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

Well hello there, my teacher friends!  Christina Whitlock here, your host and self-appointed Anytime Piano Teacher Friend.  Just in case you’re new around here, the Beyond Measure Podcast is THE place for teachers to think big thoughts about our work TOGETHER. You are listening to this show ad-free because of the generous support I receive through teachers like you via the SuperFriends Community on Patreon. Special thanks to Mary Woods, who has been a SuperFriend for many years now, and who – just this past weekend – jumped at the chance to meet up me at a gas station coffee shop when our family roadtrip took us by her home. We only got 15 minutes of face-to-face time, but I’m telling you: Mary Woods is the real deal and I loved introducing her to my family in real, actual life. I have a special place in my heart for EVERYONE in the SuperFriends community, especially those who have been there from the beginning. Five years ago, I never would have dreamed I would build a support network of teacher friends around the world, but here we are!

While this show is primarily a solo endeavor, this summer I am featuring conversations with some of my very favorite Teacher Friends, and I have SUCH a treat for you today. Fair warning, this one is going to make you feel all the feels.  I’m talking to my friend Florence Phillips today.  Florence operates a thriving multi-teacher studio in West Chester, PA and just TRUST ME when I tell you: she has a great story to tell.  This year, Florence piloted a group piano program in a high-security prison.  Today, we’re talking about all kinds of things, including why Florence believes these men who have committed terrible crimes are still worthy of experiencing the gift of music. Her story has plenty of highs and lows, and is chock full of takeaways for those of us teaching everyday piano students.  When I tell you this one’s special, I mean it. This is episode 221 of The Beyond Measure Podcast: Cheers to Following Through on BIG Ideas, with Florence Phillips.

(The transcribed conversation itself is currently unavailable.  Please check back or contact Christina at [email protected])

Sigh. I could seriously talk to Florence Phillips all day. In fact, we did chat for awhile longer, and you can catch the rest of our conversation over in the SuperFriends Community on Patreon. If you’re looking for a way to say THANKS for this show existing in the world, you can do so AND score yourself some great bonus content in the process by joining the SuperFriends Community.  Head to ChristinaWhitlock.com/community to see what it’s all about!

Thanks for listening my friends. While very few of us are destined to go host group piano programs in high-security prisons, I hope today’s show inspired you to take action on one of the dreams floating around in your head.  Onward and upward!