Today, I Confess: Some things are NOT Working this season…
Once per quarter, I release an episode of the podcast reflecting on things that ARE working well for me in this season of life.
…to balance things out, I usually share a list of what is NOT working here in my e-letter. Well, today’s the day, friends. ☀️
So, lest you think everything is sunshine and rainbows over here, allow me to share some things that have me feeling less-than-stellar lately…
No. 1: A Smaller Student Roster
This one’s deceptive, because it mostly belongs on my list of things that ARE working. I’ve been intentionally downsizing my large studio for the past several years.
Last month, I shared with my SuperFriends during TTT that I am down to 34 weekly students this year. This is significantly fewer students than I’ve had most of my teaching life. It’s a hard-won victory, really.
I am often reminding teachers that BIGGER is not always BETTER when it comes to studio numbers. Some of us (ahem 🙋♀️) grew up in this profession thinking our value as teachers was directly correlated to the size of our studio roster.
It’s not true. I hope you know that.
…but I’ll be totally honest: Despite the fact that my schedule now includes some much-needed breathing room, I’m struggling with this “small” number of students.
(And – yes – I know 34 hardly qualifies as “small”, but what can I say? Old habits die hard). 🤷♀️
Coming to terms with my current reality is revealing deeply-rooted beliefs that my value comes from having an “impressive” number of students.
I don’t like it. These feelings are completely at odds with the way I want to show up in this profession. And yet, here we are. 👋
Some of you are rolling your eyes and calling me crazy. But I know others are in the same boat:
…When you post your recital photo online, you feel the need to mention how many students AREN’T in the picture because you need everyone to know your studio isn’t that small…
…You feel inferior because your colleagues are entering more students in a local event than you are…
…Someone makes the comment, “what happened to all your students?! You used to have so many!“
I’ve been there. I’ve felt the pangs of insecurity and the need for validation. I want you to know I understand those feelings even though I don’t agree with them at the core of my Teacher Heart.
It’s important to remember numbers never define us. And – as much as I love my students – they are not my highest priority in life.
(which brings me to No. 2 on my What’s Not Working list…)
No. 2: Parenting Struggles
It’s been an exhausting season in the parent-department, friends.
I’ll admit: I’ve been more-than-a-little spoiled. We have two daughters and there is a 6-year age gap between them. Historically, when one finds herself in a challenging season, the other has been relatively “easy”.
Apparently ages 9 and 15 are the balance-breakers. Having one foot in 4th grade and the other in 10th is proving difficult. Our struggles are largely predictable and age-appropriate… though we have a few quirks in the mix that seem to amplify everything.
It’s taken me awhile to notice the root of the issue here: It’s a very investment-heavy time in our family, and “quick” rewards are basically non-existent. The work FAR outweighs the warm-and-fuzzy.
(You know; kind of like some seasons of practicing our instruments) 😉
The last few weeks have been full of difficult conversations, tears, phone calls, and appointments. We’ve been up early and have stayed up late. We’ve said many words and also sat in silence. The emotional roller coaster of the Whitlock Girls has been a wild ride.
(please take a moment to appreciate my husband and his commitment to this house full of females).🏆
Even still: this is the work of parenthood. It’s not all snuggles and belly laughs, but the friction helps us appreciate the good stuff. Right?
(Please remind me of this tonight, will you?) 🤣
In all seriousness, this scenario is precisely why naming What’s Working and What’s Not is helpful. I’ve been feeling overwhelmed with ALL the emotional labor required of me lately. Putting words to the problem brought me to the heart of the matter: both of my children are up to their eyeballs in developmental milestones (when, previously, they’ve seemed to take turns). Naming this reality helped me remember this is simply an intense season and I am not, actually, failing as a parent.
PS: Please be kind to studio parents. This is tough work.
No. 3: Friends and Community
I’ll spare us the details here, but obviously, I’ve had some things on my mind lately. 😉 With my brain otherwise occupied, I haven’t been showing up for my friends and/or community in the ways I would like.
I’ve navigated some difficult conversations with loved ones lately. Social media has been the root of a lot of conflict. I’ve been saying this for years: Social media gives us a false confidence that we know what’s going on in the lives of those we love when it never even comes close.
Regardless, I’m desperate to show up for my community in a meaningful way that still honors the realities/limitations of this season of life. I know I’m not alone in this. I’ll keep you posted if I figure anything out. 🫡
…there you have it, friends: a peek behind the curtain onto my list of What’s NOT Working This Season.
I hope you’ll consider making your own list. If you’re feeling brave, email me something from your list or leave a comment below! I’d love to cheer you on in this season.
🥂May we remember the fleeting nature of every season, knowing the struggles of today will not be the struggles of forever.🥂
📢 Featured Offering 📢
Online Facebook groups can be a great way to crowdsource ideas. However: if you’ve ever found yourself overwhelmed by the number of opinions, judgmental attitudes, and general limitations of online posting, I recommend seeking out a single source of feedback from an experienced voice you trust.
If you are looking for specific action steps to improve your teaching, expand your knowledge of the piano repertoire, or tidy up your studio policies, booking a 1-1 Teacher Consultation might be your best move.
Explore more about the Teacher Consultations I offer by clicking here.
Thanks to Nella for her recent Consultation review:
“As teachers our minds work overtime finding just the right repertoire and tools to help explain efficiently and effectively to others. But we can’t seem to apply the same fervor to fixing our own studio problems. We get lost in the maze of thoughts/emotions. This is where Christina comes in with her laser-like focus and attention to detail to carve out your unique solution to your specific studio problems. She is the ninja surgeon who will deliver an updated, current model for how to run your business.“
I’m not sure I’ve ever been called a Ninja Surgeon before, but I kind of like it. 🤣
More from Christina and Beyond Measure
🎙️On the Podcast
As referenced in today’s Confession, this week’s episode focuses on five things that ARE working in this season of life. I talk about my latest spin on the 30-piece challenge, coffee shop rhythms, and more.
🎹 SuperFriends Meet TOMORROW
Friday, 09.26, is our next session of Teachers Teaching Teachers. This virtual meetup is easily a highlight of my month. Gather with fellow teachers and SuperFriends of Beyond Measure to talk shop, share grievances, and study up on ways to introduce students to engaging repertoire.
TTT meets at 11am eastern time. Replays of all sessions are available when you join the Patreon for just $6/month.
🎶Must-Teach Music
Speaking of TTT, tomorrow in Teachers Teaching Teachers, I’ll be exploring the exciting pedagogical merits of this collection: Strange Sounds (published by Willis). This is a wonderful collection of Halloween-worthy music that doesn’t HAVE to be limited to October. Buy your copy on SheetMusicPlus or on Amazon.
✏️ Favorite Teacher Things
I can’t teach without my dry erase staff boards. They are an essential element in how I structure a lesson. Working through practice assignments is only a part of how I spend lesson time. These boards hold up to frequent use and allow me to customize my instruction to any reading/rhythmic concept we’re covering that day. Check out my complete list of Favorite Things by clicking here.
🙋♀️Teacher Help
Free things, paid things, favorite things…. check out the MANY ways I show up to support you over on ChristinaWhitlock.com.
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