Sometimes I Just Need to Ask

Today, I Confess: Sometimes I Just Need to Ask

I’ve long contended the world favors those who are willing to ask questions.

Even still, lately I’ve been noticing how often I find myself tied in knots over the fear of asking.

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A few weeks ago, I realized I needed to move a student’s lesson time for the remainder of the year. This student has come at the exact same time for over a decade (!), and I was sweating bullets over the thought of asking for a change.

I even started brainstorming a pretty convoluted Plan B – which would have been quite stressful – all because I was reluctant to ask her to change her lesson time.

Reason ultimately prevailed and I requested the schedule change. Her response?

“Oh, that would be WONDERFUL! It really helps my schedule, too.”

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I had to laugh at the amount of worry and avoidance I’d given to this situation, all to have it work out better for both of us in the end. You just never know until you ask.

This is one of many times I’ve needlessly avoided asking questions. I told a whopper of a story back in Episode 162 if you’re in need of some entertainment today. 😅

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Here’s why this matters as teachers:

(1) Maybe you need encouragement to ASK THE QUESTIONS. Whether they are related to scheduling, client satisfaction, or any other uncertainties, your imagination will run wild until you ask. Save time, save energy and just ask the question.

(2) Regardless of whether YOU struggle with asking questions, you have students who do. Many students want to ask questions…but don’t.

I pride myself in creating a lesson experience where everyone feels comfortable expressing their ideas. Therefore, it’s easy for me to assume students are asking what’s on their minds.

The truth is, there are countless reasons students don’t ask questions, and many of them have nothing to do with us.

Here’s something fun to try: As I’m wrapping up a lesson, I often tell students they can’t leave until they ask me one question.

(maybe that sounds creepy… but hear me out) 🤣

Some ask musical questions; others opt for something that appears random… but I believe this prompt conditions students to ask better questions over time and reassures them I care about what’s going on inside their heads.

…which leads me to my big questions for you today:

How often are you inviting students to ask questions in the lesson? Hint: Saying, “Any questions for me?” as they walk out the door does not count.😉

What about studio parents? You can sign every email with the standard, “Feel free to send any questions my way!“, but how many opportunities do you create to have open dialogue with families once students are enrolled?

(While we’re talking about parent interactions, in case you’ve forgotten: Questions are Feedback, Not Attacks.)

As always, today’s confession was born out of my own convictions. I hope it’s been helpful and thought-provoking for you today.

🥂 May this message empower you to ask your own questions, and to create lesson experiences where others feel free to do the same. 🥂

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🎄Holiday Recommendations for You: 🎄

• My Favorite Thanksgiving Activity: I introduced this assignment on the podcast last year. It’s a great way to involve the entire family in the musical experience. If you’re in the U.S. and celebrating Turkey Day soon, I highly recommend a listen.
• The December Performance Challenge has enjoyed attention from all over the world in recent years. If you are looking for a holiday activity to keep students motivated, this is as easy as it gets.
• Beyond Measure Episode 9 and Episode 10 feature Holiday (Re)Considerations

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More from Christina and Beyond Measure

🎙️ On the Podcast This Week

Episode 236 is here, answering listener questions about 30 and 40 piece repertoire challenges. I jumped on a few Teacher Philosophy soapboxes along the way, so there’s truly something here for everyone.

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🦸🏻‍♀️SuperFriends on Patreon

As mentioned in this week’s episode, SuperFriends in the Patreon Community will receive a BONUS video later this week highlighting some of my favorite takeaways from my “creative spin” on the 30 piece challenge this fall.

ALSO: Our November session of Teachers Teaching Teachers is coming up on 11.21.25. We’ll be using that hour for Repertoire Sharing, where each member brings their must-have holiday collection/arrangement. If you want a solid sampling of what’s out there in holiday piano repertoire, THIS will be the meeting for you.

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🎶 Must-Teach Music

Speaking of holiday music, Chrissy Ricker just announced a new collection: MORE Medley Magic. I am a huge fan of Chrissy’s other Medley books, so this one feels like a no-brainer. (Just when I thought I was done buying music for the year!). 😅

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💞 Favorite Things

Last year on the podcast, I released an episode about my favorite Piano Teacher Gifts. Check out my ideas here.