Taking Care of Business: Business Model 101 for Teaching

For Berklee alumni, the option to teach lessons can be a wonderful avenue for additional income; however, the art and work of teaching comes with its own set of different available paths and challenges.

Join Tanisha Hall B.M. ‘98 and Roberto Hermosillo M.M. ‘15 for an overview of the different options available for music teachers and some lessons learned in establishing themselves as teachers and in growing their respective communities.

Participants will:

• Hear perspectives around working for yourself vs. another entity
• Receive guidance around tools that can help support a balanced, organized experience
• Gain greater understanding of how to work towards a consistent desired schedule

Alumni Bios:

In September 2011, Tanisha Hall B.M. ‘98 founded the White Hall Arts Academy - a contemporary performing arts academy located in South Los Angeles. Through the White Hall Arts Academy, Tanisha has reached thousands through individual music lessons, group classes and community programs.

Some of Tanisha’s students have been featured on The Voice, American Idol, America’s Got Talent, Tyler Perry’s Meet The Paynes’, Netflix series “On My Block”, “No Good Nick” and “Trinkets” as well as many other movies, series and commercials. Success for WHAA students has not been limited to stage and screen, clients like Ant Clemons received Billboard #1 Pop song “My Oh My” by Camila Cabello. Prior to launching White Hall Arts Academy, Tanisha enjoyed a career working in many aspects of the music industry. In 2013, Shanice released the single “Tomorrow” a song co-written by Shanice and Tanisha. On August 24, 2020 Hall released her debut single “Dear Love”.

Tanisha has secured contracts to provide music education services at after school programs throughout Los Angeles and neighboring cities of Inglewood and Compton. In 2014, Tanisha was contracted by the City of Los Angeles to administer the Department of Cultural Affairs Music LA Program at two city facilities. After two years, the city contract ended, however, Ms. Hall continues to fund the rebranded program “Music 4LA” at the White Hall Arts Academy serving over 150 South Los Angeles children annually.

Tanisha has also devoted a large portion of her time to impacting the lives of under-served Los Angeles youth since 2003 as a foster parent and is currently a devoted mother to 4 of her former foster children. She also serves her local community as a music minister at Ashanti United Church, teaching music at a CRETE charter school in South Los Angeles and is a member of NARAS, Ovation Stand For The Arts Coalition, South LA Arts Collective and many other arts based organizations.

Tanisha’s daily mantra says it best, “Give God your best, and he will do the rest!”

Roberto Hermosillo ‘15 is a world class musician dedicated to using his skills and expertise to touch the hearts of people across the globe. Whether entertaining international audiences or inspiring hundreds of students, he brings enthusiasm and artistry to stages, recordings studios, and classrooms.

A singer-songwriter with multiple recordings to his credit, his music has been heard by millions. He’s performed internationally throughout Latin America as well as in Austria, Germany, Spain and across the U.S. alongside Latin Rock legend Jarabe de Palo, Beatriz Solis, and GRAMMY Winning guitarist El Twanguero. On TV, Roberto was a featured musician on the soundtrack for the FX show MAYANS M.C. He also appeared on the show as an actor.

He is a proud graduate of Chaffey College, Pepperdine University, and was the first Mexican guitarist to ever receive a Master of Music in Contemporary Performance (Production Concentration) from Berklee College of Music. Roberto teaches privately through his own music school, and when he’s not teaching, performing, writing or composing, Roberto enjoys skateboarding, hiking and playing video games.