Ultimate Music Theory, founded by Glory St. Germain in 2008, is a transformative force in music education. The company’s mission is to simplify music theory, offering accessible and unforgettable learning experiences for musicians. Glory, alongside coauthor Shelagh McKibbon-U’Ren, has written over 60 books and orchestrated the Ultimate Music Theory Certification Course for Teachers, and UMT Membership with UMT Creative Design Manager Joanne Barker
The company’s unique approach goes beyond traditional music education, aiming to empower educators globally as leaders and entrepreneurs. Their core strength lies in a dedicated team and a vibrant community of Elite Educators, showcasing tangible impacts on educators’ lives. Ultimate Music Theory offers clients more than just courses; they become part of a supportive community championing personal and professional growth. Glory invites musicians and educators to explore their diverse offerings offerings at UltimateMusicTeachers.com and UltimateMusicTheory.com
The Ultimate Music Theory Journey
The Uk Times: Explain your background and your Company’s in detail.
Your Answer: The inception of Ultimate Music Theory was a symphony of my lifelong passion for music education. Imagine music as the very air we breathe, vital and invigorating. This philosophy resonated deeply with me, and it was this electrifying connection with music that led me to establish Ultimate Music Theory on December 1, 2008. My mission? To simplify music theory, transforming it into an accessible, effective, and unforgettable journey for musicians.
Alongside my editor/coauthor, Shelagh McKibbon-U’Ren, we’ve written over 60 books dedicated to music theory education. Our journey took us across North America, where we discovered music teachers with a thirst for a deeper understanding of teaching music theory. Responding to this need, we orchestrated the Ultimate Music Theory Certification Course for Teachers, with Shelagh playing a pivotal role as the UMTC Course Examiner.
My personal quest for knowledge led me to attain my Associate of the Royal Conservatory of Music (ARCT) Music Teacher Certification. But the learning didn’t stop there. I dove into the world of communication skills for educators and became a certified Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) Practitioner. This expertise harmonized beautifully with our UMT Certification Course, enabling me to infuse our program with NLP strategies and expand its reach globally through an innovative online format. This has allowed us to touch the lives of thousands of music educators worldwide, fostering a community where the melody of teaching and the rhythm of learning create a harmonious educational experience.
Empowering Music Educators Globally
The UK Times: What are your goals?
Your Answer: My goals and aspirations go beyond the traditional boundaries of music education; they’re about orchestrating a global transformation in the way music is taught and learned. I envision a world where music educators are not just teachers, but architects of dreams, builders of confidence, and catalysts for change. This vision is what drives me to empower music educators globally with simple yet powerful systems and strategies to help them cultivate a thriving, six-figure music teaching business.
The heart of this mission is our Music Business Mastery, an integral part of our online UMTC Elite Educator Program. It’s more than just a course; it’s a journey towards mastering the art of running a productive and profitable music teaching business.
As I often say, ‘Your mindset, thoughts, and inner voice have the power to orchestrate the symphony of your external world. This belief is the cornerstone of our approach.
We’re not just teaching music; we’re empowering educators to become leaders, entrepreneurs, and visionaries. This goal is my passion, my commitment, and my promise to the world of music education.
Ultimate Music Theory’s Core Strength
The UK Times: What do you feel is the biggest strength of “ULTIMATEMUSICTHEORY” right now?
Your Answer: The core strength of Ultimate Music Theory lies in the harmonious symphony created by our UMT Team – a group of passionate, experienced musicians and educators who are the backbone of our online programs, workbooks, and live teacher training sessions. This team fuels the momentum and heartbeat of UMT, propelling us forward each month with unwavering dedication and expertise.
At the heart of our success is the Ultimate Music Theory Teachers Community, a dynamic network of Elite Educators committed to lifelong learning within our UMTC Elite Educator Coaching Program. This vibrant community thrives on mutual support, shared knowledge, and continuous professional development.
What truly sets us apart is the tangible impact we have on the lives of our educators and, through them, their students. Take, for example, one of our educators who joined us with reservations about adopting a new teaching method. Through the resources and support offered in our UMTC Elite Educator Program, she not only transformed her teaching style but also experienced remarkable growth in her career – doubling her student base and tripling her income. This success story is a testament to the real-world effectiveness of our approach and the empowering influence of our UMT Membership Coaching Program. It’s these achievements that underscore the strength and potential of Ultimate Music Theory.
Navigating Peaks and Valleys
The UK Times: What was the path you took to get to where you are today?
Your Answer: My journey to where I stand today has been an odyssey of scaling peaks and navigating valleys, underpinned by an unwavering belief in the process and a steadfast refusal to give up. Each step has been a lesson in itself – from mastering the art of crafting effective music theory workbooks to navigating the intricate world of book publishing and forging meaningful connections with teachers and retailers for our UMT Books.
In this adventure, I’ve encountered my share of obstacles and have had to revisit and revise my strategies to stay in tune with the evolving landscape of music education. A guiding beacon in this journey has been the profound wisdom of Ignacio Estrada: ‘If a child can’t learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they learn.’ This insight became a turning point, igniting a passion to understand and adapt to the unique learning styles of each student.
Embracing this revelation, I reached out to fellow educators, musicians, composers, and course creators to explore their WHY – understanding what drives them and how it contributes to their success. This quest led to an extraordinary milestone in 2021 when I became a 5-time international best-selling author with the creation of the Power of WHY Musicians Anthology Book Series. This series, which features 125 Authors/Contributors, delves into the success stories of various individuals, revealing their motivations and pathways to achieving their dreams in music. The Power of WHY Musicians is a testament to these journeys and is available for exploration on Amazon.com/ultimate music theory.
Each mountain climbed and valley traversed on this path has been instrumental in shaping the narrative of my career and the evolution of Ultimate Music Theory.
Ultimate Music Theory’s Origin Story
The UK Times: Why did you start “ULTIMATEMUSICTHEORY”?
Your Answer: The birth of Ultimate Music Theory was rooted in a profound moment of realization within my own teaching studio. I observed my students grappling with existing materials, progressing far slower than their potential allowed. It became clear to me that the issue lay in the educational resources available to them – they simply weren’t facilitating complete comprehension, which in turn was impacting my teaching effectiveness.
Driven by the lack of suitable materials that resonated with my teaching philosophy, I decided to take a transformative step – to create what was missing. This decision wasn’t just about crafting a new program; it was about revolutionizing the approach to music theory education. What initially started as a vision to develop three Ultimate Music Theory Books rapidly evolved into something much greater? It sparked the creation of our comprehensive Ultimate Music Theory Workbook program.
This wasn’t just the development of new educational materials; it was the beginning of a global music education movement. Our program, born from the need to enhance learning and teaching experiences, has now extended its reach far beyond my initial expectations, touching the lives of musicians and educators all around the world. The genesis of Ultimate Music Theory was more than just a moment of clarity – it was the catalyst for a global educational transformation.
Mastering the Art of Leading with Passion
The UK Times: What have been the biggest challenges you’ve had to overcome during the journey of your leadership?
Your Answer: In my leadership journey, the pivotal challenge was mastering the art of leading itself. Assuming the role of a CEO and assembling a team doesn’t automatically bestow exceptional leadership skills. It was through a deep dive into the core tenets of leadership, such as team dynamics, effective coaching, and the art of building lasting relationships, that I was able to cultivate the Ultimate Music Theory Dream Team, now thriving across six countries and supporting musicians in 38 countries globally.
A key ingredient in this transformation was the understanding that true leadership extends beyond mere management. It’s about nurturing and elevating those around you. My personal ‘Everest’ was realizing that effective leadership hinges on continuous personal growth in mentorship and relationship-building. These elements became the bedrock of our team, transforming the way we inspire and empower each other in our collective mission.
A Single Word that Defines Ultimate Music Theory
The UK Times: Give us one word that describes you the best.
Your Answer: The single word encapsulating my essence is ‘GRATITUDE.’ This sentiment profoundly influences my perspective and business ethos, as it embodies my deep appreciation and gratitude for the myriad of opportunities that allow me to foster confidence, establish connections, nurture, and rejoice in the accomplishments of music teachers. These educators are instrumental in enriching lives through music. ‘GRATITUDE’ is a constant reminder of our shared path in music education and the remarkable difference we can achieve in unison.
The Ultimate Vision
The UK Times: What do you value the most about “ULTIMATEMUSICTHEORY” vision?
Your Answer: The vision of Ultimate Music Theory is not just a powerful statement about the importance of music education, but it’s a testament to what I value most: the transformative impact of music on both personal and cognitive development. At the heart of this vision is the conviction that Music Matters deeply, influencing every aspect of our lives. Our commitment is to ensure everyone has the opportunity to explore music education, unlocking avenues for self-expression, creativity, interpretation, composition, and improvisation.
What I value most in our vision is its emphasis on music education as a catalyst for cognitive enhancement. Learning to play a musical instrument is more than an artistic pursuit; it’s a bridge connecting the analytical and creative hemispheres of the brain. This interaction fosters improved learning, memory, fine motor skills, and both verbal and non-verbal reasoning, culminating in a more adept and versatile mind.
Our vision is a beacon in the world of music education, transcending the traditional focus on notes and rhythms to embrace a broader, more holistic approach. It’s about nurturing cognitive development, creativity, and self-expression. I deeply value our stance that music education is a right, not a privilege, and our unwavering commitment to uphold this right globally. This philosophy aligns with the humorous wisdom from my mother that “teaching music makes you better looking,” a lighthearted reminder of the joy and unexpected benefits that music education can bring. In essence, Ultimate Music Theory’s vision is about enriching not just minds but also the human spirit through the power of music.
Innovative Strategies Setting Ultimate Music Theory Apart
The UK Times: What are the strategies of “ULTIMATEMUSICTHEORY” and how do you stand unique from your competitors?
Your Answer: Ultimate Music Theory stands out in the field of music education, thanks to our steadfast commitment to Never Ending Professional Development (NEPD). This principle guides our strategy to elevate the skills of music educators and musicians on a global scale, extending our reach beyond traditional book publishing and online course offerings. Our goal is to create a worldwide pathway to success in music education.
A key aspect of our strategy is our innovative approach, which includes our UMT Brand Positioning, positioning us as thought leaders in the industry. We utilize our Ultimate Music Theory YouTube Channel as an educational hub and host the Global Ultimate Music Teachers Summits, featuring industry experts. The Ultimate Music Teachers Productivity & Profitability Podcast further cements our position, bringing insights from top music industry leaders and educators to a wide audience.
Social media plays a critical role in our approach, with platforms like our Ultimate Music Theory Facebook Page, Instagram, and LinkedIn enabling us to build a vibrant, interactive community. These spaces are essential for engaging with musicians and educators, fostering relationships, initiating meaningful conversations, and leveraging the extensive reach of social media to enhance our visibility and share relevant content with our clients.
In our quest to provide comprehensive educational resources, we are proud of our publications through our Gloryland Publishing Company, including the Ultimate Music Theory Series, the Power of WHY Musicians Series, and the upcoming ‘The Ultimate Music Teachers Guide – 12 Key Strategies to Unleash Your Entrepreneurial Superpowers.’ This guide is tailored to inspire teaching with passion, purpose, and profitability.
Additionally, our collaboration with Brainscape in developing the Ultimate Music Theory Flashcards App, which correlates with the Ultimate Music Theory Workbook Series, exemplifies our innovative spirit. This partnership has allowed us to create an interactive and effective learning tool, further enriching the educational experience for our users. This blend of traditional and digital learning tools underscores our dedication to NEPD and sets us apart in the music education landscape.
The 5 P’s of Ultimate Music Theory
The UK Times: What are the key values which helped you to overcome the challenges in your path? Tell us something about your memorable incident in your leadership?
Your Answer: Central to my ability to navigate challenges has been a set of core values I refer to as the 5 P’s: persistence, perseverance, patience, practice, and productivity. My guiding mantra is that what may seem overwhelming is, in fact, a gateway to opportunity. This perspective was powerfully reinforced in my 2022 TEDx Talk “Overcoming the Overwhelm” at TEDxPrahladnagarWomen, where I reflected on pivotal moments in my life that helped me surmount three significant challenges. In moments of adversity, I find strength by looking back at the journey I’ve traversed, with each step a testament to my resilience and dedication to my goals.
A particularly defining moment in my leadership journey occurred during my 2021 TEDx Talk “3 Secrets to Unlock Your Students’ Success” at TEDxLenoxVillageStudio. This talk marked a full circle, taking me back to my roots as a music teacher, evolving into an author, then a business entrepreneur, and finally, a coach for music educators.
My understanding of leadership is akin to the role of a conductor rather than a commander. It’s about harmonizing team-building and communication skills, not just about generating ideas but also effectively bringing them to fruition. True leadership lies in empowering your team, especially in challenging times, focusing energy and resources to achieve objectives. It embodies humility, gratitude, vision, a culture of excellence, and being a results-driven role model.
As I often say, “Music Teachers are like the conductor of the orchestra, creating a vision with clarity and a strategic plan.” This belief is at the heart of our company culture, where the 5 P’s guide us to view challenges as opportunities for growth and innovation.
Envisioning the Future
The UK Times: How do you see the company changing in two years, and how do you see yourself creating that change?
Your Answer: The landscape of the Ultimate Music Theory Company is continuously shifting, reflecting our commitment to growth and innovation. Over the next two years, we anticipate significant advancements, including the launch of our second Ultimate Music Theory Flashcards App in collaboration with Brainscape. We’re also poised to host a variety of workshops, both online and in-person, and to expand our repertoire of engaging games (created by our UMT Games designer Joanne Barker), resources, and training within our Ultimate Music Teachers Membership.
My role in driving this change is rooted in my visionary nature, bolstered by the collective strength and shared vision of my outstanding UMT Dream Team (supported by my Executive Assistant Leanna Minnick). We are united in our belief in the power of music and its essential role in the world. A world devoid of music is unfathomable to us; it’s a world we cannot and do not want to imagine. Music, music teachers, and musicians are indispensable to the fabric of our global community.
Embracing the intersections of technology, artificial intelligence, creativity, and the myriad opportunities they present in both education and entertainment is key to our future. In the coming two years, I envision a transformative integration of technology and AI within the realm of music education. My mission as a visionary is to guide Ultimate Music Theory towards these new frontiers, ensuring we continue to lead and innovate in the sphere of educational advancement.
Beyond Courses to Personal and Professional Growth
The UK Times: What benefits are your clients getting from “ULTIMATEMUSICTHEORY” in this competitive world?
Your Answer: At Ultimate Music Theory, the benefits we offer our clients extend far beyond the usual community, connection, and courses. At the core of our approach is a commitment to listening with the intent to learn, not merely to respond. This philosophy ensures that our interactions with clients are deeply rooted in understanding and supporting their growth aspirations.
Our dedication to our clients is absolute; we are 100% invested in their development. We aim not only to elevate their income and impact their teaching methods but also to ignite their passion for making a difference in the musical world. Our goal is to empower them to unlock their unique superpowers and build successful 6-figure music teaching businesses, thereby enabling them to leave a lasting legacy in the world of music.
Our clients receive more than just educational content; they become part of a nurturing community that actively champions their personal and professional growth. A testament to this is the story of a client who, utilizing our resources, not only enhanced her teaching abilities but also successfully established a thriving music teaching business. At Ultimate Music Theory, we’re not just educating; we’re empowering music educators to create significant and lasting impacts in the world of music.
Closing Thoughts from Glory St. Germain
The UK Times: Would you like to say anything else to our viewers?
Your Answer: I extend an enthusiastic invitation to all – from budding musicians to experienced educators – to delve into the diverse offerings of Ultimate Music Theory. Our platform is a treasure trove of resources, including innovative workbooks, comprehensive courses, insightful podcasts, and an informative YouTube channel. Whether you’re deeply ingrained in the music industry or simply someone who reveres the transformative power of music, we welcome you with open arms.
Discover our world at UltimateMusicTeachers.com and UltimateMusicTheory.com, where we unite under a shared passion for music and its educational power.
Together, let’s embark on a harmonious journey that transforms lives and reshapes the future of music education. Every note you teach, every chord you play, contributes to a symphony of global change.
In the spirit of music and learning, remember that “Goals set with accountability and tools for mastery of execution are the greatest motivation for achievement.” This conviction drives us at Ultimate Music Theory to inspire and empower, leading to your highest musical and educational aspirations.
~Glory St. Germain
BIO: Glory St. Germain Founder/CEO, TEDx Speaker, International Bestselling Author 60+ Ultimate Music Theory Books & The Power of WHY Musicians Series. St. Germain is an award-winning speaker, Host of the Ultimate Music Teachers Productivity & Profitability Podcast, Host of Global Music Teachers Summits, Expert Coach & Creator of the Ultimate Music Theory Certification Course and UMTC Elite Educator Program.
Glory St. Germain ARCT RMT MYCC UMTC is the music theory expert!
St. Germain brings remarkably successful teaching experience to the development of the Ultimate Music Theory Program through the:
- Ultimate Music Theory Workbook & App Program
- Ultimate Music Theory Teachers Membership and
- UMTC Elite Educator Program & UMT Certification Course
Glory St. Germain is a thought leader and has shared the Women Rocking Business stage with Sage Lavine, speaking and inspiring thousands of industry leaders and entrepreneurs.
St. Germain is a Neuro-Linguistic Practitioner (NLP) which she incorporates into her teacher training. She has held positions in many music teacher organizations and associations.
St. Germain’s passion for teaching excellence sets a new standard of achievement in Music Theory Education – helping teachers Elevate their Income, Impact their Teaching and Grow their Expert Music Teaching Business in the UMTC Elite Educator Program.
St. Germain ‘s motto is “Teach with Passion!”
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