Change Is In The Air

Piano Teacher Confessions: Christina Whitlock

Today, I Confess: Change is in the Air.

The month of May always gets me feeling sentimental (and a little restless, if I’m being honest). I feel it in the air. Some change is good, some is less-than-great… but ready or not, here it comes. 😊

This week on the podcast, I shared three business mindsets essential to running a studio. I also encouraged you to schedule time SOON for a “staff meeting” (yes, with yourself).

Sit down with a good cup of coffee or a nice lunch and check in on what’s working and what’s not.

There are MANY things you can choose to reflect on during your staff meeting, but here are five suggestions that have proven effective for me:

Let the record show, several of these questions were inspired by Episode 382 of The Next Right Thing podcast with Emily P. Freeman.

Reflection No. 1: What is Ending?

It’s likely something in your life is coming to a close this month. Perhaps students are graduating? Is someone opting not to return for lessons in the fall? Maybe your teaching situation is changing, or a colleague is moving away…

Regardless of the endings on life’s horizon, I always wish I could be more aware of “the good ole days” while they were actually happening. I think it helps to take a breath and name the things that are coming to a close.

Reflection No. 2: What is Beginning?

Endings often trigger beginnings, so we’d be remised if we didn’t pay equal attention to what’s beginning to bloom. Is this the start of a new approach to teaching? A shift in how you take care of your health? Are you onboarding new students? Running an outreach program in your community?

Take a moment and express gratitude for the new opportunities coming your way – whether you asked for them or not.

Reflection No. 3: What Brings You Back to Yourself?

When you dedicate your life to meeting the needs of others, it’s easy to lose sight of what brings us back to center.

This question always challenges me. When do I feel the most unapologetically like myself?

Like many of you, those moments feel few and far between these days, and I’m on a mission to fix that.

Please note: this isn’t necessarily about rest or relaxation, though it could be. We’re all a little-too-quick to assume we just need rest, when we actually need more play.

(psst! If you’re not already aware, play is NOT void of effort)

Reflection No. 4: What Are Your Non-Negotiables for the Coming Season?

It’s hard to live an authentic life without clear boundaries. Ask me how I know. 😉

I find it refreshing to name the things I’m NOT willing to compromise in the months to come.

Time with family? Eating dinner at a decent hour? Daily time outdoors? No work after 5pm?

Name 3-4 attainable things that feel worth protecting and commit to them for the next few weeks/months.

Reflection No. 5: What Worked – and What Didn’t – this School Year?

As I said in Episode 256, it’s important to take notes (literally and figuratively) on experiences while they are still fresh.

A few times each year, I offer public reflections on what is/isn’t working. These are fan-favorites and you can find a complete list of them right here.

Tracking your notes of what worked (and what didn’t) is the best way identify trends and causational relationships in your work.

This doesn’t have to be a big deal. Start your lists today (I keep mine in my phone) so you can review them in your next staff meeting. 😊

I hope you’ll take some time this week to answer these questions AND do whatever needs doing to set yourself up for success next school year.

Feeling brave? I would LOVE to hear your answers to one of these questions. COMMENT BELOW and share with me!

🥂 May we all find a moment to reconnect with our truest priorities, even in the overwhelm of this season. 🥂

Announcement Time!

Janna Williamson and I are DELIGHTED to announce we will be holding another Intermediate Piano Teaching Cohort this fall. Last year’s Cohort was SO successful, we knew we wanted to do it again…and we would love for you to join us.

New this year: We’re extended the Cohort to 12 weeks, with live Friday sessions that will last 75 minutes.

Registration will officially open on June 22nd, but you can sign up here to get on the Interest List.