Beyond Measure: A Podcast for Piano Teachers with Christina Whitlock

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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Today, we tackle those desires, ideas, and passions that are uniquely YOURS.

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Today, we take a look at your studio vibe, while also exploring the notion that consumers purchase feelings moreso than products and services.  I hope this is a valuable reflection for you on what, indeed, you are selling. 

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Today we talk about one of the most contentious factors in Studio Music Teacher World:  Team Sports (dun dun DUNNN!)

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Today's quick episode features an opportunity to re-focus our efforts as studio music teachers.  I hope you enjoy it. 

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Today, I'm sharing my five guiding principles for written communication.  Whether you choose to use mine or not, I find it helpful to consider what you want others to take away from your messaging - and to set parameters in place to help keep you consistent.  I'd love to know what you think!

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As promised, today I'm unveiling *MY* primary studio goal for the upcoming academic year.  

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In a profession constantly unveiling new ideas and materials, musicians rarely need help setting goals.  Instead, our challenge is often LIMITING our goals in a reasonable way.  Today, we trouble-shoot our goals for a new academic year together.

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It's no secret that scheduling can be the bane of the studio teacher's existence.  I may not have magical solutions for you today, but I *do* have perspectives related to fall lesson scheduling that should help you maintain a healthy mindset this wild time of year.

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KNOWING the importance of thinking like a beginner and ACTUALLY thinking like a beginner can be two different things in teacher world.

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Our students teach us every bit as much as we teach them.  This is especially true of graduating seniors.  Today, we chat about three key studio lessons learned from graduating seniors. 

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This episode is in response to the MANY conversations I've had with listeners the past two weeks as we've discussed studio numbers.  I'm sharing my best strategy when it comes to deciding how to value your time.  

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Today's episode features a hefty discussion of the mindset involved in downsizing your studio - for whatever the reason(s) may be. 

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Today, we chat about my #1 tip for finding new students (along with a few others).  

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Today, I’m re-sharing a favorite episode from last summer. I hope it gets your creative teacher brains turning in positive directions toward the school year ahead. 

Today we talk about the importance of focusing on relationships, rather than results.  

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Today we celebrate (and recommit to) the importance of the Creative Life.

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As Christina celebrates the big 4-0 this week, she spends this episode reflecting on 40 lessons learned thus far about studio teaching

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Today we talk about the importance of mentoring relationships in studio teacher life.  

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Today, we examine what it looks like to set boundaries in our work, even when our occupation is fueled so mightily by our hearts.   

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Today, Christina shares four considerations for wrapping up an academic year.

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With the end of another school year on the horizon, I think it's more important than ever to spend some time helping our students come face-to-face with their accomplishments. 

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Today I’m sharing my Zero Energy List; which is a collection of three things I downright refuse to spend mental energy on. Cutting out (pointless!) attention to these three things has made me a more content, more focused teacher.

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Today’s episode is an impromptu set of post-recital reflections, geared towards making sure teachers aren’t guilty of missing the magic of recital time.

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Today we talk strategy when it comes to those strong verbal processors (aka: The Chatty Ones).  

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...just a quick little story from last week (of course, with a music teacher twist). 

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In response to last week's episode on disappointment, today I'm offering five things that are BETTER than being perfect. 

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The aftershocks of falling short of our own expectations can be a difficult part of musician/music teacher life.  Helping our students - and ourselves - acknowledge the truths around this inevitability is key to a contented life. 

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Today's episode is a replay of Episode 11 (Cheers to Believing the Best).

It dovetails nicely with last week's episode on symbiotic relationships, and originally released during the (hairy!) month of December 2020.  I think we would all benefit from hearing this message once again, as we embark on the latter half of the spring semester.

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What do driving a car and performing a musical instrument have in common? It turns out, a lot…

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Part three of the series highlights some of my favorite actionable preparation tips, as well as introduces my (simple, yet effective) Performance Journal. 

Today, in the second of a three-part series on prepping students for performance, we tackle mindset. I’m sharing the conversations I have with my students *all* the time, and also hoping to give you a giggle with the ultimate counter-example.

The first episode in this series on Preparing Students for Performance focuses on the #1 stumbling block students encounter:  not enough time. 

I'm curious: Do you feel like there is a particular lesson life seems to teach you over and over again?  

I sure do, and today we're talking about mine. (Hint: I'm willing to bet you struggle with the same thing) 

We are ALL guilty of "missing the point" from time to time. Today's episode includes reflections from a favorite book and focuses on how to recommit our efforts to what, indeed, matters most in our teaching. 

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Challenging students:  We've all been there, done that - right?  Today, I hope to help you make the most of your time with the students who frustrate you the most.  It's music teacher solidarity in its finest form!  

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