
Musician & Co. Book Club
Welcome to the Musician & Co. Book Club! Join us as we read and review books on business, the creative process, music teaching, entrepreneurship, and being a musician. Have a friend who would enjoy these book recommendations and reviews? Invite them to sign up to be the first to know about our book picks each quarter, get reading plans and reflective questions, links to these book reviews, and other reading-related news. 📚About us: Musician & Co. is a resource for self-employed musicians, freelancers, and entrepreneurs. We talk about how to manage the business side of being a musician including how to market yourself, web design and branding, managing your accounting and taxes, organizing your finances, running a private studio, copyright and licensing, and the creative process. Browse the template shop, peruse our services, or check out the free resource library. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Latest episodes

May 1, 2025 • 16min
Play the Long Game
Whether you’re still dreaming about your music career, actively building your portfolio, or simply trying to make smarter choices about where to invest your time and energy, The Long Game offers an important reminder: Carve your own path. Don’t feel like you need to do what everyone else is doing. Play your own game.Buy this book on AmazonBuy this book on Bookshop (support independent bookstores 🙌)The Creative Habit (Twyla Tharp)Daily Rituals: Women at Work (Mason Currey)What to read next:📚 See what's on our bookshelf: book recommendations for musicians, teachers & entrepreneursLet's be friends:📱 IG: @ashleydanyew✉️ Email: hello@musicianandcompany.comWhenever you're ready, here are 3 ways we can work together:Need a blueprint for running your own business? Get customizable pre-written templates made for self-employed musicians, starting at $37.Ready to build a portfolio career in music? Learn the business skills, strategies + mindsets you need with the tools and templates to get started in our self-paced online program, The Musicpreneur Model.Looking for career/business advice? From strategy sessions to brand design to CV & résumé reviews, tell us what you need →DISCLAIMER: This description contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase, I will earn a small commission. This supports the Musician & Co. blog and allows me to continue creating free content. Thanks for your support! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 1, 2025 • 15min
A Shift in Perspective
Explore the transformative ideas from 'The Gap and the Gain' that encourage a shift in mindset. Discover how focusing on progress rather than perfection can enhance happiness and creativity. Learn to celebrate small victories while pursuing your goals. The importance of being present and embracing challenges in your journey unfolds, especially for musicians. Insights on redefining success and fostering resilience make this discussion a fresh take on personal and professional growth.

Nov 1, 2024 • 15min
How to Be Truly Exceptional
We've been reading Hidden Genius by Polina Pompliano. This book is a collection of stories, insights, and lessons learned from top performers, entrepreneurs, and creators. It all starts with this question: “What distinguishes the truly exceptional from the merely great?”Resource list:Buy this book on AmazonBuy this book on Bookshop (support independent bookstores 🙌)Field Notes on Music Teaching & Learning - Ep. 68, Ep. 69, Ep. 71What to read next:📚 See what's on our bookshelf: curated reading recommendations for musicians, teachers, and entrepreneursLet's be friends:📱 Find me on Instagram: @ashleydanyew✉️ Email me: hello@musicianandcompany.comWhenever you're ready, here are 3 ways we can work together:Need a blueprint for running your own business? Visit the Musician & Co. Shop + get customizable pre-written templates created specifically for self-employed musicians, starting at $37.Ready to build a portfolio career in music? Learn the business skills, strategies + mindsets you need as a classical musician and get the tools and templates to get started in our self-paced online program, The Musicpreneur Model.Looking for career/business advice? From strategy sessions to CV & résumé reviews, tell us what you need on this form →DISCLAIMER: This description contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase, I will earn a small commission. This supports the Musician & Co. blog and allows me to continue creating free content. Thanks for your support! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 1, 2024 • 16min
The Secret to Productivity...
We've been reading Feel Good Productivity by Dr. Ali Abdaal. As busy working musicians, we’re all familiar with the quest to be more productive—to get more done in less time. But what if it were simpler than that? Building on decades of psychological research, Dr. Abdaal discovered that the secret to productivity isn’t discipline... it’s joy. Here are my 5 big takeaways from this book.Resource list:Buy this book on AmazonBuy this book on Bookshop (support independent bookstores 🙌)Field Notes on Music Teaching & Learning - Ep. 71How to Overcome Procrastination & Get More DoneWhat to read next:📚 See what's on our bookshelf: curated reading recommendations for musicians, teachers, and entrepreneursLet's be friends:📱 Find me on Instagram: @ashleydanyew✉️ Email me: hello@musicianandcompany.comWhenever you're ready, here are 3 ways we can work together:Need a blueprint for running your own business? Visit the Musician & Co. Shop + get customizable pre-written templates created specifically for self-employed musicians, starting at $37.Want to build a portfolio career in music? Learn the essential business strategies + mindsets you need as a classical musician to run a fulfilling music career + sustainable small business in our self-paced course, The Musicpreneur Model.Looking for career/business advice? From music career advising to bio & résumé reviews to brand & website audits, tell us what you need on this form →DISCLAIMER: This description contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase, I will earn a small commission. This supports the Musician & Co. blog and allows me to continue creating free content. Thanks for your support! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 1, 2024 • 19min
An Act of Generosity
We've been reading This Is Marketing by Seth Godin—timeless truths about marketing and how to share your creative work in a way that’s genuine and intentional and builds trust. Contrary to popular marketing gimmicks, Godin re-frames marketing as an act of generosity based on empathy, the power of connection, and the change we all seek. Here are my 5 big takeaways.Resource list:Buy this book on AmazonBuy this book on Bookshop (support independent bookstores 🙌)What to read next:📚 See what's on our bookshelf: curated reading recommendations for musicians, teachers, and entrepreneursLet's be friends:📱 Find me on Instagram: @ashleydanyew✉️ Email me: hello@musicianandcompany.comWhenever you're ready, here are 3 ways we can work together:Need a blueprint for running your own business? Visit the Musician & Co. Shop + get customizable pre-written templates created specifically for self-employed musicians, starting at $37.Want to build a portfolio career in music? Learn the essential business strategies + mindsets you need as a classical musician to run a fulfilling music career + sustainable small business in our self-paced course, The Musicpreneur Model.Looking for career/business advice? From music career advising to bio & résumé reviews to brand & website audits, tell us what you need on this form →DISCLAIMER: This description contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase, I will earn a small commission. This supports the Musician & Co. blog and allows me to continue creating free content. Thanks for your support! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 1, 2024 • 14min
On Developing a Daily Ritual
We've been reading Daily Rituals by Mason Currey—an inside look at the routines, rituals, and daily work schedules of 161 well-known writers, performers, composers, artists, philosophers, and other creatives along with insights into their creative processes. Through primary source materials (interviews, letters, and personal accounts), he pieces together a picture of the daily rituals of some of the most famous artists and creators.Resource list:Buy this book on AmazonBuy this book on Bookshop (support independent bookstores 🙌)What to read next:📚 See what's on our bookshelf: curated reading recommendations for musicians, teachers, and entrepreneursLet's be friends:📱 Find me on Instagram: @ashleydanyew✉️ Email me: hello@musicianandcompany.comWhenever you're ready, here are 3 ways we can work together:Looking to streamline your business workflows? Get pre-written, customizable legal, financial, and organizational templates for self-employed musicians, starting at $37.Want to build a diversified portfolio career? Join the Musicpreneur Model and learn the essential business strategies you need as a classical musician in a post-pandemic, AI-generated world + use our proven model to build a unique portfolio career.Ready to work with us 1:1? From music career advising to professional writing reviews to brand and website audits, we'll bring our best business skills to the table to help you manage and curate your music career.DISCLAIMER: This description contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase, I will earn a small commission. This supports the Musician & Co. blog and allows me to continue creating free content. Thanks for your support! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 1, 2023 • 17min
Building a Profitable Business From Day One
We've been reading Profit First by Mike Michalowicz—a guide to organizing your finances and building a profitable business.We'll talk about how to use this framework + share tips for structuring your time and working more efficiently. Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice.Resource list:Buy this book on AmazonBuy this book on Bookshop (support independent bookstores 🙌)Profitable Pricing Guide for MusiciansPricing Calculators for MusiciansHow to Organize Your Finances As a MusicpreneurBookkeeping Templates for Self-Employed MusiciansWhat to read next:📚 See what's on our bookshelf: curated reading recommendations for musicians, teachers, and entrepreneursLet's be friends:📱 Find me on Instagram: @ashleydanyew✉️ Email me: hello@musicianandcompany.comWhenever you're ready, here are 3 ways we can work together:Looking to streamline your business workflows? Get pre-written, customizable legal, financial, and organizational templates for self-employed musicians, starting at $37.Want to build a diversified portfolio career? Join the Musicpreneur Model and learn the essential business strategies you need as a classical musician in a post-pandemic, AI-generated world + use our proven model to build a unique portfolio career.Ready to work with us 1:1? From music career advising to professional writing reviews to brand and website audits, we'll bring our best business skills to the table to help you manage and curate your music career.DISCLAIMER: This description contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase, I will earn a small commission. This supports the Musician & Co. blog and allows me to continue creating free content. Thanks for your support! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 1, 2023 • 17min
6 Things You Should Know About Being a Company of One
We've been reading Company of One by Paul Jarvis, a field guide for building and running your own business. Jarvis talks about sustainability, purpose vs. passion, a new form of marketing, banking social capital, time management, financial planning, and more. Here are 7 key ideas to apply to your music career.Resource list:Buy this book on AmazonBuy this book on Bookshop (support independent bookstores 🙌)The Practice (Seth Godin)7 Ways to Work on Your Business During Slow MonthsMaker's Schedule, Manager's Schedule (Paul Graham)What to read next:📚 See what's on our bookshelf + get curated reading recommendations for musicians, teachers, and entrepreneurs📖 Join the Musician & Co. Book Club + get a 4-week reading plan and links to our reviewsLet's be friends:📱 Find me on Instagram: @ashleydanyew✉️ Email me: hello@musicianandcompany.comWhenever you're ready, here are 3 ways we can work together:Looking to streamline your business workflows? Visit the ✨new✨ Musician & Co. shop + get customizable pre-written templates created specifically for self-employed musicians, starting at $37.Want to build a diversified portfolio career? Join the Musicpreneur Model and learn the essential business strategies you need as a classical musician in a post-pandemic, AI-generated world + use our proven model to build a portfolio career that's unique to you.Ready to work with us 1:1? From music career advising to professional writing reviews to brand and website audits, we'll bring our best business skills to the table to help you manage and curate your music career.DISCLAIMER: This description contains affiliate links, which means if you decide to purchase through any of them, I will earn a small commission. This supports the Musician & Co. blog and allows me to continue creating free content (like hosting this book club). Thank you for your support! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 1, 2023 • 15min
Are We Learning From Our Mistakes?
This last month, we've been reading The Perfect Wrong Note: Learning to Trust Your Musical Self by award-winning pianist and pedagogue William Westney.This book is all about embracing mistakes, recognizing the value of these moments and what they have to teach us, and cultivating this mindset in our students. Today, I'm sharing four practical insights for musicians and teachers of all instruments.Resource list:Buy this book on AmazonBuy this book on Bookshop (support independent bookstores 🙌)What to read next:📚 See what's on our bookshelf + get curated reading recommendations for musicians, teachers, and entrepreneurs📖 Join the Musician & Co. Book Club + get a 4-week reading plan and links to our reviewsLet's be friends:📱 Find me on Instagram: @ashleydanyew✉️ Email me: hello@musicianandcompany.comWhenever you're ready, here are 3 ways we can work together:Looking to streamline your business workflows? Visit the ✨new✨ Musician & Co. shop + get customizable pre-written templates created specifically for self-employed musicians, starting at $37.Want to build a diversified portfolio career? Join the Musicpreneur Model and learn the essential business strategies you need as a classical musician in a post-pandemic, AI-generated world + use our proven model to build a portfolio career that's unique to you.Ready to work with us 1:1? From music career advising to professional writing reviews to brand and website audits, we'll bring our best business skills to the table to help you manage and curate your music career.DISCLAIMER: This description contains affiliate links, which means if you decide to purchase through any of them, I will earn a small commission. This helps support the Musician & Co. blog and allows me to continue creating free content (like hosting this book club). Thank you for your support! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 1, 2023 • 17min
Seth Godin's "The Practice"
This past month, we've been reading The Practice: Shipping Creative Work by New York Times bestselling author and entrepreneur Seth Godin. This book is about cultivating a creative practice for your work: a routine that helps you show up consistently, tune out distractions, and get to work.Through a series of mini-chapters, Godin explores topics such as creating without guarantees, focusing on generosity over outcomes, embracing imposter syndrome (not trying to beat it or overcome it), and leaning into tension in our work as a means to create change. Let's begin.Resource list:Buy this book on AmazonBuy this book on Bookshop (support independent bookstores 🙌)How to Navigate the Imposter Phenomenon As a Classical MusicianWhat to read next:📚 See what's on our bookshelf + get curated reading recommendations for musicians, teachers, and entrepreneurs📖 Join the Musician & Co. Book Club + get a 4-week reading plan and links to our reviewsLet's be friends:📱 Find me on Instagram: @ashleydanyew✉️ Email me: hello@musicianandcompany.comWhenever you're ready, here are 3 ways we can work together:Looking to streamline your business workflows? Visit the ✨new✨ Musician & Co. shop + get customizable pre-written templates created specifically for self-employed musicians, starting at $37.Want to build a diversified portfolio career? Join the Musicpreneur Model and learn the essential business strategies you need as a classical musician in a post-pandemic, AI-generated world + use our proven model to build a portfolio career that's unique to you.Ready to work with us 1:1? From music career advising to professional writing reviews to brand and website audits, we'll bring our best business skills to the table to help you manage and curate your music career.DISCLAIMER: This description contains affiliate links, which means if you decide to purchase through any of them, I will earn a small commission. This helps support the Musician & Co. blog and allows me to continue creating free content (like hosting this book club). Thank you for your support! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.