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I only started my self development journey in 2020, but the day one tip was “Find your niche!” Niching down has been the hardest challenge in my business!
When I started as a piano tutor in early 2016, I used to say I specialised in mature learners, but I was trying to kid myself, as I only said that because I was hoping to get more daytime lessons… I was anxious and scared of most people. What actually happened was I put posters up locally and just prayed that people would find me. I had a mix of ages, and the adults would always drift after the first block.
I was obviously a rubbish teacher… I actually realised later that I probably scared off one older lady, because I got in too deep too soon, introducing the technical side as she’d mentioned her hands were stiff from being a barmaid for many years! I only realised because I happened to bump into her on the street randomly and asked her if she might return #awkward
I didn’t really have a niche after that, I would teach all ages/all abilities and just take whatever was thrown at me. from cocky pre-teens, to dozy teens, the dyslexic one, and of course the enthusiastic and dedicated ones were in there too.
By 2019, I was starting to get recommended by word of mouth. I was almost fully subscribed for my three day weeks, but I wasn’t able to grow any further because of a close family member being diagnosed with cancer that year. It was more interesting too, as I was asked to teach a teen composition to support her GCSE Music. That was my degree specialism, so I enjoyed that term or two, and she ended up acing her GCSE! (and said family member recovered too <3 )
Then lockdown happened. We had to adapt in so many ways. I extended to 4 day weeks, which is what I offer now. 2020 we moved online, that was a steep learning curve, and my setup was whatever I could scramble together (A giant Jenga tower and an iPad!)
By November, I decided to keep the online lessons as a permanent option having taken on a kid from Nottingham through my friend (fellow piano tutor) who was over subscribed.
I started putting myself out there in the virtual space a bit more as I found my confidence, and established myself as the Tropic Pianist Gamer. During that part of my self development I had a mentor that encouraged me to embrace my “multi faceted” approach to my business. I couldn’t settle on just being a piano tutor, I needed variety (I used to hate routine before I had my child, but being mum to an auDHD child means routine is paramount!)
This is why I’m the Tropic Pianist Gamer, author, podcast and public speaker. I like the different directions I can go in. I seize the opportunities now, I don’t shy away from them.
But… that “find your niche” statement from the early days still rings in my ears. I think 2025 is the year I finally found that niche.
As a piano tutor I’m recommended for being ASD and ADHD friendly. I’m Neurodivergent myself. That’s my niche.
I don’t specify an age limit, but if you’re also neurodivergent, you’re more likely to find my safe space a place you want to be.
For the ADHD people, if you want to go off topic every now and again that’s fine, I can relate to most things! If you’re bored, tell me what your favourite tune is and if I can source it for you I’ll teach it to you. I try to make lessons fun whilst being fairly traditional, but what you put in is what you get out. I won’t push you too hard to practice (maybe gentle nudges), if you love the piano enough you’ll be motivated to practice yourself. If you’re a chronic non-practiser then I’m probably not the piano tutor for you.
I’ve refined my niche but also have a good handful of long established piano students who love their lessons, I love seeing how they grow and how their confidence on the piano develops over time.
It’s one of my top passions. My calling was to be a musician, and I made a success of myself in my own way, on my own timeline.
To cement this niching in my business, I’m now a recognised provider with the ND360 Hub. I’m looking forward to belonging to this network and can’t wait to see how I can expand my base this way. I was the first music teacher to sign up, so I was the nichest of niches at the start of this hub’s journey!
This year I’ll be hosting my third in person Christmas Concert, and if you can get to Anglesey on Saturday 6th December from 2pm I’d love to invite you. It’s always a fun afternoon with a full programme of Christmas tunes – from students, from myself, and a scattering of carols to sing along to, plus a charity raffle and refreshments! I haven’t put it out there properly, as my chosen charity hasn’t confirmed their support yet, so fingers crossed they can support us! (More details coming soon)
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