Kristin Garson, Garson Studio of Music
Kristin Garson speaks to The Industry Leaders about her work and what she's learned on her entrepreneurial journey.
What's Your Story?
My business is called Garson Studio of Music, located currently in Prescott, AZ. I am a violinist and pianist and teach violin and piano privately in my home.
I've been teaching music since 1993, first in the Philadelphia area, and since 2004 in the suburbs of Phoenix, and Prescott. I have been teaching for nearly 30 years. I am also a member of the Arizona Philharmonic orchestra, since 2018.
In the past (before the pandemic) I was performing with a guitarist and playing World Music, Tangos, hot Latin Flamenco, and Jazz.
You can travel back in time to Day 1 of your business or career - what advice would you give to younger-you, knowing what you know now?
Compete only with yourself. Do your best not to compare yourself to others, and don't compete with them, it doesn't serve you - we all have different life experiences, different advantages and disadvantages.
Keep improving yourself as a musician, and build connections, cast out your net, and see where it takes you. Believe in yourself and get the help you need to improve yourself, within your means, and don't give up. Also, speak your truth to your teachers, mentors, and colleagues.
Stand up for yourself. Take care of your mental health. Being a musician is not an easy life! Learn good communication skills, so others can better help you to achieve your goals.
What one book or podcast changed your life?
The Four Agreements, by Don Miguel Ruiz (there has been a fifth agreement added):
Some of these are really hard.
However, this is a book you can evolve with and it can be read again and again; it is a book about self-mastery. There is a lot of information online about Don Miguel Ruiz, he was a shaman. There is an online course you can take.
