Coaching
Having coached over 1,000 musicians, I understand how you tick and the specific career challenges that face musicians. I see opportunity and possibility in a way that few others can, and am passionate about supporting you to build a creative life of financial and artistic stability.
From high school and tertiary students, young professionals, music educators to professional orchestral and opera performers, I support you to identify and clarify your goals, articulate your individual success criteria and compose a life of means and meaning.
“If you want to take a fresh look at your approach... and start thinking about the bigger picture in a strategic way, then Susan is the person to see.I can’t recommend her highly enough.”
Thea Rossen
“I was struggling to find a way to present myself in such a way that is interesting and compelling to others, rather than just a recitation of life events. That was making me feel frustrated, because it seemed to have nothing to do with me as a musician. After working with Susan, I have a well-crafted personal statement that I can use as part of applications to post-graduate courses overseas that I feel presents an interesting, yet honest picture of myself. Susan is not going to try to redefine you or change anything about you. She’s just going to help you present the best version of yourself.”
Stephen Hardie
“As a musician fresh out of my university course... my session with Susan has gone a long way into kick starting my career at a professional level. I feel there are many questions and insecurities that young musicians all share, which are left unanswered by the end of a degree... Susan was able to comprehensively explain how to invest in my professional development outside of the practice room, narrow down my personal success criteria, and reassure me that working as a freelance muso doesn’t mean having to struggle financially. I strongly believe a session with Susan should be a part of what every emerging musician needs to launch forward in a positive direction.”
How it works
Want A Change Of KEY? ⌵
If choice or circumstance means you are ready to make a change, I understand how to translate and highlight your training to change key within the music sector or into other industries. I am particularly skilled in supporting musicians to transition from careers onstage or backstage to success beyond music.
“Susan provided me with the insight and confidence to recognise that the skill set I have is valuable and transferable. This has allowed me to realise my potential and transition into my chosen field.”
Leesa Dean, Former Principal Bassoon, Queensland Symphony Orchestra now Director of Bands and Head of Woodwind, Westbourne Grammar
Need To Decide The TEMPO? ⌵
Whether you are launching or growing your ensemble, I can guide you to develop effective strategies and plans. I have coached dozens of groups on their business models, operational planning, seeing and seizing new opportunities, defining and growing their audience, creative programming, building their brand and how to have effective group meetings.
“Susan gave us invaluable insight and advice on how we could navigate our brand in the industry. Her ideas and perceptions are not only fresh and innovative, but relevant to people of today’s society. We had the most inspiring and motivating session with Susan and came away feeling confident in our own endeavours.”
Invictus Quartet
What’s Included? ⌵
BEFORE our first session, you will complete a personalised analysis to identify what’s currently working and what’s not, plus the bigger picture with your goals and vision.
DURING our sessions we will dive into your progress, explore your challenges, and create new intentional action steps so you’re moving towards the life and career you want to build. Sessions are scheduled regularly over Zoom, paced at intervals that allow change and action but not so far apart that you lose momentum.
AFTER our session you will find everything you need in your own personal portal (call recordings, notes, resources and any other material to review).
BETWEEN our sessions you will complete an analysis to determine what you want to get out of the next session, identify the actions you’ve taken since our last session and acknowledge any speed humps or pot holes in your way.
“If you want to take a fresh look at your approach... and start thinking about the bigger picture in a strategic way, then Susan is the person to see.I can’t recommend her highly enough.” Thea Rossen
This Journey Is Right For You If You ⌵
✦ Feel blocked, stuck, or overwhelmed in your career and want to move forward but are held back by perfectionism, imposter syndrome, fear of failure, or paralysis by analysis.
✦ Are always second guessing yourself and your thoughts, yet you know you want to feel aligned, passionate, and motivated about what you do again.
✦ Are transitioning or pivoting in your career and feel lost, confused, alone, or unsure of what to do next.
✦ Know there’s something holding you back from stepping up, or moving your career forward, and you’re seeking support and guidance each step of the way.
This Journey Is Not Right For You If You ⌵
✦ Want a coach to tell you what to do and when.
✦ Are not willing to dedicate the time it takes to grow and transform.
✦ Are resistant to change, new ideas, and challenges.
✦ Don’t believe in doing the work (action steps) along the way.
✦ Are not excited to embark on this journey together.
Fees ⌵
✦ If you have a specific, one-off, detailed request and need a 1 x 60 minute session to get it sorted then my fee is $150. This is perfect if you want feedback on job or grant applications, or to prep for an interview.
✦ If you want to take control of your career and need a steady hand to get you started then I work on an initial 3 x 60 minute session model. My fee is $150/session and after our initial three sessions we figure out what will best support you going forward. This is perfect to help you clarify your goals and make a plan.
Start on your own
✦The fabulous team at Arts Centre Melbourne commissioned me to write a FREE career planning guide for creative people. Navigate Well does not tell you what to do, because everyone’s journeys and aspirations will be different. Instead it helps you figure out what matters to you, so you can craft a career you value at any age and on any stage.
✦ I love problem statements! Watch this sessinon hosted by YCAT (UK) on creating one and then using that to ideate out of the box funding solutions.
✦ The team at Arts Wellbeing Collective are rockstars! They let me go wild with two career planning webinars Exit Stage Left and Pivot and Pirouettes.
✦ Sarah Curro doesn’t shy away from a BIG HAIRY QUESTION. Watch Ingrid Martin and I get meta and micro about Where Are All the girls (it’s not what you think!) and Choosing To Be Your Own Boss.
✦ Ingrid Martin and I hung out with Jason Tramm of Music Matters about our diverse careers and the state of music in Australia today on this webinar.