Ten Years Later

Ten years ago, I began Music SO Simple.
I remember the excitement-the uncertainty- the dreams that seemed almost too big to say out loud.
​Or maybe not even knowing what my dreams really were?

I wasn't thinking about building a business that would still be here a decade later. I wasn't thinking about hundreds of students, dozens of teachers, thousands of lessons, or the incredible families who would become part of our story.

I was simply hoping to spread the love of learning music to our community.

This year, Music SO Simple celebrates its tenth anniversary.

It's funny how anniversaries make you look backward just as much as they make you look forward.
When I think about these past ten years, I don't immediately think about enrollment numbers, recital attendance, or financial goals. Those things matter—they're part of the story—but they aren't the story.

"Don't start a business unless it's an obsession and something you love. If you have an exit strategy, it's not an obsession." - Mark Cuban
​

The story is the people.

It's the little three-year-old who walked into Music Together and is now an incredible piano student getting ready for high school.

It's the students who discovered confidence they didn't know they had.

It's the teachers who poured their hearts into lesson after lesson, changing lives in ways they'll probably never fully realize.

It's the parents who trusted us with something incredibly precious—their children.

Those are the things I treasure.

Of course, ten years hasn't all been easy.
There were months when I wondered if we'd make payroll.
Days when I questioned my decisions. (Actually, make that many days!)
There were difficult conversations, unexpected changes, staff transitions, long nights, and moments when I felt completely overwhelmed.

​There were seasons where I questioned whether I was the right person to lead this school.

But looking back now, I realize something.
Every challenge shaped the Music SO Simple we are today.
Every difficult teacher conversation taught me how to lead better.
Every student success reminded me exactly why we do what we do.
Every goodbye made room for a new hello.
And every season—both the joyful ones and the painful ones—helped clarify our purpose.

People often ask me what has changed the most over these ten years.
Ironically, I think it's me. (And honestly, the most change over this past year!)

I've learned that leadership isn't about having all the answers.
It's about listening.
It's about admitting when you're wrong.
It's about surrounding yourself with people who are better than you in different areas.
It's about staying true to your values even when it's difficult.

And perhaps most importantly...
I've learned that success isn't measured by how big Music SO Simple becomes.
It's measured by how faithfully we serve the families who walk through our doors.

As I look toward the next ten years, my dreams have actually become simpler.
I still have big goals.
I still believe our best days are ahead.
But more than anything...
I want every child who enters our doors to leave believing they are capable of hard things.
I want every family to feel seen.
I want every teacher to know their work matters.
I want music to continue being the gift that changes lives, just as it has changed mine.

​Ten years ago, I hoped someone would trust in Music SO Simple.
Today, my heart is simply full because so many of you did.
Thank you for believing in Music SO Simple.
Thank you for trusting us.
Thank you for growing with us.
Here's to the next decade of making music—and making a difference—together.

"The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do." - Steve Jobs