ISM- INTERVIEW ASSIGNMENT QUESTIONS

Student Name:
Printed Name of Person
Interviewed:
Role of Individual:

Victoria Isom

Period:7

Sonya Hern

Place of Business:

___Mentor ___Other Professional #1

Self- employed

Business Address:

3332 Duke Lane

Phone Number:

8323852934

Date of Interview:

April 20th

_X__Other Professional #2

Type of Interview: __X_ In Person ___ Telephone* ___Email*

*Documentation Required (Attach E-mail to Interview Verification Page)

1. For someone working in your field, please describe the fantasies versus realities of the job.
(fantasy vs. reality)
The fantasy is that lessons come up without me having to work to find them. I have to make a lot of
connections in order to sustain a business. Lots of planning and work go into every lesson before I even arrive at
the house.

2. What is your current educational level? What continuing education and training are required?
(educational level and requirements)
Foremost I am a pharmacist, so I have completed quite a bit of schooling. In terms of music its been more of a
hobby that Ive developed upon. Being knowledgeable in music theory and knowing how to play several
instruments are all very important components.

3. Please describe the typical day to day activities of someone working in your field.
(day-to-day activities)
Usually I meet my clients at their homes and bring the appropriate instruments with. I usually hang around and
teachfor about an hour or two and then I return home. Most of my lessons consist of learning scales and then
applying them to modern music.

Revised Fall 2013

4. How secure are you in your current position? What do you think is the future of your field?
(job security)
My position requires constant work as I always have to find new clients. Its a job that I do for fun instead
of the money since its so unstable. The field in general I view as shrinking. The internet has been providing
accessible information to people who are wanting to learn about music.

5. What is a typical (average or lowest to highest) salary of someone working in your field?
(salary)
I usually charge around $25 an hour. Other musicians tend to charge more but since I view this as a
hobby, Im flexible with prices.

6. What potential for growth is there in your field?

(growth potential)
In my field there is definitely potential for growth, but for me personally there isnt. I only have so many nights a
week and I cant take in more than three or four lessons Monday to Friday. Of course with any teacher I can
definitely improve my methods based on the response I get from my clients.

***Questions 7-10 will be created by the ISM student.

7. What is your favorite instrument to teach to children?
One time I gave several ukulele lessons to a high school student. Its such a practical instrument to use because of
its tiny size, and the sound that can come from a good ukulele is amazing.

8. How long do you see yourself running this business?

I want to run this business for as long as I have the time and I see a place for it. Kids are always going to be
learning music at the request of their parents, its just a question of how passionate about it they are.

9. When did you become so involved in music?

I started playing piano pretty late in my high school career so I also owe part of my passion for music to the
simple fact that I wasnt forced into it as others were. Through college I picked up other instruments and began
learning more and more.

Revised Fall 2013

10. Who are most of your clients?

I find them through mutual friends, neighbors and social networking sites. Ive had clients range from
the age of 6 to 58.

Interview Summary
What information from this interview will you select for your page typed,
bulleted list of research informationto be used in your presentation?

Revised Fall 2013