Tanzania update

I'm still alive though I know the website has been out-of-date. All is well here! See http://swzanussi.blogspot.com if you want a more specific description of my adventures. Z's Keys is slow since I'm working for Umoja Arts Project and Music School, but I am still teaching two students back in the states. I've been teaching remotely for two years now. The new news is that I am going to start teaching Umoja kids remotely when they are traveling! SO maybe I will get more business in the long-run...we'll see.
I've also had a "vision." I've realized how perfectly this job suits me and how aligned I am with their mission, but I just can't see myself in Tanzania long-term. I would love to partner with Umoja and develop music schools like Umoja in other parts of the world, definitely South America and possibly SE Asia and I honestly feel that is going to be my motivation to get through grad school. Then I can develop Z's Keys into a bigger thing partnering with a great organization (Umoja) and still do the entrepreneurial side of things because it is very different working for someone. At the same time, it's great to have colleagues! I just miss having my own business. In the meantime, I'm learning a lot about communications, managing a non-profit, grant writing, etc.
I would love to hear any input you have though.
Cheers
Sara

Z's Keys-->Tanzania!

So I've officially accepted a job in Tanzania where I will be volunteering for a non-profit as well as teaching piano. It will be a great way to build my business hopefully long-term and a good start to international development! I'm going to keep teaching 2 of my students via Skype as well. One is stopping which saddens me greatly, but she's in 5 sports and needs to decide priorities which I understand. Doesn't make me any less sad though.

A fellow distant teacher!

Wow. I randomly was searching my website on Google to see its numbered place when one types in Skype piano lessons (the answer is 2nd!) when I decided to look at my "competitor's" website. It is a great model for what my website should have and how piano lessons are created as a product. His prices are quite high though. But he goes one step further than Skype: He teaches via phone. Which I guess is what I do when the camera element doesn't work. I figured it'd be worth a try to email him and make a contact in the field. You just never know what may come of this. And heck, it's an email. The worst that happens is he doesn't respond. If he can give me insight into how to get piano students not from my area, that'd be fantastic. Pls as always, feedback about the site or business is always welcome!

The impact of teachers

After seeing 70 students coming out from Nordic Choir rehearsal with blotchy faces and watered eyes, I knew something was not right. Sure, directors make us cry sometimes, but that amount of people, something was clearly not okay. The head of Nordic Choir and choral activities at my college, is moving back to New York to be with his family. This I understand completely. But what it made me see is the impact choral directors and teachers in general have on people. That more than half those 70 students have only known this man for 5 months and that he could bring them to tears in five months demonstrates the significant impact he has had on them. Very touching. This in my opinion is worth far more than any monetary reward.

I'm in the process for applying for a music teacher job in Arusha, Tanzania and have to videotape some lessons which I am hoping to be able to put on my website. One has successfully been uploaded: www.zskeys.com/demos

As always, I'd love feedback. Have a great day and if there's snow where you are, go play in it while I am busy writing a senior paper and filling out apps due Mar. 1.

Business ideas

My cousin Paul is brilliant. Tomorrow I am going to call some sheep farm organizations and yachties as they call them here to see if I can leave my business card with some customers! Distance (by force) learners instead of competing with another live teacher. How cool would that be and the potential of Z's Keys being fulltime already makes me so happy! And sub-contracting would be that much better!!!!!!!!!

Business advice:
* If anyone ever owes you money, be nice to them. It will make them pay you vs being mean they have no incentive.
*Set up a pay as you go. Unfortunately, dishonest people exist and will make up some excuse if you do all the work before they pay and lawyers cost more than they owe.