Lessons By Brooke & Company
About the Company
Lessons By Brooke & Company provides tailored, in-home private music lessons across various disciplines, including piano, voice, guitar, and more. Based in the Chicago area, the business has grown significantly since its inception, now employing 17 instructors and serving over 200 students weekly. Its mission is to bring accessible, high-quality music education to people of all ages and skill levels. The company has diversified its offerings to include specialized lessons in sound engineering, brass, and composition, among others.
Idea Behind Company
Brooke’s passion for music began early in life, inspired by her own experiences as a student. She pursued a degree in K-12 Music Education but found traditional public school teaching unfulfilling. Her happiest moments were spent in one-on-one lessons, sparking the idea to create a personalized music education business. When Brooke started teaching private lessons in 2015, she quickly realized the demand for customized, in-home lessons, particularly for children and families who valued convenience and quality.
Creating the Company
Brooke began by teaching a small group of students while still working as a public school teacher. Her side hustle quickly gained traction, and by early 2016, she had a waitlist of 20 students. This demand encouraged her to leave her school job and focus full-time on her private lessons. Without needing significant startup funds, Brooke kept costs low by leveraging basic tools like QuickBooks and building her own website. Through word-of-mouth referrals and grassroots marketing efforts, she steadily grew her client base.
Launching the Business
In 2016, Brooke officially established Lessons By Brooke & Company. Initially a solo endeavor, the overwhelming demand led her to hire additional instructors by September of that year. She learned the ropes of managing a business on the go, including formalizing operations, hiring contractors, and navigating new challenges. Brooke credits her success to embracing imperfection during the launch phase, often adopting the philosophy of “go ugly early,” and adapting her approach as needed. The business model remained focused on personalized service, which resonated with clients and fostered long-term relationships.
Earnings
Starting with a modest revenue of $5,600 in 2016, the company has grown exponentially, achieving a monthly revenue of $20,000 by 2021. Brooke attributes this growth to consistent word-of-mouth referrals, expanded lesson offerings, and effective communication with clients. Virtual lessons introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic opened new growth avenues, allowing the company to reach students beyond Chicago. Looking forward, Brooke envisions further expansion into additional arts disciplines and continuing to build a thriving, supportive community around music education.
