems to have a gift with communicating to the younger students. Her biggest thrill is collaborating
with the student and seeing them accomplish something they didnt think they could do. Their excitement feeds
her happiness, which makes working a lot of fun. Bottom line, she feels like she made a difference in
someones life, even if it is a small one.
8. How would you describe your experience of teaching online piano lessons? What are some advantages
and disadvantages that you have encountered?
She LOVES teaching online lessons. She loves the technology aspect.
Advantages She doesnt have to clean her house J. She doesnt spoon feed the student. Sometimes
she has a tendency of giving the answers to a face-to-face student. With online lessons, its easier to guide them to
the right answer, so they think more on their own. There are less cancellations as weather and travel are not a
factor. It is also easier on the parent.
Disadvantages technology. Internet speed needs to be good on both ends. She has her end covered, but
the students side can vary widely. She still has one student that uses a smart phone for Skype. Thats a really
small picture. As you witnessed last night, sometimes the software programs have glitches. Internet MIDI was
working seamlessly last week with Reece/Rhett, and then all of a sudden their username and password went away
and they had to reset many of the features. She finds when Windows 10 has an update, she has to reset her
software thats a pain.
So technology is an advantage and a disadvantage.
9. What inspired you to teach piano?
Years ago when her children were young, she was looking for a way to work from home. At the time, she
was a corporate trainer, travelling for weeks at a time. She wanted to be more involved in raising her children.
Two of her neighbors convinced her to teach their children piano. She has them to thank.
10. What advice would you give someone aspiring to become a musical educator?
You must be self-motivated and have a strong work ethic. Its really hard to be successful, but very
rewarding if you succeed. You cant just call in sick, and you cant just sit there and wait for someone to contact
you. You are the CEO, COO, Human Resource rep, accountant, manager, and employee. Your success is what
you put your mind to. Thats powerful.
Revised Fall 2013

Student Name:
Interviewed:
Role of Individual:
Place of Business:
Business Address:
Monique Suarez
Period:
7th
Lara Fulcher
___Mentor _X_Other Professional #1
Private Piano Teacher
Phone Number:
1908 Summer Reef Dr.

League City, TX 77573
713-894-5735
Date of Interview:
11/5/2016
___Other Professional #2
Type of Interview: ___ In Person ___ Telephone* _X_Email*

Fantasy: Some people think that if they take piano lessons, they are guaranteed to become skilled
musicians right away.
Reality: Learning how to play the piano (or any other instrument for that matter) is a hard and tedious
job that requires a lot of self-discipline and a big time commitment.
Fantasy: Teaching piano is an easy, fun, and pretty high paid job.
Reality: There is a lot thats going in to 30-minute lesson: finding appropriate repertoire for each student,
preparing for the lessons (you have to teach your students technique, music theory and history, ear training,
repertoire so the 30 minutes you have with the student should be used very efficiently). If your students are
participating in any events, teachers are required to work at these events, which are usually on Saturdays.
Besides the teaching, you have to be on top of finances, communication emails with parents and colleagues.
(Educational level and requirements)
I have a Masters Degree in Music Education. As an active educator Im trying to stay current on new
teaching methods and am taking every opportunity to attend master classes, seminars, conferences to maintain and
expand my professional growth.
3. Please describe the typical day-to-day activities of someone working in your field.
Usually lessons take place in the afterschool hours, so on the days that Im teaching, I have lessons from
about 3:00 pm until late evening. Mornings are usually spent answering emails, getting ready for the lessons.
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(Job security)
I think music and private lessons will always be in high demand, so I feel pretty secure.
(Salary)
It depends on where you live and the going rate in this area, and amount of students you teach.
(Growth potential)
Technology is getting so advanced and there are so many possibilities for students and their teachers to
use it during and outside the lessons.
7. What is your favorite part about teaching students piano?
I love getting to know my students, their personalities. I love our shared love for music and that I can
help them to achieve their personal goals in their music education. I like the fact that I enable my students to
express themselves through music.
That is what I always wanted to do!
9. What do you expect of your students? What about their parents?
All of my students are expected to practice on a regular basis and do their other homework. Parents are
encouraged to be involved in the learning process of their children, and create positive reinforcement of whats
been taught at the lesson.
You have to be patient, very self-disciplined, have high standards for yourself and your students, and have
a very strong work ethic. You have to be respectful of your customers and your own time and money.
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Student Name:
Interviewed:
Role of Individual:
Place of Business:
Business Address:
Period:
Monique Suarez
7th
Nancy Hansen
___Mentor ___Other Professional #1
Miss Nancy Piano Studio
Phone Number:
2511 Purple Horse Dr.

League City, TX 77573
832-755-8083
Date of Interview:
11/1/2016
_X_Other Professional #2
Type of Interview: ___ In Person ___ Telephone* _X_Email*

The fantasy is believing that one method of teaching applies to all students. Reality is that every students
learning style is unique. For example, one line of lesson books, like the Faber series, should not be used for an
entire studio. Faber uses a hand position method as opposed to Piano Pronto books that promote isolated note
learning.
(Educational level and requirements)
I have a Master of Arts in French and a Master of Arts in Teaching. I have been performing since I was
16 years old and continue to play organ and piano for my church and in a chamber ensemble. Continuing
education includes taking private lessons from local university professors and attending teacher workshops at
Gulf Coast Music Association. Staying current with the latest techniques, learning about new piano apps, and
belonging to a teacher forum are all important in remaining competitive in the piano field.
3. Please describe the typical day-to-day activities of someone working in your field.
I begin my day reading email and texts possibly sent by parents of students who may notify me of need
for rescheduling lessons. I then text students if they have a lesson that day. I may also check the teacher forum
online to read about new ideas from other teachers around the world/ Keeping my books up once a week,
researching music for students for music festivals, and attending teacher meetings once a month are important in
my teaching career as well.
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(job security)
Teaching piano is unlike receiving a paycheck once a week from a full time job. When students cancel,
make-up policy must be reinforced to maintain a steady income. This is not an easy aspect of the job and, unless
the teacher is a world famous piano virtuoso, he/she must always be conscious of the need for studio promotion
and networking to maintain clientele. There is a belief that the piano is going the way of the dinosaur considering
the instant gratification philosophy of the newest generation. I believe that there will always be a need for one-onone piano instruction, which, according to research raises the level of competency in math and language skills.
Parents recognize this and want their children to benefit from not only academic achievement but also from the
satisfaction of learning and playing an instrument.
(Salary)
Salary varies from teacher to teacher, from area to area. Teaching in a university would guarantee a
steady salary, however.
(growth potential)
The latest use of musical apps and the growth of new lines of piano instruction books points to a growing
market in the musical field.
7. What is your favorite part about teaching students piano?
I enjoy the one-on-one aspect of teaching. My students, on the most part, are so eager to learn
and show me what they have accomplished each week. It is very gratifying.
I started to teach piano when my children were young and I wanted extra income as a stay at
home mother. Word got out in my childrens school that I was starting a studio, and I got more students
than I expected. As time went on and student stayed with me, I was inspired by the fact that I found my
niche.
9. What is a common challenge among beginning piano students and what do you do to work through this
challenge?
The common challenge is to get them to practice. Educating parents on this fact is very important
at the beginning. Reminding both parents and students by talking to them, writing them email reminders
to practice is important. Finding a consistent daily practice time is the key.
I would advise getting a teaching degree in music and working in a public or private school
system. Teaching in the home could provide supplemental teaching opportunities, too.
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Monique Suarez
ISM Period 7
Mentor Interview Summary
One of the fantasies associated with music educators is that teaching an instrument is a
hobby and easy but the reality is that you have to stay on top of it all which includes the
financial aspect, keeping parents informed, and maintaining organization.
My mentor has a Bachelor of Arts in voice from the University of Houston.
If you want to pursue a career in the musical education field you are not required to have
credentials, however, it would help.
If you decide you want to be a music educator it is important to keep in mind that you must
be self-motivated and have a strong work ethic. You cant just call in sick, and you cant just
sit there and wait for someone to contact you. You are the CEO, COO, Human Resources
representative, accountant, manager, and employee.
It is important to be involved with the local and national associations in regards to musical
education, such as the Music Teachers National Association which allows teachers to
connect together and converse what they are doing as teachers and in their businesses.
Some of these meetings can consist of a business meeting followed by a
workshop/presentation on a variety of topics. For example, in Austin the topics for this year
are: working with transcriptions, accounting/business practices, how to choose the right
tempo, Educational Technology and Musicianship for the 21st century, collaborative arts in
the private studio, building healthy practice techniques, student retention and lesson
atmosphere.
Music teachers are asked not to discuss salaries, however, how much a private music
educator charges depends on the area that they are teaching. For example, a teacher living in
Austin, Texas would charge more than a teacher living in League City, Texas. The amount a
music educator makes annually also depends on how many students they teach and for how
long the lesson is.
A major component of maintaining a business in musical education is communication. It is
essential to keep in contact with your students parents.
When promoting business you cannot just sit around and wait for people to contact you. You
have to be proactive and assertive in order to get the word out about your business, especially
in an atmosphere with the competition of other music teachers.
The future of musical education is extremely bright because music will always be around as
well as the ability to create it.
The technology aspect of musical education has increased dramatically over the last decade,
which has assisted teachers and allowed them to be able to teach digitally rather than just in
person.
Some of these technological advancements include Skype, Facebook Video Chat, FaceTime,
and Time Warp Technologies.
Some of the benefits of teaching online music lessons is that there are less cancellations, it is
easier on the parents when it comes to transportation and it also shows an increase in
independence within a student.
A disadvantage of online lessons is that there may be Internet connection problems, which
can potentially hinder the quality of the lesson.
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Monique Suarez
ISM Period 7
Combined Interview Summary
Revised Fall 2013
Besides my mentor, I interviewed Lara Fulcher and Nancy Hansen (both music
instructors).
According to Mrs. Fulcher, one of the fantasies associated with being a music instructor
is that students will become a skilled musician right away. The reality is that it takes a
huge commitment, a lot of practice and requires self-discipline.
According to Mrs. Hansen, one of the fantasies associated with being a music instructor
is that one method of teaching works for everyone. The reality is that each student learns
in a unique way and it is up to the teacher to figure out the best way a student learns so
that they can adapt their curriculum for that specific student.
Both of the interviewees spend the morning of their days responding to emails, further
validating how crucial it is to maintain communication with a students parents.
I thought that it was interesting that Mrs. Hansen actually notifies a student the day that
they will be having their lesson in order to make sure that they do not forget.
Both of the interviewees continue their education by attending local workshops to get
more ideas on how to improve their teaching methods.
Nancy Hansen participates in private piano lessons with University professors as part of
her ongoing education.
Mrs. Hansen stressed the fact that being a music educator is not a profession like most
where you receive a paycheck at the end of the week. Instead, the teacher must follow up
with their cancel/make up policy to ensure that they are able to maintain a steady
income.
Lara Fulchers favorite part of teaching is getting to know her students personalities and
being able to share a passion for music with them.
Nancy Hansens favorite part of teaching is being able to experience how eager her
students are to share their accomplishments with her.
When asked what a common challenge beginner students face, Mrs. Hansen explained
that a common challenge is getting the student to practice. Mrs. Hansen says that it is
important to inform a students parents about how important it is to practice.
Mrs. Fulchers advice towards prospective music educators is that you have to be
patient, very self-disciplined, have high standards for yourself and your students, and
have a very strong work ethic. You have to be respectful of your customers and your
own time and money.
Mrs. Hansens advice towards any prospective music educator is to get a teaching degree
in music, teach in public or private school environments and in addition, teach at home.
Similar to my mentor, Mrs. Hansen was inspired to teach piano because she wanted to be
a stay at home mother but still be able to make an income.
Mrs. Fulcher, growing up, had always wanted to be a piano teacher.
Both of the interviewees mentioned that the future of their career is great because of
technological advancements such as music apps.
Another benefit is the increase in books about musical education, which help to guide and
inspire music teachers with different methods of teaching.

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ISM- INTERVIEW ASSIGNMENT QUESTIONS

5727 Abilene Trail

Type of Interview: _X_ In Person _ Telephone* _Email*

Revised Fall 2013

Revised Fall 2013

Revised Fall 2013

ISM- INTERVIEW ASSIGNMENT QUESTIONS

1908 Summer Reef Dr.

Type of Interview: _ In Person _ Telephone* _X_Email*

Revised Fall 2013

Revised Fall 2013

ISM- INTERVIEW ASSIGNMENT QUESTIONS

2511 Purple Horse Dr.

Type of Interview: _ In Person _ Telephone* _X_Email*

Revised Fall 2013

Revised Fall 2013

Revised Fall 2013

Revised Fall 2013

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