Guitar teacher and Heartwoodguitar.com founder Rob Hampton joins Eric to share how a simple shift in mindset changed his life and career. Rob talks about The Jam, his all-day student concert that’s anything but a recital, and opens up about pricing, burnout, authenticity, and what it means to build a teaching life you love.

Whether you’re a music teacher, coach, or creative entrepreneur, this episode will help you re-evaluate what your time is worth...and inspire you to keep building with heart.

Learn more about Rob here.

www.heartwoodguitar.com

YouTube

🌊 Connect with us:

• Join a supportive community for teachers & creatives at the Fons Family Facebook Group
  a supportive community for teachers & creatives
• Follow on Instagram: @getfons
• Learn more about Fons
• TikTok: @getfons

How do we make arts education thrive in a world that’s changing faster than ever?

Eric interviews Angelica Cortez, Executive Director of the Suzuki Association of the Americas. She shares how curiosity is a leadership tool, the power of music to keep us human, and what it really means to serve teachers, students, and communities with intention. They trace Angelica’s journey from trumpet player to arts leader, discuss her work with YOLA and El Sistema USA, and look ahead at the role of AI, access, and collaboration in the future of music education.

🌊 Connect with us:

• Join a supportive community for teachers & creatives at the Fons Family Facebook Group
  a supportive community for teachers & creatives
• Follow on Instagram: @getfons
• Learn more about Fons
• TikTok: @getfons

How do you build a creative career that’s sustainable and joyful?

In this episode, pianist, vocalist, composer, and educator Brenda Earle Stokes joins Eric Branner to share practical lessons from her journey of balancing artistry, entrepreneurship, and education. After two decades in New York City, Brenda “downshifted” her life... moving home to Canada, redefining success, and finding renewed inspiration in simplicity and structure.

You’ll learn how she built The Versatile Musician, a thriving 1,200-video membership, by focusing on process over perfection; how to apply an engineer’s mindset to teaching and creative systems; and how to stay curious, consistent, and courageous over the long haul.

Whether you’re a music teacher, entrepreneur, or creative professional, this conversation will help you design a career that works... and a life that feels aligned.

Learn more about Brenda on Instagram IG @brendaearlestokes and @pianoandvoicewithbrenda

And YouTube Piano and Voice With Brenda

🌊 Connect with us:

• Join a supportive community for teachers & creatives at the Fons Family Facebook Group
  a supportive community for teachers & creatives
• Follow on Instagram: @getfons
• Learn more about Fons
• TikTok: @getfons