Hidden Gems: Meet Jiye Hayden of After School Conservatory

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jiye Hayden.

Hi Jiye, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I opened the After School Conservatory (ASC) in October 2019, transitioning from a private music instructor to a business owner with a much broader scope of responsibility. Looking back, the timing was an incredible test of my resolve; the COVID-19 pandemic hit just three months after our grand opening.

Like so many others, we had to shut our doors, pivoting to online lessons to keep the school alive. Navigating that uncertainty was a daily challenge, and I lived with the very real fear of losing everything. Thankfully, with the unwavering support of my husband, we survived those early years.

However, a second disaster struck in February 2023. During a severe rainstorm, a giant tree collapsed onto our roof. The ceiling gave way, and the flooding destroyed our pianos, drums, and essential teaching equipment. While devastating, it became a turning point. We relocated to a new facility, and that move has been a tremendous blessing for the business.

Throughout this journey, my personal life has grown alongside my professional one; I started with two children and now have a family of six. Balancing the demands of a growing conservatory, my work as a gigging musician, and my role as an accompanist for the Las Virgenes School District has been a profound challenge, but I am incredibly proud of what I’ve built. Today, ASC is a thriving hub for music, theatre, and band programs, and I am committed to making it the premier music school in the Valley.”

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Over the last six years, surviving two major disasters meant my business required every ounce of my energy. Heartbreakingly, that meant having only seven days of rest after the births of my third and fourth children, Micah and Emma. My biggest struggle is the limited time I get with them, but I make sure that every moment I am home is overflowing with love for all four of my beautiful children.

As you know, we’re big fans of After School Conservatory . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
After School Conservatory is a premier music education center dedicated to nurturing talent through private and group instruction. Our expansive 8,000 sq. ft. facility features 14 dedicated practice rooms, equipped with eight grand pianos, Roland electric drum sets, and professional-grade gear. With a private internal stage, we provide the perfect environment for our specialized band and musical theater programs. Supported by a knowledgeable faculty and a welcoming administrative team, we pride ourselves on guiding every student with expertise and care. Don’t miss our highly-anticipated Summer Musical Theater and Band Camps!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.afterschoolconservatory.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afterschoolconservatory/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afterschoolconservatory