Creativity is the fuel that makes great ideas go. As we look around today it is evident that the world needs a fuel that isn't found in an oil or corn field. The world needs the fuel of creative minds! My goal is to ensure that every person who wants to be creative can reach their highest potential,and that those who want to build a life founded in their artistry can economically flourish! 

A lot of you only know me as a business person. Some of you may know me from clarinet conferences or other venues. Others of you were told to call me to get a new clarinet by someone you really respect. Still others of you might be interested in starting a business in a creative field and want to learn more. I have been in the retail instrument business for more than 25 years, but I also am interested in helping anyone who would like to pursue a career in the creative arts. My career has led me to grow multimillion dollar businesses, and I would like to share that know-how with you. At little bit more about me may help you see that I have built my life on helping others pursue their craft.

During my senior year at Northwestern University, I purchased National Clarinet Suppliers, Inc. Originally this business was started in the spare room of clarinetist, Julie DeRoche, DePaul University, however, when she became pregnant she decided to sell it. Fellow clarinetist Todd Nickow and I were customers of National Clarinet Suppliers, Inc., and we were both interested in buying it. We worked out the details and I bought it, while Todd went on to run his parents' business, which he is still running today.

When I bought this small business, I was at the top of my class at Northwestern, winning many solo competitions and significant prize money. In addition, I was studying with Robert Marcellus. Mark Nuccio, New York Philharmonic, David Jones, Kennedy Center Opera Orchestra, and Richard McDowell, University of Texas- Austin were some of my stand partners in orchestra and wind ensemble. I was certainly prepared to pursue and win a professional orchestral audition or teach at a prestigious university, as my peers have. However, the lure of being my own boss was intriguing because of its limitless creative potential.

While I really enjoyed playing the clarinet and was extremely good at it, I realized I was not interested in playing in an orchestra or teaching. I was interested in using my clarinetistry as a tool to be creative. I was interested in helping others further their creativity, and I was also interested in making money; if for no other reason than to be another to prove the adage that the arts are not lucrative. I am at heart a rebel, but always for a good cause!

That cause is helping creative people reach their professional as well as financial goals. I strongly believe that creating music is important to a human being's development. We all grow in life from being either an active participant or a listener of all artistic expression. Many who are artistic in this country are fighting for survival or the respect they deserve. Wanting to see the world change to respect and financially reward the creative artistic people of the world, I feel passionately committed to helping artists thrive. My businesses have helped many people realize their dreams of creating artistry for others and their own enjoyment, with the added benefit of being able to earn a lucrative living from these pursuits.

Currently, I am working on a book about entrepreneurship in the arts. This book contains insights and ideas about artistic development and career building. It is my hope that this book will teach you techniques to develop your skills as a creative person. Many of my students at DePaul have already benefited from these teachings and I wanted to bring this valuable information to a larger audience. My students repeatedly tell me that this is just the type of information they need to feel more secure in their choice of career. They also have shared that with this information they are more confident to go out and earn a solid living in their chosen art.

I am available to give workshops and presentations on how best to use artistic creativity to further your goals. I have presented to schools, small business development organizations, not for profits, and for profit organizations.

Feel free to call or email me for more information. If you would like to know more about my background, click here and listen to a recent podcast.

- Lisa Canning