Today we’d like to introduce you to Caleb Hubbard.
Hi Caleb, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have been a long time lover of music and the joy that comes with exploring and sharing our passions. Ever since I first discovered music and performing, I knew it was one of my greatest joys and I wanted to share that with others!
From picking up saxophone in the 5th grade, to first teaching my first peer in 7th, fixing my high school schedule so I could be in all the music ensembles, then earning my Bachelors in Music Ed at the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire, and beyond, it has been a wonderful musical journey that has led me to this point.
I am now a full-time and practiced public school music teacher, transitioning from teaching Band, Orchestra, Choir, Guitar, and Piano all day, into entrepreneurial goals in private coaching and music composing.
For the last 3 years, I have been teaching private lessons in addition to teaching full time at school, directing musical pits, composing, getting my Masters in Music Technology, gigging, and many other music endeavors. The most fun I have had is with my private lesson students, and I’m wanting to scale that up!
There is nothing quite like the joy of watching a student’s progress. And there’s no faster learning than with 1-on-1 / small group. For my younger students, I get a front-row seat to them crushing goals they once thought were impossible. For my adult learners, I see them discover new passions that breathe fresh life and creativity into their daily routine.
I’ve taught 7 year olds, I’ve taught 80 year olds – it doesn’t matter. Music is a lifeline, a challenge, and a whole lot of fun, and I love helping people on their personal music journeys.
My highlight is actually my first ever private student, Sorren. Sorren chose to play the trumpet, and is now entering into 5th grade as we wrap up our 2nd full year of lessons together. It has been so inspiring for me to see what this young man has accomplished and the strides he and I have taken together. I get the privilege of hanging out and seeing the growth of such a passionate and wonderful child, and watching little snippets of him grow up into a real musician. In our two short years together of weekly lessons, Sorren has soared twice as fast as most in-school musicians. He and I played the National Anthem at a Twins game together last summer, and he is now one of the youngest members of the Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Ha! I have struggled so much with the internal complex of “What do I want to do when I grow up?” I have many dreams and it’s hard to chase them all at the same time, but it is easy to freak out about the ones you can’t chase. Right now I’m in the process of taking my biggest risk – walking away from my secure full time job in order to pursue myself and my private mentoring endeavors.
I’ve wanted to be/have been a public school teacher, professional musician, studio artist, recording engineer, professor, composer, arranger, private tutor, salesman, online coach, pickleball instructor, etc., and this giant leap of faith to allowing my full schedule to chase these dreams, despite a guaranteed paycheck for each hour of work definitely does not feel like a smooth road, but I’m sure will lead me to my happiness.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I am newly a registered business owner as a private music teacher. I teach in person and online lessons to musicians of all ages and all skillsets – 4th graders wanting to first start up on their concert band or orchestra instruments, high schoolers looking to prepare for college auditions and skills beyond, adults ready for a new chapter and adventure in their life!
Everything is just me – as a budding entrepreneur I am not only a music educator, I am my own graphic designer, content creator, website developer, marketing specialist, salesman, etc. But I strive to take the business out of this business, and really be more like a friend to the family and my students. I’m not just there because you’re paying me, I’m there to help you discover your music dream, and provide you with the consistency, discipline, and skillset needed to achieve it.
What sets me apart is my personal touch and humor! I believe if you’re not laughing, you’re not living. I coined this term “assiduous ambiguity”, and I use it to reflect on my ability and specific skillset to be an educator who knows how to adapt into any situation, and teach and help in the way best fit for each scenario. The way I teach Student #1 something might not be the way I teach Student #2, just another reason private lessons are so effective.
I want readers to know that I am available and flexible for their specific needs and desires.
I do 1-on-1 lessons, pairs of siblings, small groups, and direct ensembles. I drive to students, I host students, and I conduct online lessons as well! Pricing is flexible based on location, frequency, and number of students, students can reach out to me to start a conversation for their goals – Caleb@calebhubbard.com – I teach all of the instruments, and if I don’t know it I will learn it for you. But again, I currently teach Concert Band, Orchestra, Choir, Piano, and Guitar every day, I dare you to find an instrument I don’t know well enough to teach!
I have designed and am hosting a summer camp this July – Music Bootcamp in Bloomington. Open to ages 10 to Adult, students will learn the basics of their chosen instrument in this weeklong. Everything from how to assemble and care for, to first notes and first songs, to continued practice. Students will get a rental instrument for a very low cost and will gain all the skills gained in a first semester of a band or orchestra class. For more details visit calebhubbard.com/music-bootcamp
If there are any other music directors out there, I want you to know I am eager to write a piece of music specific to your group, and would love to collaborate!
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
The biggest shift I foresee over the next 5-10 years is me building or opening a true private studio – a place for me to specifically host and teach lessons and group events. My three brothers and I have a dream to open an event center where I will host said lessons, we will have a recording studio for young bands and school ensembles, and a concert stage/wedding venue as well, but 10 years is quite audacious.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Calebhubbard.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cubbard_2life
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/caleb.hubbard.982/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/calebhubbard/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@calebhubbard3094
