Beyond Measure: A Podcast for Piano Teachers with Christina Whitlock

241: Cheers to The "Stuff" Of Holiday Teaching

15 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today's episode is a light-hearted reflection on the "stuff" that sometimes gets a bad reputation.Visit today's shownotes for more h...

240: Cheers to Three Things I'm Re-Thinking

08 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today's episode is designed to help you embrace uncertainty and encourage the process of reevaluating your Teacher Brain. Find information about t...

239: Cheers to What's NOT Working This Season (with Amy Chaplin)

01 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Christina is joined by Amy Chaplin in a TWIST on her typical quarterly reflection. Today we're each sharing three things *not* working in this sea...

138: Cheers to Gratitude for Music Teachers

24 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Christina offers a recap of messages that landed in her inbox after last week's Studio Teacher Thanksgiving event. Check out this blitz of Teacher...

237: Cheers to Understanding Perfectionism

17 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

I’ve always wondered: are we, as professional musicians, destined to be skilled, but miserable? Is this the plight of our profession? To have abilit...

236: Cheers to 30/40 Piece Challenge Questions Answered

10 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

After mentioning a 30 Piece Challenge in episode 232, several listener questions kept popping up. Today, Christina takes a deeper dive into the logist...

235: Cheers to (Re) Connecting with Music

03 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It's an easy trap for music teachers: allowing our dedication to our work to replace the love we have for making music. Today, Christina shares an...

234: Cheers to Our Profession (A Love Letter)

06 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today's episode celebrates FIVE YEARS of Beyond Measure; seeking to reignite the passions of your Teacher Heart and all the benefits you bring to ...

233: Cheers to Knowing Vs. Doing

29 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A few weeks ago, I talked a lot about the importance of time and repetition, but here's the thing: Humans are notoriously BAD at time and repetiti...

232: Cheers to What's Working This Season (Round 6)

22 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today, I'm sharing five things from my favorite self-reflection practice: What IS working in this season of life? There's a LOT of piano teach...

231: Cheers to Resisting Temptations of Learning Overload

15 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today's episode concludes our four-part series on things that distract us from doing our best Teacher Work. We're examining the way we consume informa...

230: Cheers to Examining the Encouragement Problem

08 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As someone who has built a career on being "Encouraging", Christina shares an unexpected message today about why encouragement cannot be our...

229: Cheers to the Role of Practice in Lessons

25 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Continuing our series looking at things that distract teachers from their best work, today we examine the most common complaint of piano teachers: &qu...

228: Cheers to Avoiding Common Distractions in Piano Teaching

18 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It's easy for Piano Teachers to get focused on the wrong things. Today we talk about a common "red herring" of running our studios.Check...

227: Cheers to the Changing Trends of Summer

11 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you felt like this past summer was a struggle: in terms of enrollment, commitment, scheduling - any and all of the above - you are not alone. It is...

226: Summertime Conversation Series Reflections (pt.2)

04 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today's conversation features reflections on my 2025 conversations with Janna Williamson, Elizabeth Davis-Everhart, and Diane Hidy.Find links to r...

225: Summertime Conversation Reflections (pt. 1)

29 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As we wrap up the Summertime Conversation Series, Christina offers reflections on thoughts that have been circling her brain for weeks.

224: Cheers to Multi-Faceted Teacher Lives (with Diane Hidy)

21 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Diane Hidy joins Christina for a conversation about her super-sized musical career. Highlights from performing, teaching, blogging, and composing are ...

223: Cheers to Embracing Neurodiversity in the Piano Studio (with Elizabeth Davis-Everhart)

14 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Whether you consider yourself a teacher of neurodiverse students or not, equipping ourselves with skills to meet students where they are is a core ele...

222: Cheers to Proactive and Reactive Piano Teaching Strategies (with Janna Williamson)

07 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Janna Williamson joins Christina Whitlock for a chat about Proactive and Reactive teaching strategies. Understanding which approach to use in various ...

221: Cheers to Following Through on BIG Ideas (with Florence Phillips)

30 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today, Christina chats with Florence Phillips, a teacher from Pennsylvania who took action on a rather intense dream to teach group piano classes in a...

220: Cheers to Pondering the Print Music Industry (with Jason Sifford)

16 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today, I'm welcoming THE PERFECT thought-partner to chat about the current (and future) state of the print music industry: Jason Sifford. Read mor...

219: Cheers to Curiosity as the Antidote to Perfection (with Leila Viss)

09 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The incomparable Leila Viss joins Christina for the kickoff of the 2025 Summertime Conversation Series. We're talking curiosity, perfectionism, and a ...

218: Cheers to Gracious Goodbyes When Students Quit (a Remix)

02 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today, I'm re-mixing a topic originally covered in August of 2021 (Episode 039). We're taking a look at the all-important high road when stude...

217: Cheers to Universal Truths of Working with People

26 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today, I'm sharing 5 timeless truths of humanity, as well as their direct implications on our studio relationships. Find complete shownotes for to...

216: Cheers to Thinking BIG (Picture)

19 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As teachers, it’s WAY too easy to fall into the trap ofteaching lesson after lesson… week after week…. just following the status quo of our over...

215: Cheers to Overcoming an Empty Inspiration Tank

12 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today we address the all-too-common Funk of May; where the "I don't want to's" show up in all kinds of ways. THIS WEEK ONLY: Save $1...

214: Cheers to Examining the "Shoulds" of Teaching

05 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The word SHOULD is hands-down one of the most problematic words in our teacher vocabulary. And we’re taking a deep-dive on it today. Visit the compl...

213: Cheers to Receiving Questions as Feedback

21 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today we're getting to the heart of why it's easier to take questions personally, rather than viewing them for what they really are.View the complete ...

212: Cheers to Decision-Making for Piano Teachers

14 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Decision-Making advice from an Overthinker like me seems like a laughable prospect at first... but, then again, my struggles have earned me some valua...

211: Cheers to What is Working This Season (Round 5)

07 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to the 5th installment of my quarterly reflections on What Is Working in this season of life. I will explore the flipside later this week in t...

210: Your Springtime Pep Talk (An Encore Replay)

31 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Springtime Gauntlet is upon us, friends, and I am here to help you focus on what REALLY matters to you this frenzied time of year. This episode wa...

209: Cheers to Choosing Recital Music

24 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s episode is full of good stuff, you guys. I’ve got the actual episode on Recital Music Criteria, a big announcement, and a GREAT Teacher Fr...

208: Cheers to Your Studio Roster TODAY

19 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

I'm riffing today on a message I originally sent out as part of my One Thought Thursday e-letter series. When it comes to Teacher Life, it's e...

207: Cheers to The Power of Attention (Look at You vs. Look at Me)

10 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today, a lesson learned in high school Biology comes full circle to the Piano Teacher Experience. Check out complete shownotes for today's episode...

206: Cheers to "The Talk" for High-Achieving Students

03 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today we're talking about the lesser-explored struggles of the High-Achieving Students in our lives. For complete shownotes, including links to re...

Lesson Planning: All Questions Answered (A Special Teacher Offering)

24 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A case of pneumonia sidelined this week's regularly-planned episode, but I'm hoping to make up for it by inviting you to a SPECIAL edition of ...

205: Cheers to Getting Others Talking About Your Teaching

17 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It's no secret Word of Mouth marketing is king when it comes to studio recruitment, but it seems to me the landscape of getting people to talk about y...

204: Cheers to What Really Matters (with Nicola Cantan)

10 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In conclusion of the Fast-Track Series, Nicola Cantan of vibrantmusicteaching.com joins me for a multi-faceted conversation about the dangerous of see...

203: Cheers to Understanding the Trade-Offs of "Saving Time" with AI

02 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As always, I'm here to make you think. This week, we're contemplating AI and its many compexities. Cheers to staying aware and adaptive, my fr...

202: Cheers to Discernment in Coaching Programs and Other Online Offerings

27 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

After years of hearing horror stories from teacher friends and consult clients, today's installment in the "Fast Track" Series focuses o...

201: Cheers to Overcoming the Fast-Track

20 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today's episode serves as an introduction to a series Christina will be running for the next few weeks, examining our 21st century obsession with ...

200: Cheers to 200 Episodes Together!

13 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today's episode features a "lightening round" of all 199 episodes of Beyond Measure with Christina Whitlock thus far. It's been quite a journey, frien...

199: Cheers to Clarifying Boundaries with Studio Families

06 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today we consider whether or not our Teacher Actions are fully aligned with our Teacher Words, especially when it comes to dealing with our Studio Fam...

Cheers to the Past, Present, and Future of Music Teaching (An Extended Toast)

30 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

On this New Year's Eve Eve, Christina shares an acknowledgement of the legacies we are part of, and those we leave. ...see you next week for Episode ...

Cheers to The Moments We've Shared (An Extended Toast)

23 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Teacher Expectations are not always Teacher Realities. Today, Christina shares an extended toast in celebration of the REAL work we've done this year....

198: Cheers to What's Working in this Season (Round 4) with Amy Chaplin

16 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Amy Chaplin of PianoPantry.com joins Christina as they each share five items that made their list of "What's Working in This Season of Life". Links ...

197: Cheers to A Year of Remaining Teachable

09 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today's episode serves as an update to Episode 151, where Christina declared "Remaining Teachable" as her primary intention for the year 2024. Fin...

196: Cheers to Favorite Gifts for Music Teachers (and more!)

02 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today, Christina introduces the 2024 Music Teacher Gift Guide, which can be found at ChristinaWhitlock.com/gifts

BONUS EPISODE: The December Performance Challenge

29 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

All you need to know about Christina's popular December Performance Challenge, all in one episode. Visit ChristinaWhitlock.com/December for YOUR fre...

195: Cheers to Limitations of "Capturing the Moment" (and Other Musings)

25 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today Christina shares key takeaways from a week of revelations in her own Piano Teacher Life.

194: Cheers to Song-Writing Challenges for the Whole Studio Family

18 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today's episode features a Thanksgiving-themed FAMILY challenge that I've had success with in years past. Not into Thanksgiving? No problem! There are...

193: Cheers to Teacher Lessons From Suzuki Parent Life

11 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today's episode focuses on key takeaways ANY teacher can apply to ANY method, all inspired by my experience as a Suzuki violin parent to my youngest d...

192: Cheers to Understanding the Weight of Teacher Words

04 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A recent conversation with my Beyond Measure Community friends inspired today's thoughts on the authority we hold as teachers. Check out referenced e...

191: Cheers to "Un-Seeing" the Piano Lesson Experience

28 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I once heard a sketch-artist give "the secret to his success", and it is still something I'm thinking about, many years later. More related thoughts i...

Encore Replay: Cheers to Considering Exceptions (originally episode 053)

21 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today we revisit a timeless struggle in Studio Teacher World: the art of discerning when to make exceptions. Check out the full shownotes for today'...

190: Cheers to Spoons, Shovels, and Dirty Practice Habits

14 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today's episode offers a quick lesson learned from my daughter's Physical Conditioning coach, helping to prove once again that athletes have much to t...

189: Cheers to Naming Your Core Values (+ Four Years of Beyond Measure!)

07 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In celebration of FOUR YEARS on the airwaves, Christina is sharing the five Core Values behind all things Beyond Measure. This begs the question: What...

188: Cheers to Avoiding Common Teacher Oversights

30 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today, I'm offering a kind reminder to avoid some of the most common teacher pitfalls. ​ Check out today's shownotes at ⁠ChristinaWhitl...

187: Cheers to Fostering REAL Parental Investment in Lessons

23 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

When parents think about investing in their child's musical education, they can't help but focus on the financial commitment. Today's epis...

186: Cheers to What's Working In This Season (Round 3)

16 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today's episode re-visits a question I first pondered in Episode 157 (then again in Episode 170): What IS Working For Me in this season? Check o...

185: Cheers to Lessons in Lego for Piano Teachers

09 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today we're making a distinction between teaching *our instrument* and teaching *the repertoire*...all framed in a lesson about Lego bricks and cr...

184: Cheers to Not Teaching in a Vacuum

02 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today's episode is all about the lifeforce of Teacher Community. It's a defining mission for me, and I'm hoping it's something I can h...

183: Cheers to Seeing Past the Teacher Perspective

26 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today we re-frame the importance of seeing the lesson experience from ONE KEY ASPECT of the student/studio parent experience. Find all relevant link...

182: Cheers to Re-Thinking "Fair" Studio Policies

19 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

If you've ever struggled with what seems "fair" when building a studio policy, this episode is for you. Check out ALL the details, inc...

181: Cheers to "Pruning" the Piano Teacher Brain

12 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Every morning this summer, as I plucked dead and dying blooms from my petunia baskets, I thought of you. Well, actually, I thought of US. Check out th...

180: Cheers to Confronting Productivity Culture (A Summertime Conversation with Vanessa Cornett)

05 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Vanessa Cornett is on a mission to start a revolution against the machine-like expectations of American culture. Join us for a conversation “about n...

179: Cheers to Setting Expectations for Elementary Piano Students (A Summertime Conversation with Amy Elmore)

29 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today, Christina teams up with everyone's favorite piano teacher Instagrammer, Amy Elmore, for a re-vist of Episode 108: Cheers to Un-Hurrying Ele...

178: Cheers to Summering Outside the Box (A Summertime Conversation with Melissa Slocum

22 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Melissa Slocum joins Christina for a conversation about how a little "Crazy Talk" led to a surprisingly unconventional summer plan. Find a...

177: Cheers to Preparing Confident Performers (A Summertime Chat with Janna Williamson)

15 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Since episodes 064-066 (Preparing Students for Performance) consistently rank in my Top Ten downloads, it made total sense to revisit that series this...

176: Cheers to Taming Overwhelm in the Piano Teacher Brain (A Summertime Conversation with Amy Chaplin)

08 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today's conversation features a chat between Amy Chaplin and I, revisiting Episode 138: Cheers to The Things We Do *NOT* Do. We commiserate on t...

175: Cheers to Overcoming the Illusion of Competition (A Summertime Conversation with Dr. Kate Boyd)

01 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today, friend/colleague/professor/YouTube Star (@ThePianoProf) Kate Boyd joins me for a conversation, revisiting episode 030: Cheers to Your LOCAL Tea...

174: Cheers to the Artist's Joy (A Summertime Conversation with Meredith Hite-Estevez)

24 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Merideth Hite-Estevez joins Christina today for a look into all things Creative Joy. Find links to Merideth's new book, our bonus Patreon chat, ...

173: Cheers to the Ups and Downs of Online Teacher Communities (A Summertime Conversation with Benjamin Steinhardt)

17 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today, renowned pianist-teacher, Benjamin Steinhardt joins me for a peek into Admin World of hearty Facebook Communities. If you spend any amount of t...

172: Cheers to The Quest for Creativity in Lessons (A Summertime Conversation with Kevin Olson)

10 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today's thought partner is pianist-composer Kevin Olson, professor of piano at Utah State University. Kevin and I share a passion for helping stud...

171: Cheers to the Secret Lives of Quiet Students (A Summertime Conversation with Nicola Cantan)

03 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Our first-ever guest on the podcast is none other than Powerhouse Creator and Teacher Extraordinaire, Nicola Cantan. We are revisiting an episode topi...

170: Cheers to What's Working in This Season (Round 2)

27 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today's episode re-visits a question I first pondered in Episode 157: What IS Working For Me in this season? View (the many!) mentioned links in...

169: Cheers to Seeing All Sides

20 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today's episode is a peek into the popular e-letter, One Thought Thursday. I'm presenting a beefed-up version of One Thought Thursday No. 048,...

168: Cheers to Double-Duty Advice for Teachers AND Parents

13 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today's episode features four solid pieces of advice that have been given to me as a Parent but have proven to have strong impact on my TeacherSel...

167: Cheers to PERFECTION is Overrated

06 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today I'm sharing a story that illustrates a timeless lesson: Perfection is Overrated. May we all move forward with intentions to live a life FAR ...

166: Cheers to Piano Teacher Takeaways from Taylor Swift (No Swiftie-Status Required)

29 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Love her or... well, otherwise... my primary thesis in life is the fact that we can ALL learn something from one another. Today, I'm sharing three...

165: Cheers to Changing Perspectives Before Performance

22 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In today's ultra-practical episode, I'm sharing THREE necessary changes of perspective we should all remember in those weeks leading up to a p...

164: Cheers to Reducing Confusion, Intimidation, and Embarrassment in the Lesson

15 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today's episode riffs on a well-known quote from mathematician, Larry Martinek: “Children don’t hate math. What they hate is being confused, i...

163: Cheers to Spending Like an Artist

08 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We all know: financial decisions are incredibly personal. Yet, if we all prioritize that which matters to us, it stands to reason Creatives should h...

ENCORE REPLAY: Cheers to Mixing Business with Compassion

01 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today's episode features a replay of one of "those" episodes that we ALL could (or, perhaps, should?) listen to more than once. It's...

162: Cheers to Stating the "Obvious"

25 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today I am sharing three (somewhat embarrassing) stories to illustrate the importance of communicating things that may seem obvious to us... but are a...

161: Cheers to Calling EGO What it Is

18 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The last several podcast episodes have danced around an important TeacherTruth that is a bit unsavory. Today, we're taking a BOLD step and calling...

160: Cheers to Fueling Recital Participation with FOMO

11 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today we address "those families" (we all have them from time to time!) who just don't make studio events a priority. Find links to th...

159: Cheers to Releasing the WEIGHT of "Potential"

04 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Teaching sometimes feels synonymous with the idea of identifying "potential", right? AND YET - the notion of "potential" can easi...

ICYMI: Cheers to Being a Piano Teacher

26 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

While on a self-imposed vocal rest, Christina takes the opportunity to share with you an episode of the "What it's Like to Be" podcast, ...

158: Cheers to Advice for My Younger Teacher Self

19 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today, I'm revising the top piece of advice I would give to my early-20's Teacher Self, if I could. I'd love to know what YOU would tell...

157: Cheers to What's Working in This Season

12 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

One important practice in my life is regularly listing What's Working for me, and, conversely, What's Not. Today, I'm bringing my most rec...

156: Cheers to Lessons Learned in (Pre-Teen) Counseling

05 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today I'm sharing three Piano Teacher Takeaways I learned - of all places - in the counselor's office. Check out ChristinaWhitlock.com/epis...

155: Cheers to Studio Traditions

29 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today I'm sharing all things TRADITION, including ideas from Instagram friends far and wide. Find all mentioned links (there's a LOT of th...

154: Cheers to My No. 1 Practice Hack

22 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

...it's probably not what you think it is! Find a full transcript, related links, and more in at ChristinaWhitlock.com/Episode154

153: Cheers to One SIMPLE Lesson Activity

16 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today's episode features one easily-actionable lesson activity, as well as some big-picture takeaways from the experience. All related links, tr...

152: Cheers to What it Means to PLAY

08 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It's easy to SAY we prioritize the role of PLAY in what we do, but how often to we *actually* sit and consider what that word really means? Well, ...

151: Cheers to Remaining Teachable (My One-Word for 2024)

02 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Choosing a Word of the Year is a practice I only take on when I find a word that feels undeniably applicable. This is one such year. Today we look at ...

Encore Replay: Cheers to Finishing "Up" (originally episode 017)

18 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When this episode originally aired, the amount of "buzz" it created convinced me this was a message we all needed to hear. Two years (and a ...

Encore Replay: Cheers to Naming Your Studio Vibe (Originally Episode 096)

11 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today's encore replay features an important reminder: People don't always buy services and/or products. More often, they buy FEELINGS. Find ...