Today we’d like to introduce you to Dani Fiore.
Hi Dani, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
In 2023 I was looking forward to my summer break and wrapping up another great year as a music educator at a private lesson studio. It was my 5th year at this organization and my schedule was full, students were thriving. I had no idea I was about to be launched into the next amazing chapter of my life and career. The catalyst? Discrimination and harassment are not things I experienced often, but that’s exactly what fueled the birth of Empowered Music, my very own music studio.
I was not prepared to be a business owner, but when it comes to standing up for the right thing for my students and I, I really felt like there was no other option. One of the directors of the studio (out of the blue after 5 years of working together) began harassing me about my classroom: A small pride sticker that read, “All students are safe in this space.” An info-graphic on inclusive language. A poster on my door letting all my diverse students know they are seen and welcome in my classroom for exactly who they are. The shortest version of the story is, upon refusal to remove these items (which he had no authority to even request), the harassment escalated. But I refused to back down until it became unsafe for me to continue working there. I only lasted until the week or 2 before my break. After I found my belongings missing or in the trash, I walked out. I taught my students out of my home for those two weeks while I made a plan.
With zero business education and only $6,000 in my savings account, I found a small building to rent in Camp Hill in a beautiful, busy area. This was a huge risk! When I left the old studio, 3 other instructors quit and 2 of them came with me to start fresh in a more positive and welcoming environment. I applied and was accepted into a business education program for Transgender business owners, and along with that came a grant to become certified as an LGBT Business Enterprise with the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. Between that opportunity, community and family support, Empowered Music was well on its way to serve the community!
There has been a lot of growth and many changes over the last 3 years. Last summer we expanded after quickly outgrowing our first location. We now have 2 buildings, 10 instructors, a youth program, workshops, group classes, organized trips, concerts, and our very own festival!
When I was at the old studio, I could never have imagined all the things I am doing now. And the name speaks for itself: We are Empowered!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It took about two years for the harassment charges I filed against the organization to become resolved. I did win – but even that was bittersweet. I wasn’t after money (I hardly received any), I was after the documentation of anti-LGBT harassment. I wanted what happened to me, what happens to so many minority groups, written down for everyone to see and learn from.
As a small business, we deal with all the usual challenges that come with that territory: not having enough time to wear all the hats necessary, working around the clock with bills rolling in constantly.
There’s also the fear of retaliation for being “out” as a transgender individual. I make that choice to help others find us when they need to. I make that choice so that other LGBT professionals, artists, and educators know that they’re going to have a great time working somewhere they can be themselves and do their jobs without the weight of having to hide their authenticity. I make this choice so students never need to wonder if it’s safe to tell me challenging. I believe this frees us to do our best work and I firmly believe the statistics that tell us this saves lives.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Primarily, I am a drummer, educator, and drum circle facilitator. I specialize in working with people (musicians and non-musicians alike) to help them use music either for performance or as a wellness tool. In my classroom I am mostly working with students and challenging the barriers around them to pave a way for their self-expression. That might look like a live performance at one of our concerts, producing a video of a student playing their favorite song, auditioning for the talent show, or getting on stage at the open mic.
Outside the classroom I work with different communities facilitating drum circles for wellness. Populations I love working with most are people recovering from substance use disorders/mental health diagnoses, older adults, and queer youth.
I am known for making education fun and making people laugh while they learn. Empowered Music is different because we help anyone who walks in immediately feel at home and ready to achieve things they didn’t think they could.
What’s different about us is that all of our instructors are also performers currently working and performing in the music industry. This is important because it says that music and performance is what we’re all about. Teaching music isn’t just a side-gig or a hobby for us. We can mentor our students right into the professional side of the industry if they are interested.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Seeing a student have a breakthrough is one of the best gifts of music education. This makes me remember what it was like for me as a new musician and how exciting everything was in the beginning. Watching my students jump over their hurdles keeps me jumping over mine.
Also, seeing a resistant participant (in a drum circle) work through their hesitation and skepticism. When they walk away and say, “That was the best thing ever!” It means I made a connection that day and something I taught affected that person in a meaningful way, hopefully to continue to have a positive impact on them in the future.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.empoweredmusicpa.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empoweredmusicpa/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/empoweredmusicpa
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DaniFiore
- Other: https://www.patreon.com/empoweredmusic
