Rachel hits all the right notes

For many musicians and performers, their dream to perform and to build a career around their craft.

But the reality of running a music business — whether you’re a teacher, a wedding performer, a gigging musician or part of a professional duo is that talent isn’t enough. You also need confidence, business strategy, clarity, marketing know-how, and someone who can support you through the natural ups and downs of working in the creative industries.

This is where coaching for musicians and performers can help.

Over the past year, I’ve had the pleasure of working with one of my coaching clients, Rachel Dawson, from Dawson Music and wedding/corporate performance brand The Astor Duo. Rachel is a brilliant example of how talented musicians can grow faster, perform with more confidence, and build stronger businesses when they have the right support behind them.

A business beady for its next chapter

Rachel is a senior partner and professional musician who offers flute and guitar tuition to over 100 learners across Northumberland, North Tyneside and Newcastle along with her husband, Simon. Alongside teaching, they perform live at weddings, corporate events and private celebrations and with over 20 years’ experience, have become well-known for their tailored, high-quality performances.

Together, as The Astor Duo, they perform at some of the North East’s most prestigious venues. They also publish sheet music arrangements through the world’s largest music publisher which is a huge achievement for any musician.

But even with years of experience and undeniable talent, Rachel reached a point that many musicians will relate to:

• She’d taken time off for maternity leave

• The industry had shifted

• Trends and marketing had changed

• Her confidence as a business owner had dipped

And like many musicians, she wanted to revitalise the business but wasn’t quite sure where to begin.

Where coaching can makethe difference

When Rachel and I began working together, our focus was to:

1. Rebuild her confidence as a business owner

Musicians are often incredibly self-critical. They’ve spent years perfecting their craft, so when it comes to pricing, promoting themselves or approaching venues, that confidence can crumble.

Through coaching, we looked at:

• Rachel’s strengths

• Her values

• The skills she had already built over two decades

• The mindset shifts needed to stop playing small and start shining

Confidence isn’t just personal,  it directly influences how you speak to clients, how you communicate your value and how boldly you put yourself out there. It’s the foundation of any successful performance career.

2. Developing a clearer strategy for growth

Creative entrepreneurs need structure just as much as inspiration.

Together, Rachel and I refined:

• How to approach prospective clients

• How to promote wedding and corporate performances

• How to build a stronger online presence

• How to create momentum instead of stop-start marketing

Musicians rarely get taught how to run a business — but coaching fills that gap.

Here’s what Rachel thinks to coaching:

“I started working with Sam when I returned to work after my second period of maternity leave. I knew I wanted to revitalise our business but felt out of touch with trends and my confidence as a business owner was low.

Sam looked at our business as a whole and helped me identify areas for growth. She encouraged me to believe in the skills I have developed as a business owner and helped me to become more confident and put our business out there. Sam is the coach that every business needs.”

Hearing this from a musician who has built such a strong reputation over 20+ years is a reminder that even the most accomplished creatives benefit from outside perspective, clarity and support.

Why coaching matters for musicians and performers

If you’re a musician, you’re not just an artist — you’re a business owner.

And that business needs:

• Clear messaging

• Confident pricing

• Consistent marketing

• A strong online presence

• A strategy for bookings

• A mindset that keeps you moving, not doubting

Musicians often spend years perfecting technique but very little time developing the business and confidence skills required for long-term success. Coaching fills in the missing pieces.

It provides:

– A sounding board
– Accountability
– Direction and clarity
– A confidence boost
– A plan (not guesswork_
– Someone in your corner who understands the pressures of creative careers

Looking to book a musician?

Looking for top-quality musicians for your wedding or corporate event?
The Astor Duo create beautiful, bespoke live music with flute and guitar — perfect for elegant celebrations and special moments.
Learn more at www.astormusic.co.uk  and www.dawsonmusic.co.uk

If you’re a musician or performer who wants more confidence, bookings or clarity, coaching could be the game-changer your business needs.

Book a free introductory call using the link below — and let’s get your music business performing at its best.