We had the good fortune of connecting with David Taub and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi David, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
There were several reasons why I wanted to start my own business. They were all important to me and not in any order but first I wanted to do something that I loved and was passionate about. And I wanted to bring my passion and share my teaching with as many people as possible. I wanted to be in a creative space where I could call the artistic shots. I totally believe in the words….”if possible, do what you love and are passionate about for your “job”, and you will never work another day in your life”. Another reason was that I didn’t want to work for others anymore. I was coming off some very negative work experiences in the corporate world and instead of feathering their own nest so to speak, I wanted to start to feather mine. So when I started my own business back in 2005 one of the main goals was never to work for someone else again for the rest of my life. Taking that first step was a big risk but I believe that risk is a very necessary thing and great rewards require great risks
Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
A little about Next Level GUitar Inc.. We were of the first to offer video online guitar instruction starting way back in 2005, even before YouTube was really on the radar. We have taught hundreds of thousands of students all over the world via our online video curriculum at www.NextLevelGuitar.com, our digital download and DVD instructional courses, and via our YouTube Channels. Our main YouTube channel is always listed in the top ten of guitar instruction channels and combined we have over 165 million views and 411,000 subscribers – and counting! Our Next Level Guitar FaceBook page has over 25,000 followers. I feel that my unique teaching style has helped me to connect to students all over the world and through that connection I can help teach the joys of playing and creating music. I tend to put myself in the student’s shoes and teach from that perspective. Always tweaking my lessons and curriculum to make them the best possible content and most user friendly. Business wise the space has changed so much since way back in 2005 and continues to evolve today. So you have to be able to adapt all while still churning out the best possible content and maintaining a relationship with your students, customers, fans, email lists, and industry contacts.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am very lucky that I live in San Diego California as there are so many amazing sights and things to do. As well as the weather is some of the best in the world. San Diego is a collection of beach towns spread up the coast with a small city and other pockets of urban coolness and hip. So you get everything. As well as you can hit the beach but then also be in the mountains in a 90 minutes or take a trip out to the many dessert areas. All within two hours. All the beaches have their own little vibe that I find charming. Moonlight Beach in Encinitas, La Jolla Shores, Wind & Sea in La Jolla, Del Mar Dog Beach, Ocean Beach Dog Beach, Ponto in Carlsbad, Oceanside Pier and many more! Plus great snorkeling in La Jolla Cove and good surf with many beach breaks and even a few reef breaks. Plus I love the hip more urban areas closer to downtown San Diego like Hillcrest, North Park, Kensington, and more. So many great bars and restaurants and plenty of cool coffee shops and cafes! The museums in Balboa park are super cool and a must see also.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shoutout to my business partner Tim Gilberg. Tim was a former guitar student of mine and together we created Next Level Guitar in 2005. He is an expert marketer, computer/branding guru, and has tremendous business acumen and vision. He set the goals very high – and together we went out and achieved them.
Website: http://www.NextLevelGuitar.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Free-Guitar-Lessons-From-Next-Level-Guitar-162335850468702/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/rockongoodpeople
Other: Epic Guitar Instruction – my other YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNW063dLRHCz1nM4cUcqG7g