Beyond Measure: A Podcast for Piano Teachers with Christina Whitlock

Musicians are not defined by the number of hours they practice, the kinds of performances they give, or whether or not they have a teacher. Helping our students realize this (as well as reminding ourselves of the same) is an important step towards finding joy in making music.

This one's been brewing for awhile, friends: It's time to take a tough look inward, recognizing how our expectations support the idea of making things better for up-and-coming generations, and - well - how they don't.

Focus On That Which Will Last: These are words that save me ALL THE TIME in my personal and professional life. But what does this look like in studio music teacher life? That's what we're looking at in episode 144.

Today, we're talking about finding success with the most polarizing device in all of music teaching: the metronome.​

Inspired by the well-known philosophy of Frances Clark, today I'm sharing a handful of my (many!) thoughts related to the true role of a method series in our teaching.

One of the fascinating mind games of MusicTeacherWorld is this: we have to simultaneously accept the fact that (1) we have much knowledge worth sharing, and (2) we have so much to learn. Today, Christina offers a permission slip to embrace BOTH of these truths.

Today, we talk about naming things that may have gone un-named in your studio. Listen in for an important discussion on the Emotional Labor of Teaching.

Today, Christina dishes out a bit of tough love for those of us (ahem) who are conflict-avoidant and prefer to "hide" behind written policies. Oh yeah, it's a good one...

Inspired by an enthusiastic response to a particular One Thought Thursday email, today we are BOLDLY naming the things we do NOT do.

The ninth and FINAL stop on our summer bookshelf tour is here, friends! I am excited to wrap up this series with a timeless piano teacher classic.

Today's episode covers a (maybe?) unlikely piano-teacher recommendation, exploring the "Epidemic of Stress and Anxiety in Girls". We are better teachers when we understand the struggles facing our students outside our studio walls, and Dr. Damour offers a thorough-yet-hopeful glimpse into her life's work here.

Phew! This is a BIG topic to handle in my usually-bite-sized show. Listen in for ways I utilize MLT-inspired philosophies in my teaching.

Today, we look at the real causes of (and preventions for) that nasty thing called Burnout.

Today, we examine what I consider to be the Anthem of Creative Living for artists in many disciplines: Big Magic, by Elizabeth Gilbert.

Our fourth stop on the Summer Bookshelf Tour is a fabulous journey into the world of mindfulness. It comes with an abundance of reflection tools, breathing exercises, and heaps of research to help us approach our students as informed educators. Join Christina for a peek into one of her must-reads for musicians.

Our third stop on the Summer Bookshelf Tour is a work I re-read every January because it's THAT good. The Gifts of Imperfection holds a multitude of truths for musicians, teachers, and humans alike.

Our second stop on the Summer Bookshelf Tour is Christina's most-recommended music text: Intelligent Music Teaching, by Robert Duke.

Cue the party horns! Today, Christina launches her first-ever SUMMER SERIES on the podcast. Each week through June/July, she will be sharing three takeaways from a book that has made a significant impact on her #MusicTeacherLife.

SURPRISE, FRIENDS! It's my first-ever BONUS episode, focusing on my continued obsession with the legacies we learn from, and those we leave...

Today's episode is part of a three-way podcast takeover, featuring myself, Nicola Cantan (of Vibrant Music Teaching), and Tim Topham (of Integrated Music Teaching).

We are all tackling the question of, "What three things you would change right now if you could?" and - let me tell you - our answers are ALL distinct and thought-provoking. You'll want to listen to all three podcasts, because they'll give you plenty things to ponder all summer long.

Catch MY three responses on Tim's show, The Integrated Music Teaching Podcast. You can find HIS responses on Nicola's show, The Vibrant Music Teaching Podcast. That means you'll find Nicola featured here today on the Beyond Measure Podcast.

Phew! SO MUCH FUN.

Research shows standardized tests only measure academic progress for a specific type of student. Let's not be guilty of the same phenomenon when it comes to assessing progress in our music students.

Today, we talk about the serious distinction between music teacher and counselor, all while helping students discover music as a lifeline for difficult times.

There seems to be a lot of chatter in TeacherWorld over dismissing students. Today, Christina explores when this is a necessary step, and when there might be other options.

Today we pay homage to the students who surprise us - in the very best of ways.

We’re really going for it; talking about a rarely-discussed aspect of establishing tuition rates today. Money stirs up different emotions in all of us, but I hope this episode encourages the dreamer inside of you.

Do you ever struggle to move on from a less-than-optimal lesson? Join Christina today as she reminds you of the importance of the sum of the whole.

Christina is summoning her Bossy Big Sister Energy to encourage you to do ONE specific thing, guaranteed to make you a more effective teacher this week. Curious? Listen in for more…

On the brink of the 2023 MTNA National Conference, I am sharing some thoughts and tips related to conference attendance. Whether you are an active conference attendee or not, I believe this episode has relevant takeaways for all.

As (largely) self-employed professionals, we don't talk about "bosses" very often.  Maybe we should....

Sometimes, the simplest ideas have the greatest impact. Today, I'm sharing one small phrase that has helped me communicate with my students in a big way.

Today we discuss a few highlights related to New Student Interviews.  Before you bring new students into your studio, be sure to give this a listen.

Today we explore transfer students and a handful of important considerations before bringing them into the studio.

Today I tackle a listener's request to examine when it's time to stick it out with student repertoire, and when it's time to let it go.

Episode 112 ponders the question:  What routines ARE working for us in our lessons?

A case of laryngitis may have derailed Christina's plans for this episode, but she hopes you enjoy Plan B, which features a couple of new voices, a fan-favorite from WAY back in the archives, and a timely reminder of just how important our thoughtful feedback can be.

Episode 109 begs the question: Are you structuring your lesson in an optimal way?  Listen in for some ideas to get you thinking.

Why are we in such a hurry to get our younger students onto the next big thing? Well, it's time for a confession: I'm not. Listen in for more.

The phrase "A Thrill of Hope" may come from a classic Christmas song, but it's a sentiment that holds value for me in my teaching all year long.  I think you'll agree.

I'm sharing a favorite reminder today for managing ALL the teacher feelings and intentions. I hope you enjoy!

Don't roll your eyes at my mention of January just yet...  Today I'm sharing a GAME-CHANGING perspective to keep on the coming new year...

In today's episode, I'm sharing a frequently-missed point of consideration when it comes to understanding why our students behave the way they do (for better and for worse).

Today we chat about our important role in helping students see "mistakes" as learning opportunities.  

Today, we celebrate what happens when you show up - in anything - with consistency.  We also hear from several of YOU (which I just love).

Today, we talk about an easy pitfall of music teaching:  Leaning too heavily on corrections, rather than musical experiences. 

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Today I make a rather unflattering confession, in hopes it might help you understand a lesser-discussed reason we find ourselves committed to too many things. 

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