376: Piano Teachers and the Law – How to Challenge Your Local Council Rules with Alicia Glaser

The TopCast: The Official Music Teachers' Podcast

In this episode, we're chatting with Alicia Glaser, the owner and instructor at Glaser Music Studio in Grand Island, NE. With 15 years of music education experience and an extensive background in the Orff methodology, Alicia shares her journey of navigating legal challenges with her local council over her home-based music studio. From facing neighborhood complaints to ultimately securing a change in city zoning laws, Alicia's story is a testament to perseverance and community support. Join us as she offers invaluable insights for piano teachers on how to handle legal obstacles, the importance of understanding local regulations, and the power of maintaining a positive outlook through it all.

• Alicia shared a brief summary of her music studio and her background.
• She shared about acquiring a commercial space, expanding her teaching capacity.
• How she faced a legal challenge regarding traffic complaints in her neighborhood related to her home music studio.
• How she addressed the legal issue and adjusted lesson times to reduce traffic.
• Her efforts to change the city code that she discovered was an outdated code, allowing four students for cultural arts but only one for music.
• The outcome of Alicia's efforts, highlighting the importance of in-home businesses and the benefits of group education.
• The strong support that she received from parents and the community.
• Alicia's handling and legal process and costs.
• How she worked closely with the zoning commission director.
• How her teaching looked like during the legal process.
• Her advice and tips to other teachers on how to be a responsible business owner.
• Alicia shares some TopMusicPro membership benefits, from resources on business management, composition, and community.

Guest Links Mentioned

• Alicia Glaser Website
• Alicia Glaser Facebook Page
• Alicia Glaser Instagram Page
• Glaser Music Studio Private Group

Links Mentioned

• Article: Mom faces the music, leads to change after discovering home piano lessons may be illegal
• Link to Alicia's First Letter
• Link to Alicia's Second Letter

Today’s Guest

Alicia Glaser is the owner and Instructor at Glaser Music Studio located in Grand Island, NE (USA). She lives with husband of 15 years Brian, their 9 year old daughter Alaina, and energetic dog Grace. She and her husband love spending their weekends attending gymnastics meets and softball tournaments for Alaina. Alicia has been teaching music education for 15 years. 13 of those were spent in the K-8 General Music classroom setting as well as private lessons. For the last 2 she has been solely teaching in her private studio. Alicia has obtained Level 1, 2, and 3 Orff Certifications and adapted her Orff training to fit the needs of her group piano, ukulele, guitar, musical theater, and preK music classes. Alicia prides herself on providing children with a well-rounded, modern, creative experience of music that’s in-line with their goals and related to the music they love. Her goal is to ensure that the next generation of students continue to create music and love their instrument for the rest of their lives.

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