I recently listened to a podcast recently from The Working Genius called The Key to Confidence, and it immediately made me think about our students at Music SO Simple. At one point mid-episode, the hosts talked about how important it is for children to understand their own “genius” — the way they naturally think, create, and contribute — and how using that awareness can build real confidence.

That idea resonated deeply with me, because confidence is one of the greatest gifts we can give our students through music.

In the Working Genius model, everyone has areas where they naturally thrive — where their energy and creativity flow easily — and other areas that feel more draining. For children, discovering this early helps them see that they don’t have to be great at everything to be successful. They simply need to understand their strengths and how to use them. This is very true for adults and teachers too!

In music lessons, this plays out every single day. Some students love to analyze — they’re the ones who light up when learning music theory or reading new rhythms. Others are more creative or intuitive, thriving when improvising or composing. Some feel most confident performing and sharing their music with others.

When teachers understand each student’s natural “genius,” they can teach in a way that builds confidence instead of frustration. A student who knows how they learn best feels proud of their progress — and that confidence spills over into every area of their life.

When parents think about music lessons, they often imagine learning songs, practicing scales, or performing at recitals. But there’s another essential piece of the puzzle that helps everything come together — music theory. At Music SO Simple, we believe that theory is not just an extra subject; it’s a foundation that helps students truly understand and connect with the music they play.

-Juliette Orwig

Time slips by unnoticed, I am lost in thought, as if something understands me better than I do myself…maybe it does. Songs and lyrics captivate me as they convey my emotions, they have always been my safe space. The songs are in a multitude of colors, some in black and white, others a colorful contrast, like life. Different songs replay in my mind, like a broken record track on repeat.

Spotify, always in the bottom corner of my screen, sits exactly where it belongs—intentionally placed, just like all my other apps. Having done this a million times, the songs stuck on repeat are instantly added to a new playlist, one that will play nonstop for the next few days. Listening and organizing the songs so that each flows into the next, I find myself adding new songs as they come to mind. Other times, I put the playlist on shuffle, letting my curiosity take over and silently playing a game with myself on which song will come next. These playlists are never deleted— each holding emotions and meaning that may not be fully understood in the moment.

Often when I am listening to a song, my attention is not on the lyrics, just the beat. After going back, re-listening, and paying attention to the lyrics, it becomes clear to me why a song can stand out so much. It is because it relates to my emotions and feelings; it conveys a deeper emotion inside me that could never be put into words. As if my subconscious is telling me what is needed without having to say anything.

As my music plays, I get consumed with other tasks. Whether that be homework, doing something around the house, or simply sitting there as I let my thoughts take over. Not even paying attention I zone out the music, but sometimes, it is a distraction, pulling me away from the stress and tasks I need to do. I never really pay attention to the time when I am listening to music. Songs and music captivate me to the point where I do not have to focus on anything else.

This is my escape from reality. The comfort of knowing my playlists and stories will still be there in the back of my mind.

Gladly listening to music with my friends and collaborating on playlists, I get a mixture of different genres and music tastes. By sharing our songs, I get an insight into their world and mind. Even with my parents, we have made playlists together, one with my dad and one with my mom. Each of us brings a unique music taste into the playlist, which expands my world of music. This special feeling of sharing music with my friends and family has helped me to feel more connected to them.
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Discovering songs has always been a joy of mine; it feels like a whole other world waiting to be explored. I stumble across my playlists randomly, like a memory of the past. Songs I have not heard in a long time flood back into my mind. They bring me back to the moment I sat down to make a playlist, they hold strong emotions and memories tied to the highs and lows of my life. It also shows the story, struggles, and happiness. Reminding me of how much I have grown, the friends I have lost and gained, but most importantly, how much I rely on music.

At Music SO Simple, we talk a lot about the why behind what we do—but just as important is the who. I've had quite a few parents noticing new staff faces around the studio, so I thought I would write a little blurb about all of the changes!

The relationships built between students and teachers are the heartbeat of our studio. And when families talk about what makes MSS feel like home, it almost always comes back to their teacher.

So… what exactly does make a Music SO Simple teacher?

It’s not just musical talent. It’s not just training or experience—though we certainly value those things. Our teachers are carefully chosen for more than what’s on a résumé. We look for kindness. For character. For warmth. For honestly and respect to both their students and their fellow colleagues. For people who genuinely love kids and know how to bring out their creativity, confidence, and courage. And last, but not least, a teacher who can balance a relationship of learning music, theory, and artistry—while fostering a genuine connection that motivates and inspires growth both inside and outside the lesson.

We mentor our teachers to go beyond the music. Yes, we care deeply about artistry, musicianship, and technique—but we also care about connection. Growth. Encouragement. We hire people who understand that teaching music means forming a relationship with a student and their family. We choose people we’d trust with our own children. And we hold ourselves accountable to that every day.