Today we’d like to introduce you to Raqasia Siler.
Raqasia, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My name is Raqasia (rah kay shuh) Siler and I was born and raised in High Point, NC. My passion for music started in middle school when I began playing the flute.
During high school, I began teaching private lessons to younger students at the local middle school. I received my high school diploma then transitioned my endeavors to Greensboro College where I received my Bachelor of Arts with a focus in flute performance and music education.
After college, I immediately began my teaching career as a Teacher’s Assistant then transitioned my path into a career that seemed fitting as a music teacher and band director.
As I continue to teach, I continue to find time for my passion by playing with the Durham Community Concert Band, conducting the Durham Flute Choir during the fall and winter season, as well as hired gigs and venues. I firmly believe that music education should be accessible to everyone. Music has a profound impact on a child’s mental and physical well-being, which is why I am delighted to offer music lessons to all who are willing to learn virtually or in person!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My biggest challenges right now are finding a balance between advertising my business and teaching full-time. Most of my evenings are spent driving to various students’ homes, which means I don’t get home until after 8 p.m. after waking up at 5:30 a.m. I offer flexible lesson options, including in-home, virtual, and in-studio lessons, so I leave it up to my students to choose what works best for them. Occasionally, I even spend some of my off days or school breaks visiting middle and high schools to work with their flute and saxophone sections, followed by some lessons in the evening. Those days are my favorite!
It’s just finding the right balance of what is too much and what is not enough. Some days, I think I am doing my best to get my business up and running as well, but even that has been a slow start due to my full workday. But hey, somebody’s gotta pay the bills, right? Other days I get so excited about where my business has come from versus where it started.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a flutist with a passion for teaching! I have been studying the flute since I was in sixth grade. I went to college and continued my passion while also taking education courses, not fully expecting to become a teacher. Now it’s been well over 10 years of playing the flute! I picked up the saxophone in college and fell in love with it! While teaching full time, I decided to pick up the ukulele because why not, as an elementary music teacher? I then thought to myself, if I enjoy playing these instruments so much, why not share that gift with others?
I’ve performed in recitals, weddings, and some hired gigs. I’ve played in church settings, led the Durham Flute Choir, and continue to play (when I can) with the Durham Community Concert Band. I’m even considering starting a homeschool band in Cary, as a few parents have requested it due to the area’s need. While I don’t have as much time to play as I’d like, my lessons help me make the most of my time.
I am most proud when my students thrive and they find their passion in and out of our lessons. I have a lot of young students in my studio, but I also teach adult hobbyists who are looking to expand their musical palate. I am most happy when I get to play duets with my students and watch their faces light up when they hear the melodies and harmonies overlapping. Agh! So wonderful!
I work with many anxious children and even adults who may overthink their playing skills, a particular piece they are playing, or their upcoming recital. To make my students comfortable and relaxed, I make it a significant part of my lessons. I believe that my personality, which is often described as “going with the flow,” has become a part of my specialty. I strive to create a comfortable learning environment where my students feel at ease, and their anxiety dissipates as soon as we begin our lessons.
How do you think about luck?
My luck seems to be that other businesses are finding me and inviting me to their spaces. For instance, I collaborate with Girls Scouts Troops to earn their music badge, and some private businesses have requested that my students perform at their events. Additionally, I work with homeschool co-ops to get their students playing wind instruments. Recently, I participated in a Homeschool Fair organized by the Durham-Chapel Hill Homeschoolers, with whom I had only communicated through email. They kindly asked me to host a free table at their fair. Typically, it costs hundreds of dollars to rent a booth at an expo to showcase your business, but they graciously requested that I donate my time instead. It was an incredible experience!
I’ve also had some success with people learning about my business and requesting that I come out to perform for them (paid) to engage their audience of students or parents in their child’s music education, which is my greatest passion! However, my luck tends to wane when I don’t receive many or any sign-ups from these events, and it can feel like it’s fallen through or perhaps something went wrong on my part. This is not the way I prefer to perceive any situation, especially when it comes to my business. Instead, I like to think of it as a matter of “what is for me will come to me,” meaning that the students who are meant for me will find me. Perhaps those events didn’t have my ideal student. Maintaining a positive mindset is crucial when running a business, even when it seems like all odds are against you.
Pricing:
- I offer a package of lessons if you want to just try it out. 4 or 8 lessons without a huge commitment. Pricing depends on timing and location of lessons.
- FREE Consultation to just chat with me and see if we are a good fit
Contact Info:
- Website: https://rsmusicstudios.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/r.s.musicstudio/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570119594694
- Other: raqasias@gmail.com
Image Credits
The Noir Photo Project
