The Hustle
Years in Tampa Bay
31
Hustle (job)
Founder of Music with Mar./Educational Consultant/Recording Artist
What do you do?
I study brain research and its relation to music. Using that information, I write songs to help children in all major areas of development, to include literacy, motor, social and cognitive skills. These songs are used in the Music with Mar. classes that I personally still teach two mornings a week in Palm Harbor and by others who are licensed to teach the program.
The songs and concepts are also used internationally by teachers, many of whom have attended one of my workshops. Currently, I am working with a company in Beijing to help implement the Music with Mar. program and philosophy in China.
Why do you do it?
It is my passion!! Finding something you love and turning it into a way to earn a living is the best one can do. Getting parents to understand the importance of spending those 45 minutes a week at a music class and seeing their faces light up when they watch their child, is what I enjoy most. That, and all the hugs and smiles I get each week from those beautiful children.
What was your Catalyst? (How did you get started?)
I was home on maternity leave from the Pinellas County School System, where I was employed as a music teacher. Although I loved being a stay-at-home mom, I also missed working with children and music. I looked for things I could do to use my training while still being with my daughter. I began attending the library program and started being a guest of the librarians and singing with the children. This led into my teaching music classes through the SPJC and that led into my creating my ‘own’ thing, Music with Mar. Classes.
Parents wanted to buy the songs they were hearing, and that started my journey into the recording studio with Mark Dye, a St. Pete resident who recorded many musicians including Nick from Backstreet Boys. There are now more than 40 recordings.
Others who attended the program began to ask if they could be trained to teach the program. We are now an international company.
What’s a common misconception or unknown aspect of what you do?
Many people think that I teach a music class using music someone else recorded and that the program is just here in Pinellas County.
What’s the most challenging part of your Hustle?
It is challenging to get parents to understand that children under the age of 5 learn best one-on-one. And, that it is ok to be home and take them to classes like Music with Mar. A parent is still a child’s first and best teacher. Music is the best vehicle.
What’s the most valuable piece of business advice/insight that’s helped you?
Wow! I have sought and been given advice by many wise people. Picking one as the most valuable is tough. With that in mind, I guess it is putting the ego aside to be able to receive input from others.
