Hi, I'm Dawson White 👋
I grow musicians' careers from overwhelmed to unstoppable.
10+ years with Houston Grand Opera & Ballet Orchestras.
Performances in US, Canada, Europe, Walt Disney Hall, & Carnegie Hall.
Co-Founder of 3 arts nonprofits.
Featured on Fearless Artist Mastermind Podcast.
Coached 100+ musicians.
All before the age of 35.
"Dawson is filling a massive void in music education."
Drew Pattison, Professor - Oberlin Conservatory
Feel like your music education left you hanging?
You probably didn't sign up for…
✖ Pursuing all-state, college and professional auditions with no roadmap
✖ Juggling five jobs just to afford rent
✖ Being a one-person army: performer, teacher, marketer, accountant with no backup
✖ Getting vague advice like "just practice more" when you need career strategy
✖ Building a music business that burns you out
I've been there.
I love music but burned out plenty of times trying to build a career from scratch.
Here's what happens when you don't figure this out:
- Your passion becomes your biggest source of stress
- You keep trading time for money with no end in sight
- You consider leaving music altogether — like so many talented friends have
The truth? You're not behind. You're just stuck in a music career system that's broken.
Good news friends — the system is fixable.
Here's what I learned:
After earning all the degrees, going on the audition circuit, winning two jobs and teaching at numerous colleges…I was left with elite performance skills — and a debilitating autoimmune disease from the stress.
What saved my career wasn't more practice.
It was learning to manage my energy, time, and vision. Not just as an artist, but in three essential roles.👇
The Three Roles of a Thriving Musician
Every successful musician — from Vivaldi to Beyoncé — has mastered these:
ARTIST
Sharpen your sound. Elevate your technique. Gain expressive confidence. Win auditions.
CAREER DESIGNER
Discover your artistic identity. Define success. Manage your energy, time, and direction.
ENTREPRENEUR
Turn your skills into a music business. Build a studio, launch a nonprofit, grow your digital brand.
Where Do You Need Help?
Take the QuizWho I Help:
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High schoolers overwhelmed by all-state and college prep
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College students and grads trying to decode the audition circuit
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Burned-out teachers & admins craving artistic renewal
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Freelancers stuck in survival mode
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Musicians with a vision, but no map to get there
I'm here to help you build a career — and a life — that actually works.
And if you've read this far, you're already different from most musicians.
How I Work With Musicians
Fair warning: Aspire is a boutique coaching practice. I only work with 30 musicians at a time to ensure deep, personalized support. Currently working with 27.
Aspire Programs
Aspire Viola Academy
(AVA)
Artist Training
Performance and audition coaching for high school, college, and professional violists. Refine your viola tone, technique, and musical mindset for success. Prepare confidently for All-State, collegiate, and professional auditions.
Conscious Self-Management
(COSM)
Career Design Training
Burnout recovery and systems coaching tailored for musicians in transition. Design your personalized artist operating system to thrive creatively. Master sustainable scheduling, career clarity, and effective energy flow.
Business Incubator
(LAUNCH)
Entrepreneur Training
1:1 coaching to grow your studio, ensemble, brand, or creative business. Clarify your niche, develop offers, and sharpen your marketing message. Launch your music career with structure and confidence.
Want to apply? Reach out and we'll see what your goals look like.
Not a violist? Request an Academy for your instrument or voice.
Meet Me Live
I bring this artistry and business knowledge to stages, schools, and programs across the country and internationally.
Performances – Hear me live
Masterclasses – College masterclasses, All-State prep, ensemble coaching
Workshops – Entrepreneurship & Career presentations
Calendar & Booking
“A lot of what you said today spoke to me — not just as a professor, but as a person. The systems and frameworks you shared are more valuable than simply learning a concerto. They help students learn how to learn and build the skills to solve real problems in life and music. I think we should have you present every term.”
— Helen Callus, Professor of Viola, Northwestern University
Past Appearances:
Northwestern Univ.
Rice University
CU Boulder
University of Houston
Queens College · Baylor University · Stephen F. Austin State University American Festival For the Arts · Sam Houston State University and more
Want to Learn More?
I break down the full three-role framework on Fearless Artist Mastermind podcast, how I was 'allergic' to my own performance career and that success to me is building a life 👇
Testimonials
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Answers to Questions
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