Let’s rediscover the creative side of your music work.
Get the strategy, inspiration, and clarity you need to spark your creativity, teach confidently, and build a music career that’s made to last.
Teaching, performing, planning, research, admin work—you do it all.
And you have the never-ending to-do list to prove it:
planning rehearsals
writing lesson plans
managing schedules
sending emails
finding time to practice
catching up on admin work (always)
You love what you do—but it’s hard to feel creative sometimes with everything you have on your plate.
The best way to find your creativity again is to embrace curiosity.
Think like a scientist. Step into your research lab. Study what works and what doesn’t, ask more questions, test hypotheses, take more notes.
Because the more inspiration you can draw from the world, the more you can create.
The number of inputs matter, but the quality of those inputs matters even more.
So when you get stuck? Take a step back, ask for advice, and get a fresh set of eyes.
Sometimes, all you need is a change in perspective.
According to research by three business school professors on the origins of creativity:
“The more diverse our experience and knowledge, the more connections the brain can make. Fresh inputs trigger new associations.” (source: HBR)
In other words:
The best way to spark your creativity is to expand your horizons. To get outside your own head for a while. To pour all the puzzle pieces out on the floor and see what fits.
That’s where I come in—to help you sharpen your skills, provide a fresh set of eyes, spark new ideas, and give you the tools you need to feel confident in your work.
What other musicians are saying:
“It was so helpful to bounce ideas off someone in real-time.”
“Ashley is very knowledgeable, providing answers/solutions to all my questions. However, her most valuable trait is how empathetic she is–listening to my worries, and leading me step by step.
After the session, I had better clarity on how I should prepare for my lessons (curriculum planning, structure + lesson content—solved). Plus, ever feel like you can’t find anything on the internet? It was so helpful to bounce ideas off someone in real-time.”
- Arabella Gunawan, children’s choir director
“It’s the first time in a few years that I’ve felt supported.”
“Your approach to business and marketing resonates with me SO deeply. It’s the first time in a few years (after a myriad of webinars, etc.) that I’ve felt supported and like I’ve finally found a plan/approach that’s exactly what I’ve been looking for!”
- Elizabeth Everhart-Davis, music educator & piano pedagogue
“Made me a better teacher and a better musician.”
“Ashley is so generous with sharing her wealth of knowledge and expertise. It’s a great help and encouragement to people who feel stuck or struggling or insecure about what they’re doing in their work or career.
It seems she always addresses an issue I’m experiencing. The wealth of information she shares has made me a better teacher and a better musician.”
- Sandra Gereau Fraser, organist & choir director
Here’s how I’m different:
No. 1 - I’m out there in the field with you
As a full-time, self-employed musician, I’m building and balancing a music career, just like you. I’m out there figuring out what works, learning, creating, innovating, and navigating challenges in real-time.
No. 2 - I Teach What I Know
I know what it’s like to plan weekly lessons, create resources, design curricula, find time to practice, and manage the business side. I’m out there living it. My mission is to provide you with the tools, education, and resources you need to feel creative and do your best work.
No. 3 - I focus on practical, hard skills
I’m here to help you develop concrete skills and strategies you can immediately apply to your teaching, planning, admin work, and career. The goal? To help you feel confident, capable, and ready to take thoughtful, intentional steps forward.
Let’s Work Together
No. 1
Mini-Strategy &
Idea-Banking Calls
Need some fresh, new ideas to inspire your music work? Start here. In this 25-min session, we’ll brainstorm practical solutions tailored to you. Walk away with a bank of inspiring, actionable ideas and strategies you can start using right away.
No. 2
Strategy Sessions for Music Teachers
Have questions about teaching, running your studio, or managing your music career? In this 60-min call, you’ll get specific insights, strategies, and resources to help you overcome challenges and move forward with confidence.
No. 3
Music Teaching &
Business Intensives
Feeling overwhelmed by the business side of teaching? Get the support you need with three 1-hour strategy sessions. Let’s talk curriculum design, diversifying your income, building a website, streamlining systems—or whatever else you need.
No. 1 - Mini-Strategy Call
$75
A quick, 25-minute brainstorming session on a topic of your choice
Opportunity to submit questions in advance
Resource links delivered after the call
Get focused answers, creative ideas, and personalized advice for one teaching or business topic of your choice. Bring your questions for an ask-me-anything style session and let’s brainstorm strategies together.
This service is for you if you’re:
Struggling to know where to start in your music career
Feeling uncertain or overwhelmed in your teaching or music work
Seeking better work/life balance and need time management strategies
Feeling uninspired and looking for fresh teaching ideas and motivation
We’ll schedule a 25-minute session to talk about your chosen topic. I’ll prepare by brainstorming ideas, outlining strategies, and pulling together resources, so we make the most of our time together.
If you need quick answers on tax prep, time management & organization, or teaching strategies, I’m here to help.
No. 2 - 1:1 Strategy Session
$175
One 60-minute strategy call on any teaching, business or career-related topics (you choose!)
One hour of prep & research time so the session is tailored to you
Opportunity to submit questions in advance
Recording + resource links delivered post-call
Get personalized advice, creative ideas, and step-by-step strategies on up to 3-4 teaching/business topics of your choice. This session gives you the space to talk through your goals, ask questions, and get expert guidance.
This service is for you if:
You need clarity on big-picture business strategy, marketing, or website/SEO
You’re looking for strategies to build a manageable career and avoid burnout
You want to talk through boundaries, policies, or specific challenges in teaching or business)
We’ll schedule a 60-minute call to discuss your goals, challenges, and ideas for moving forward. I’ll prepare by researching, brainstorming, and pulling together relevant resources, so our call is as valuable for you as possible.
If you have business-related questions, need clarity and guidance on running your studio, or are looking for step-by-step strategies to build and manage your music career, I’m here to help.
No. 3 - Music Teaching & Business Intensive
$495
A bank of three 1-hour strategy calls to dive deep into the teaching, business or career-related topics of your choice
A comprehensive audit of your studio, career, or business
Three hours of my time outside our calls researching, planning, and outlining strategies for you
Recordings, resource links + action steps delivered after each call
Email support throughout your project
Take your teaching, studio, or music career to the next level with a tailored consulting package designed to give you clarity, confidence, and actionable strategies.
This service is for you if you need:
Personalized advice and insights for your music career or business–from financial planning to branding and marketing
Teaching mentorship to sharpen your skills, talk through curriculum planning, and build a toolkit of effective teaching strategies
Help creating or refining your brand and/or website so you can share your work and market to prospective students or customers
We’ll begin with a comprehensive audit of your studio, career, or business, followed by a 1-hour call to discuss your questions, challenges, goals, and strategies for moving forward. You can choose to space the calls over a few months or book them consecutively.
I’ll spend time outside of our calls researching, brainstorming, and pulling together tailored resources to equip you with the tools you need to be successful.
Optimize your studio, refine your teaching skills, or build a diversified career. This package gives you the time and space to ask big questions, talk through different approaches, or tackle a big project. You’ll gain clarity and get the support and guidance you need to take confident next steps.
Hi, I’m Ashley Danyew
Here’s what you can expect—
For the cost of what you might make from one lesson or gig, you can work 1:1 with a musician who’s:
Built two online businesses that reach 357,500+ people per year
Started two private piano studios, taught in community music schools, been an adjunct professor, directed adult and children’s choirs, and started a chamber music festival
Cultivated an email list of 23,000+
Gained expertise in brand design, website building & design, SEO, copywriting, business finances, and digital product launches
All that to say—
Working with me means you’re getting 15+ years of music teaching, performing & entrepreneurial experience. I’d be honored to work with you this year.
In case you’re wondering…
Here are questions other musicians have asked:
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Of course! I love meeting with musicians at the beginning of their careers. This is a great way to help bridge the gap between life in music school and life in the real world. Together, we can establish a solid foundation for the career and business you want to create.
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Not at all! I work with music freelancers, entrepreneurs, and independent teachers of all kinds. While I am a piano teacher, my experience spans community music schools, church settings, freelancing, accompanying, advising at the college level, teaching other music educators, and creating my own opportunities.
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I get it—like I said, every music career is a little different.
Strategy calls are a good opportunity to customize and get the support you need—you set the agenda and choose the topics. Whether you want to discuss teaching strategies, time management, branding and web design, or another aspect of your career, I’m here to help.
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I dedicate time before each session to research your topics and write out my answers to your questions. I brainstorm ideas, outline strategies, and pull together tailored resources so our time together is as productive as possible. I’m focused on getting you practical solutions.
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While I can provide general guidance on business structures, contracts, taxes, and financial organization, I’m not a lawyer or tax professional. For detailed advice in these areas, I recommend consulting a CPA or licensed attorney.
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Reach out to me at ashley@ashleydanyew.com or DM me on Instagram @ashleydanyew. I’m happy to help!
Looking for support, community, and accountability?
Join me for a strategy-focused virtual work retreat.
You’ll get a 20-min mini-strategy session with me, an opportunity to learn from others’ experiences, and built-in co-working time to work independently.
This 2-hour, small-group virtual retreat is for you if you’re:
An independent teacher or freelancer looking for support and accountability with like-minded musicians
A self-employed musician navigating the business side
Looking for advice on marketing yourself or making a big career or business decision
This is your chance to step back and evaluate your music career and make thoughtful, informed decisions about moving forward.
Prefer to work at your own pace?
Develop the skills and strategies you need to:
Get organized and plan your year
Refine your teaching methods and build leadership skills
Manage your time more effectively
Explore the suite of on-demand courses and professional development trainings designed specifically for music directors (adult, youth, children, and handbell), piano accompanists, and freelancers.
Not sure which option is right for you?
Let me know what you’re working on and where you’re getting stuck and I’ll point you in the right direction!
At some point—
Every musician has been where you are: feeling overwhelmed, uncertain, and uninspired.
I’ll help you find the clarity you need to move forward and the confidence you need to do your best, most creative work.
When you’re ready to:
Gain clarity on your next steps with strategies tailored to your music work
Get clear, actionable advice from someone who understands the demands of being a self-employed musician and balancing multiple jobs
Ask alllll your burning questions—about lesson planning, teaching strategies, studio management, copyright & self-publishing, time management, running the business side, etc.
Navigate the demands of small business ownership and freelance work with personalized guidance and support
I’m here to help.
I’d be honored to work with you this year and support the music career and business you’re building.
