417: Being a SAVVY Music Teacher with David Cutler

In this episode, I’m joined by returning guest Dr. David Cutler, an award-winning composer, pianist, educator, and one of the world’s leading voices in arts entrepreneurship. David is back to share fresh insights from his upcoming book, The Savvy Musician 2.0. We explore how music teachers can amplify their income, impact, and inspiration while building innovative and fulfilling careers. From creative performance practice to defining your unique niche, this conversation is packed with bold ideas to help you grow as both an educator and entrepreneur.

• David shared his new book The Savvy Musician 2.0, a sequel to his widely influential original.
• Why success is not about choosing between money and meaning but about aligning all three.
• He highlighted that being “savvy” means being strategic, creative, and intentional.
• The value of cross-industry inspiration as key to fresh thinking and innovation in music education.
• How listening to diverse stories helped him discover unexpected, deeply inspiring ideas for the book.
• David noted that innovation often comes from applying ideas in new contexts.
• He challenged the perception that classical musicians should only recreate composers’ intent.
• The concept of Creative Performance Practice, which invites students to co-create with composers.
• How teachers can help students build ownership and decision-making by embracing creativity.
• The limitations of popular terms like “entrepreneur” or “innovator” and why “savvy” is more inclusive.
• He encouraged music teachers to ask better questions that unlock bold, unconventional answers.
• David predicted that by 2050, music education will rely on immersive virtual environments and AI, but human creativity will remain irreplaceable.
• He emphasized that savvy teachers of the future will be those who help students develop the human skills that technology can’t replicate.

Guest Links Mentioned

• David's Website: SavvyMusician.com
• David's Book: The Savvy Musician 2.0: Amplifying Impact, Income, and Inspiration
• David's Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/drdavidcutler
• David's LinkedIn Profile: www.linkdin.com/in/davidjcutler
• The Puzzler Company

Links Mentioned

• TTTV043: Building Impact and Income with David Cutler
• TopCast 412: Cracking the Code: Studio Business Lessons from My Chiropractor
• TopCast 416: Bundling: How to Position Your Music Studio for Value, Not Price
• If you’d like to read David’s full article, download your copy of TopMusic Magazine, free at topmusic.co/magazine.

Today's Guest

An award-winning, multi-genre composer, pianist, and Yamaha Master Educator, Dr. David Cutler balances a varied...