Ryan’s Journey into Teaching
As we all know, not all careers happen behind a desk.
Indeed, for recent UU graduate Ryan Johnston, his career takes place behind a piano.
For 17 years, this graduate of Music has been tickling the ivories and having such a wealth of knowledge, Ryan decided to start teaching the next generation of dedicated pianists.
‘I teach the piano because I believe that everyone has the potential to perform and teach music in the future. Also, passing on my knowledge and love for music to others is why my pupils and I enjoy their lessons. I love seeing the pupil’s progression from when they started to where they are with me now in their development. Every lesson is different as everyone has their own musical interpretation of how a piece of music should go. I also enjoy creating a bond with each pupil and finding out more about them each week.’
Carrying his decade of piano teaching experience into his time at university, Ryan saw the positive investment that EPY would make in growing his fledgling business into something long-term.
EPY Impact on Piano Business
"EPY has had a massive impact on my piano business! It has helped me define my USPs: to help those disadvantaged socially, empower pupils with confidence, and use a various exam boards and piano repertoire."
From EPY to Entrepreneur: Growth, Mentorship and Advice
Now, teaching over 30 students in homes, churches, and schools in his local community of Belfast, it’s clear that ‘Ryan Johnston Piano’ is on the up and up.
‘My proudest moment is seeing how quickly my business has expanded from 0 pupils when I started EPY to having around 35 pupils in the space of 2 and a half years.’
Ryan’s decision to complete the EPY placement has not only helped him focus on his business goals but has also enabled him to establish a professional look for his business.
‘EPY has created so many opportunities for me by opening so many doors for me through business funding, mentoring and opportunities to network with other businesses. For business funding, I have received funding from the Prince’s Trust and Belfast Enterprise Mentoring. The Belfast Enterprise Mentoring aided my branding, business planning and photography. The Prince’s Trust provided me with business funding and mentoring I didn’t realise was available until EPY.'
‘The funding from The Prince’s Trust, created the opportunities for me to design my website and get branded products. I have received mentoring from The Prince’s Trust which has included updating my website, getting marketing advice, and creating a long-term vision.’
Having been self-employed for the last two and a half years, Ryan has some words of wisdom to offer fellow students, should you feel drawn to the self-employed career path.
Advice for Aspiring Music Teachers
"For anyone wanting to be a self-employed music teacher, I would say to do what you enjoy in your life, whether working with young people, working by yourself, working with friends or, a mixture. Then, try to make a career out of it, find your USP in what you want to do, and be clear to your clients about what it is that differentiates you."
Plans for Growth and Performance
And with a focus on continually improving his skills and growing his business, Ryan has many plans in the works.
‘My plans for my business are to increase both private and peripatetic pupils. I am holding my first recital in Easter, where some of my pupils will perform in front of their families and friends, allowing them to increase their confidence in themselves. I am also studying for a piano performance diploma from Trinity called ATCL.’
