update

Goals for 2014: July Update

Goals for 2014: July Update

Can you believe we're more than halfway through 2014?! It's been a crazy year so far but a lot of good has come from it! Here is an update on the goals I set at the beginning of this year:

SMARTER BUSINESS
Schedule more emails - Boomerang is the best. I schedule all my invoices at once each month - huge time-saver!

No checking email after dinner - I did pretty well with this during the semester, but I've slacked off this summer. Time to get back to better boundaries!

Streamline the workflow of my business - I did some research at the beginning of the year on invoice management programs, but I'm not sure it's the right time to introduce something like this into my studio. Working on a few new plans for billing and payments to implement in September.

Start a new mini blog series - Yes! I created a Taxes for Freelancers series this spring - see posts here, here, here, and here.

Read The $100 Startup - Started it this month!

Winter Newsletter

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It's been a busy first month of 2014, but it's already full of so many good things.  I am excited for the year ahead!  If you're on my email list, you'll be getting a fun email from me later today, but in the meantime, here are a few highlights:

I am presenting a session called, "Meet the Community: Presenting Music in Meaningful Ways" at the College Music Society Southern/Mid-Atlantic Joint Regional conference in Knoxville, TN later this week (I know, I know - right in the middle of Winter Storm Pax!). I've already had one flight cancelled and re-booked - hoping that's the extent of the travel adventure! Anyway, Southern friends, let me know if you'll be there!

I will be teaching a similar workshop at Music and Worship Arts Week at Lake Junaluska (NC) in June and am looking forward to doing some accompanying, as well!  Read more about Music and Worship Arts Week here and here.

I am thrilled to announce that my article, "Developing Creative Concert Experiences for Young Children in a Community Setting" is in press with Perspectives, the journal of theEarly Childhood Music and Movement Association!

I know I posted about this last Fall, but for those of you who may have missed it: I was honored to have my writing featured on the Clavier Companion website!  Read my essay, "Exploring Ideas for Effective Teaching" here.

Most of you probably know by now that SD and I started a handbell choir in November.  I'm pleased to say that we've been invited to continue our work with the bells this Spring!  Read more about our Fall adventures here, here, and here.

Wishing you a wonderful winter and a glorious spring!

Follow along with my creative work and daily adventures: @ashleydanyew

Let’s be honest, this month (year?!) has been hard. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned it’s this: As an independent, self-employed musician and small business owner, you’re resilient. You don’t give up when s
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