Beyond Measure: A Podcast for Piano Teachers with Christina Whitlock
Episodes
Encore Replay: Cheers to Money Talk (originally Episode 037)
04 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Why is talking about money so difficult? Today's encore replay looks into the why's-and-how's of financial conversations. Find related e...
Encore Replay: Cheers to the Upcoming GIFT of January (originally Episode 104)
27 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
While it may seem premature to be talking about January, today I'm share a key consideration to making sure you kick off 2024 on your "A"...
Encore Replay: Cheers to Solid Before Spectacular (originally Episode 041)
20 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today's Encore Replay features a real "ah-ha" moment in my life, and I hope it has a similar impact on yours. Find a written transcrip...
Encore Replay: Cheers to Experience > Correction (originally Episode 99)
13 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today's replay features one of "those" episodes: the ones that end up teaching *me* just as much as I hope it teaches *you*. Find a co...
Encore Replay: Cheers to My Rule of Three (originally episode 049)
06 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In the first of the year-end Encore Replays, Christina introduces her Rule of Three (episode 049). Year-End Encore Replays feature a new intro/outro,...
150: Cheers to Taking Time Away from Teaching
30 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today's episode reminds us: Just because you *can* teach without taking a break, it doesn't mean you *should*. Join Christina as she shares th...
149: Cheers to The Best Advice for Studio Parents
23 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Years ago, I happened upon a piece of parenting advice that really stuck with my Teacher Brain. Today, I'm sharing it with you, in hopes it will h...
148: Cheers to The Forgotten Step in Teaching Teenagers
16 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
If there's one area studio music teachers can find solidarity in, it's navigating the struggles of those busy teenagers! Today, Christina shar...
147: Cheers to Goals as Stepping Stones (Not Destinations)
09 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today's episode makes an thought-provoking parallel between doing the laundry and music study. HINT: Both involve goals that are important to co...
146: Cheers to the Irrevocable Title of Musician
02 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 ou...
145: Cheers to "Kids These Days"
25 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 makin...
144: Cheers to Prioritizing Lasting Value
18 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
143: Cheers to Metronome Musings
11 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today, we're talking about finding success with the most polarizing device in all of music teaching: the metronome. View related links and mo...
142: Cheers to Being Your Own Method
04 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 se...
141: Cheers to The Things We Know (and the Things We Don't)
28 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
One of the fascinating mind games of MusicTeacherWorld is this: we have to simultaneously accept the fact that (1) we have much knowledge worth sharin...
140: Cheers to Identifying Emotional Labor in Teaching
21 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 Teachin...
139: Cheers to BRAVERY in Communication
14 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today, Christina dishes out a bit of tough love for those of us (ahem) who are conflict-avoidant and prefer to "hide" behind written policie...
138: Cheers to The Things We Do *Not* Do
07 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Inspired by an enthusiastic response to a particular One Thought Thursday email, today we are BOLDLY naming the things we do NOT do. Check out ...
137: Cheers to Questions and Answers by Frances Clark (Summer Bookshelf Tour)
31 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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. ...
136: Cheers to Under Pressure by Lisa Damour (Summer Bookshelf Tour)
24 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today's episode covers a (maybe?) unlikely piano-teacher recommendation, exploring the "Epidemic of Stress and Anxiety in Girls". We are...
135: Cheers to The Ways Children Learn Music by Eric Bluestine (Summer Bookshelf Tour)
17 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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. Check out...
134: Cheers to Burnout by Emily and Amelia Nagoski (Summer Bookshelf Tour)
10 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today, we look at the real causes of (and preventions for) that nasty thing called Burnout. Check out shownotes and more at christinawhitlock.com/ep...
133: Cheers to Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert (Summer Bookshelf Tour)
03 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today, we examine what I consider to be the Anthem of Creative Living for artists in many disciplines: Big Magic, by Elizabeth Gilbert. Episode not...
132: Cheers to The Mindful Musician by Vanessa Cornett (Summer Bookshelf Tour)
26 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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, brea...
131: Cheers to The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown (Summer Bookshelf Tour)
19 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
130: Cheers to Intelligent Music Teaching by Robert Duke (Summer Bookshelf Tour)
12 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Our second stop on the Summer Bookshelf Tour is Christina's most-recommended music text: Intelligent Music Teaching, by Robert Duke. Visit ch...
129: Cheers to Atomic Habits by James Clear (Summer Bookshelf Tour)
05 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 tak...
BONUS EPISODE: Cheers to Continuing Legacies...
31 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
SURPRISE, FRIENDS! It's my first-ever BONUS episode, focusing on my continued obsession with the legacies we learn from, and those we leave... V...
128: Cheers to Contemplating Change
29 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today's episode is part of a three-way podcast takeover, featuring myself, Nicola Cantan (of Vibrant Music Teaching), and Tim Topham (of Integrate...
127: Cheers to Measuring Progress
22 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Research shows standardized tests only measure academic progress for a specific type of student. Let's not be guilty of the same phenomenon when i...
126: Cheers to Mixing Business with Compassion
15 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Studio teachers often equate compassion with financial compromise. Today, Christina discusses alternative approaches to showing families you care. ...
125: Cheers to Music as the Ultimate Comfort
08 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today, we talk about the serious distinction between music teacher and counselor, all while helping students discover music as a lifeline for difficul...
124: Cheers to Knowing When to Say Goodbye
01 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 m...
123: Cheers to the Surprising Ones
24 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today we pay homage to the students who surprise us - in the very best of ways. Check out links to similar episodes AND information on Friday's...
122: Cheers to Building a Business that Supports Your Community
17 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
121: Cheers to the Sum of the Whole Experience
10 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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. ...
120: Cheers to Improving Your Teaching THIS Week
03 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 wee...
119: Cheers to Being Equally Human (a storytime episode)
27 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
By listener request, a new "storytime" episode, focusing on a few favorite conference encounters - all bearing a poignant reminder that ther...
118: Cheers to Conference Ponderings
20 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 co...
117: Cheers to Being a Good Boss (to Yourself)
12 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As (largely) self-employed professionals, we don't talk about "bosses" very often. Maybe we should.... Check out related links - and signup fo...
116: Cheers to Question Marks and Exclamation Points
06 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 w...
115: Cheers to New Student Interviews
27 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 list...
114: Cheers to Transfer Students
20 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today we explore transfer students and a handful of important considerations before bringing them into the studio. Check out www.christinawhitlock....
113: Cheers to Asking, "To Pass or Not to Pass" (an Age-Old Piano Teacher Question)
13 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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. Visit www.c...
112: Cheers to The Case for Routine in Piano Lessons
06 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 112 ponders the question: What routines ARE working for us in our lessons? Visit christinawhitlock.com/episode112 for related links and i...
111: Cheers to an ENCORE replay: Adjudication Success
30 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 fa...
110: Cheers to "Replay Strategies" in the Piano Lesson
23 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 110 continues to examine the way we sequence our lessons. Looking for alternatives to the endless cycle of "Assign-Practice-Pass-Repeat&q...
109: Cheers to Examining Your Lesson Structure
16 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 109 begs the question: Are you structuring your lesson in an optimal way? Listen in for some ideas to get you thinking. Find related ...
108: Cheers to Un-Hurrying Your Elementary-Aged Students
09 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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. Add...
107: Cheers to Being On Your Way
02 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Join Christina for an important reminder at the start of a new calendar year. Sign up for the FREE Webinar, Studio Foundations Course, and more at...
106: Cheers to A Thrill of Hope
19 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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.  ...
105: Cheers to Saying It Out Loud
12 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
I'm sharing a favorite reminder today for managing ALL the teacher feelings and intentions. I hope you enjoy! CLICK HERE for links relevant to to...
104: Cheers to the Upcoming Gift of January
05 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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... S...
103: Cheers to The (Often-Debated) Value of University Education
21 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today, I'm tackling that all-too-often-debated question of the value of collegiate education for studio music teachers. While you listen, you can fi...
102: Cheers to Understanding the Student in Front of You
14 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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...
101: Cheers to Reframing "Mistakes"
07 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today we chat about our important role in helping students see "mistakes" as learning opportunities. For more information - including how to si...
100: Cheers to Showing Up (and 100 Episodes!)
31 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today, we celebrate what happens when you show up - in anything - with consistency. We also hear from several of YOU (which I just love). F...
099: Cheers to Experience > Correction
24 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today, we talk about an easy pitfall of music teaching: Leaning too heavily on corrections, rather than musical experiences. Connect w...
098: Cheers to the Secret Reason We Overschedule Ourselves
17 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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...
097: Cheers to Unique Creative Ambition
10 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today, we tackle those desires, ideas, and passions that are uniquely YOURS. Connect with Christina: Support the podcast by joining the Patreo...
096: Cheers to Naming Your Studio Vibe
03 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today, we take a look at your studio vibe, while also exploring the notion that consumers purchase feelings moreso than products and services. I...
095: Cheers to Rethinking Team Sports
26 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today we talk about one of the most contentious factors in Studio Music Teacher World: Team Sports (dun dun DUNNN!) Related Links: Sig...
094: An Extended Toast to Fall Transitions
12 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today's quick episode features an opportunity to re-focus our efforts as studio music teachers. I hope you enjoy it. More of Christina ...
093: Cheers to Principles of Written Communication
05 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 wh...
092: Cheers to Increasing Parental Communications (AKA: MY Primary Goal for This Academic Year)
29 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
As promised, today I'm unveiling *MY* primary studio goal for the upcoming academic year. As mentioned in the episode: Be My Email Bu...
091: Cheers to Goal-Setting That Works
22 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In a profession constantly unveiling new ideas and materials, musicians rarely need help setting goals. Instead, our challenge is often LIMITING...
090: Cheers to Handling Our Fall Scheduling Grievances
15 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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* hav...
089: Cheers to Thinking Like a Beginner
08 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Most teachers will claim they know the importance of thinking like a beginner, but putting the beginner mindset into action can be more difficult than...
088: Cheers to Graduating Seniors (and the lessons they teach us)
01 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 st...
087: Cheers to Valuing Your Time
25 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
086: Cheers to Downsizing Your Studio Roster
18 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today's episode features a hefty discussion of the mindset involved in downsizing your studio - for whatever the reason(s) may be. Mentioned...
085: Cheers to Finding More Students
11 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today, we chat about my #1 tip for finding new students (along with a few others). Mentioned in this episode: Support the Podc...
084: Cheers to a Summer Favorite
04 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 sch...
Episode 83: Cheers to Relationships and Results
27 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today we talk about the importance of focusing on relationships, rather than results. Mentioned in this episode: Join the email list by cli...
Episode 82: Cheers to the Creative Life
20 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today we celebrate (and recommit to) the importance of the Creative Life. Mentioned in this Episode: Episode 41 of the Beyond Measure Podcast: &nb...
Episode 81: Cheers to 40 Lessons Learned
13 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
As Christina celebrates the big 4-0 this week, she spends this episode reflecting on 40 lessons learned thus far about studio teaching Mentioned in t...
Episode 80: Cheers to Mentoring Relationships
06 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today we talk about the importance of mentoring relationships in studio teacher life. Mentioned in this Episode: Episode 30: &nb...
Episode 79: Cheers to Work AND Heart
23 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today, we examine what it looks like to set boundaries in our work, even when our occupation is fueled so mightily by our hearts. Mor...
Episode 78: Cheers to Wrapping Up a School Year
16 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today, Christina shares four considerations for wrapping up an academic year. Mentioned in this Episode: Episode 20: Cheers to Preserving Gr...
Episode 77: Cheers to Highlighting Accomplishments
09 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 wi...
Episode 76: Cheers to My Zero-Energy List
02 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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!) ...
Episode 75: Cheers to Recital Magic
25 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Episode 74: Cheers to the Chatty Ones
18 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today we talk strategy when it comes to those strong verbal processors (aka: The Chatty Ones). Mentioned in this Episode: Episode 5: &nbs...
Episode 73: Cheers to Being a Teacher in the World
11 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
...just a quick little story from last week (of course, with a music teacher twist). Related to this episode: Support the Podcast (and ...
Episode 72: Cheers to Better than Perfect
04 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In response to last week's episode on disappointment, today I'm offering five things that are BETTER than being perfect. Related to this episod...
Episode 71: Cheers to Bouncing Back When You Disappoint Yourself
28 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The aftershocks of falling short of our own expectations can be a difficult part of musician/music teacher life. Helping our students - and ours...
Episode 70: Cheers to a Pep Talk for Spring
21 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
There’s a lot to love about spring, but the teacher’s schedule is not necessarily one of them… Email anytime at beyondmeasurepodcast (at) g...
Episode 69: Cheers to Studio Families (A Spring Break Replay)
14 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Episode 68: Cheers to Symbiotic Studio Relationships
07 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today's episode tells the story of how a 4th grade Latin lesson led me to one of my most fundamental beliefs about our studio relationships. Men...
Episode 67: Cheers to The Best Advice I Received as a Student
28 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What do driving a car and performing a musical instrument have in common? It turns out, a lot… Mentioned in this Episode: Listen to Episode 16...
Episode 66: Cheers to Preparing Students for Performance (Part 3: Action Items)
21 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Part three of the series highlights some of my favorite actionable preparation tips, as well as introduces my (simple, yet effective) Performance Jour...
Episode 65: Cheers to Preparing Students for Performance (Part 2: Mindset)
14 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 st...
Episode 64: Cheers to Preparing Students for Performance (Part 1: Timelines)
07 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The first episode in this series on Preparing Students for Performance focuses on the #1 stumbling block students encounter: not enough time.&nb...
Episode 63: Cheers to Recurring Life Lessons
31 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 talkin...
Episode 62: Cheers to Not Missing the Point
24 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 o...
Episode 61: Cheers to the Challenging Ones
17 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Episode 60: Cheers to “Spending” Time
10 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today, I offer you a break from the rest of the world’s New Year chatter to “be a better you”, and, instead, challenge you to consider the true ...
Episode 59: Cheers to Welcoming 2022
03 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today we welcome 2022 with an “extended toast”, along with a BIG announcement on how you can begin supporting the work done here on the Beyond Mea...
Episode 58: Cheers to Wrapping Up 2021
27 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Short and sweet, this extended toast is being offered up today in hopes of encouraging you to reflect on your most important points of growth in 2021....
Episode 57: Cheers to Naming What You Want
20 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Being in a service-oriented profession, I think we can sometimes get lost in thinking of the many needs/wants of our clients, and lose sight of our ow...