Episode115 – Christina Whitlock

Related Episodes You Might Enjoy:

beyondmeasurepodcast

Quick shout-outs of solidarity re: independent music studio life, with me - your “anytime” piano teacher friend. 🎶🤍🎼

…fresh off the MTNA Reno press… It’s been

…fresh off the MTNA Reno press…

It’s been over 100 episodes since I shared a storytime episode, so I thought it was time to share more entertainment from my musical past.

We are all guilty of feeling like those we look up to are somehow superhuman… but the truth is, we are all very much everyday people.

I hope you enjoy episode 119!

👉🏻Use code mtna20 to save $20 off my Studio Foundation Course (link in bio)

👉🏻Join us for TTT on Friday at 11am! See the Patreon link (also in bio) for details

Leaving on a jet plane…✈️ …can’t wait

Leaving on a jet plane…✈️

…can’t wait to see SO MANY OF YOU at MTNA! 🤩

Come hang out with me in sessions … but also, don’t forget to tell me the SECRET CODE (🤫 APTF) for a little something from me to you.

I will be happy to get these flights done so the REAL fun can begin.

Safe travels, everyone!

(Psst: if you are missing the learning opportunities of MTNA this week, you might scratch the itch a bit by checking out my Studio Foundations Course. Head to christinawhitlock.com/foundations and use code mtna20 for $20 off and a FREE invite to our next VIP Zoom sesh).

Music teachers make the world go ‘round! 🌎

…feels like a good time for a GRATITUDE round-up

…feels like a good time for a GRATITUDE round-up. Tell me something you love. 🤍

Today, we’re talking professional development…

Today, we’re talking professional development…

Whether you are an active conference attendee or not, I think today holds value for you. 🤍

A few key notes:

☀️ If you are going to MTNA, I have a special gift for anyone who says hi and tells me the “secret code”: APTF (that’s for Anytime Piano Teacher Friend)

☀️ If you are NOT going to MTNA but want some professional development over the next few weeks, get $20 off my Studio Foundations Course by entering code mtna20 at check-out.

PS: Anyone ordering by April 1st will receive an exclusive invite to a 2-hour (!) Zoom call on Friday, May 19th. 🥂

☀️Back to those who ARE going to MTNA, come see me present on Saturday (8am and 3:30pm) and Tuesday (2:15pm)

HAPPY MONDAY TO ALL! 🥳

…Coming to your inbox bright and early tomorrow

…Coming to your inbox bright and early tomorrow morning ☀️

Right in step with this past week’s episode on being a good boss to yourself (episode 117), I’ve created an “employee” satisfaction survey (for the self-employed) 😉

It’s a little tongue-in-cheek, but really, it’s a chance for you to think objectively about the expectations you hold for yourself and where your best areas for improvement can be found.

Subscribers to my Insider’s Report email will be greeted with this fun exercise tomorrow morning.

If you are not on the email list (or if you’re not sure!🤷🏼‍♀️) take 10 seconds and head to christinawhitlock.com/subscribe to get signed up!

In return for signing up, you have my word that I will not take advantage of your inbox by sending you ANYTHING I haven’t obsessively-questioned the merit of. 🤣

See you in your inboxes, friends! 🥂

I stumbled upon this 💎 in Episode 2 of the podc

I stumbled upon this 💎 in Episode 2 of the podcast…

(Fun fact: in the early days, I ad-libbed a lot more of the show than I do now)

I was riffing the closing toast for the episode and said something to this effect:

Successful students feel:
✅ Capable
✅ Accountable
✅ Invested in

…and I stopped and thought to myself, “that really IS the trifecta!” 👏🏻

(Don’t we love when we find ourselves saying something smart?!) 😂

This reall is my recipe for success with pretty much any music student. It’s hard NOT to be successful if these three factors are in place.

Which one do you find to be the most difficult?

Anything you would add to my list?

Apparently, Monday’s coming early. 🤷🏼‍♀️

I swore I’d scheduled this week’s episode to drop tomorrow morning, but it looks like this chicken was ready to hatch and published itself early. 🤣

I started to hit “un-publish” just now, but was impressed with how many people had already listened and figured it’s best to just let it roll. 🎲

YOU GUYS ARE THE ACTUAL BEST AUDIENCE.

Thanks for catching me on a random Sunday afternoon.

To the rest of you: this week’s episode examines what kind of boss we, the self-employed, are dealing with.

Spoiler alert: sometimes our bosses are mean. 🫣

I’d love to know your thoughts on this one! Be sure to join my email list to receive the satisfaction survey later this week: christinawhitlock.com/subscribe

Cheers to the Mondayest-Sunday ever! 😂

(I blame DST)

It’s been a L O N G day…. Among other thin

It’s been a L O N G day….

Among other things, I was adjudicating our local music festival (which is one of my favorite things. I love hearing young musicians SO MUCH). 🥰

And - since I’m 40 now - I think it’s pretty much required that I wear some kind of musical accessory right?

Starting small, with a necklace…

I’m curious: Are you team music apparel or team NO WAY 🤷🏼‍♀️

Satisfied Frantic. I teach this little guy who i

Satisfied Frantic.

I teach this little guy who is one of those DREAM students. He is eager, enthusiastic, curious, and… oh yeah… he practices A LOT. 😇

As we were discussing his upcoming Festival event, he described his pre-performance energy as “Satisfied Frantic”.

I had to write that one down. 🤣

I asked him to explain it further, and he said, “You know… you are really nervous and your brain is spinning around everywhere, but you also love what you are doing so much, it makes it all worth it. Satisfied frantic.”

So, there you have it friends; my wish for you. May you find satisfaction in all the frantic moments life hands you. 🥂

I think the kid’s onto something…

A quick tip for you today! ✍️ Episode 116 is

A quick tip for you today! ✍️

Episode 116 is an itty-bitty (9 minute!) overview of a teacher trick I’ve been using ALL. THE. TIME. lately.

It’s something that works for students of basically every age and every level… so be sure to listen in! 🥂

ALSO - I’m thinking it might be fun to share more of YOUR teacher tips and tricks on the podcast. If you have an idea YOU’D like to share with the internet (😂) be sure to send it to me for a chance to be our featured Teacher Friend of the Week!

(Ideas can be submitted via DM, left in comments, or emailed to beyondmeasurepodcast (at) gmail (dot) com).

Thanks friends! Happy Monday!

About those 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟’s…. I’m a

About those 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟’s….

I’m a big believer in artists supporting artists, and have only become moreso after entering this arena myself.

Did you know one of the easiest ways to make a podcaster’s day is to leave a 5-star, written review?

It is free to do, and SERIOUSLY puts wind in their sails (ask me how I know 🙃).

(It also plays a major role in helping others find the show).

Mind you, this is not intended as a self-serving post…

Sure, I’d love you to check out my podcast and leave me a review… but more than that, consider this a friendly reminder to take a few minutes and leave a review for ANY show you love.

The same goes for books, businesses, etc.

If you love something, let your people know! 🤍

Write the review. Share with your friends. Make the post. Send the DM.

No one is going to do it for you. 😉 Your recommendation is a powerful (MUCH appreciated!) way of supporting the work you love without spending a dime.

…now, I’m off to follow my own advice and leave a few new reviews! 🤓

I’m not going to lie… This is not always the

I’m not going to lie…

This is not always the easy choice.

It can also leave you emotionally vulnerable.

But, a staple in my contentment as an independent music teacher is this: once I onboard a new studio family, I am automatically, wholeheartedly a fan of their family.

I admire how hard the parents work - at whatever they do. I find joy and delight in the uniqueness of their children - whoever they are. I call out potential where I see it. I choose to believe the best in everyone involved.

I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve been burned by this approach (believe me…been there, done that!🫠)… but with 27 years of teaching under my belt, I’d say the average score is pretty great.

When it comes to people, you tend to find what you are looking for.

Look for the annoyances and the shortcomings? You’ll find them.

But - look for the sincerity? The goodness? They’re there, too.

🤍🤍🤍

A practical episode for you today… 23 minutes o

A practical episode for you today…

23 minutes of my thoughts regarding New Student Interviews. 🌟

These introductory sessions are often the beginning of lifelong relationships, so it’s important to approach them with the healthiest mindset.

Cheers to a successful Monday! 🥂

Things that keep me happy as a piano teacher:

✅ Working with families I respect (and who respect ME!)

✅ Maintaining a culture of open, honest communication

✅ Being a good patron of the arts and making sure my composer/publisher/creator friends GET PAID for their work 💰

…these are values I work HARD to maintain in every possible aspect of my business, and - as we all know - one bad apple can spoil the whole batch.

Every family I bring onto my studio roster is a contributor to the culture around here, so I am serious about who I say YES to, and who I don’t.

I’m sure you’re the same way. SO - now I’m curious: What are YOUR red flags? 🚩

TEACHERS TEACHING TEACHERS (TTT) TTT is a new seg

TEACHERS TEACHING TEACHERS (TTT)

TTT is a new segment I’ve adding to our monthly Patreon Zoom… the next of which will take place on Friday, March 31st!

Beginning at 11am eastern time, Patreon community members in the “Let’s Party” tier gather together for our monthly Q+A.

Along with our general chat (which, this month, involved questions like “do you charge adult students differently than other students?”)… we also workshop different ways of introducing/trouble-shooting a piece of elementary piano repertoire.

If you are interested in joining, head to Patreon.com/beyondmeasurepodcast to get access!

See you on the inside! 🥳

An underrated consideration for you today…. Whe

An underrated consideration for you today….

When considering taking on a potential transfer student, it’s important to find out the REAL reason they are interested in joining your studio.

What are they hoping to receive from you they were previously missing?

And - if their transfer is the result of circumstances beyond their control - exactly what gap are you being expected to fill?

Funny, but true: Accepting student families with expectations that are aligned with mine is a strong contributing factor to my sunny disposition ☀️

Pay close attention as a potential transfer family talks about their previous experience. That information hides a lot of insight if you know what you’re looking for!

Be sure to catch Episode 114 for more ideas related to transfer students!

You can listen at christinawhitlock.com/episode114

(And stay tuned for next Monday’s episode; where we’re talking about New Student Interviews)

Cheers to a great week, studio teacher friends! 🥂

Transfer Students: Do you love them or …well…

Transfer Students: Do you love them or …well… not?

I’m in the first camp, and today I’m sharing my take on PRECISELY what you need to consider when bringing new transfer students onto your roster.

So, TELL ME: do you enjoy teaching transfer students? Or do just find yourself wishing you’d started them from scratch? 🙃

🌟 thoughts from episode 113 🌟 Now I need yo

🌟 thoughts from episode 113 🌟

Now I need your thoughts: How do YOU determine when a piece is ready to “pass”?

🤣 No, it doesn't rhyme... ...but I'm too busy

🤣 No, it doesn't rhyme...

...but I'm too busy conserving my mental strength for the onslaught of sugared-up kiddos this afternoon...

Be careful out there, teacher friends.💘

Oh, and on a SERIOUS note, I adore you. 🥰

🌟 New week, new episode! 🌟 Today I’m addr

🌟 New week, new episode! 🌟

Today I’m addressing a listener question about my thoughts on “passing” repertoire.

When is enough enough? Listen in for some helpful thoughts (plus, one gigantic permission slip to teach YOUR way).

Monday, LET’S DO THIS! 💪🏻

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