Today, I Confess: It’s Easy to Miss Big Lessons that Come from Small Interactions
In this week’s Encore Replay of the Beyond Measure Podcast, I discuss an important takeaway that came from a casual conversation with friends at NCKP in 2023.
Of ALL the things I learned at the conference that week, the only thing I felt compelled to speak about on the podcast came from one serendipitous conversation while wandering the exhibit hall.
Isn’t it funny how that works?
This is why I am such a champion for spending time with other teachers. We often find ourselves together for one distinct purpose (professional development, student events, administrative meetings, etc.) but the things we learn from one another go far beyond the original intent.
It’s easy to think professional opportunities have to end with money in our pockets to be considered “worth it”.
I confess: I’ve been there.
…I’ve also been proven wrong.
I joined the Indiana Music Teachers Association Board of Directors in 2007, shortly after finishing graduate school. I’ve served in many positions over the years, including State President. I will always consider joining our board one of the best decisions of my professional life.
On the surface, joining a volunteer board seems like you’re just signing up to give away time and energy. While it *is* a serious investment, my relationships with teachers on the IMTA board have proven to be the training ground I never knew I needed.
Obviously, I’ve learned a lot about how a board functions and Robert’s Rules of Order😅, but the real lessons have come from watching my colleagues navigate various seasons of life.
Through countless “casual” conversations between agenda items, I’ve taken notes on how others balance teaching with The Stuff Of Life. I’ve picked up tips on scheduling, student temperament, repertoire, red flags, communication, and more.
I’ve watched teachers juggle careers with busy teenagers. I’ve studied how those same teachers approached retirement. I’ve learned 1,000 lessons about what really matters about this life we’re living.
…all because I volunteered to serve.
You don’t have to join your state MTA board, but I hope you will find opportunities to interact with other teachers this year.
(somewhere beyond Facebook teacher groups 😉)
Attend a conference, schedule a coffee date with other local teachers, go to concerts… just don’t try to teach in a vacuum.
…just because we can do this work alone, it doesn’t mean we should.
There are many lessons behind the things you set out to learn. We just need to stay connected and curious.
On that note!
As of this morning, there are FIVE spots remaining in this year’s Intermediate Piano Teaching Cohort.
Janna and I have been incredibly spoiled because we haven’t had to advertise outside of our own email lists.
This is great because (1) we haven’t spent summer energy on advertising campaigns, and (2) since everyone is already in our “ecosystem”, we KNOW we can expect a high quality of character and knowledge from our participants.
Having a cohort of teachers who already resonate with the work we do guarantees a certain quality of experience we couldn’t otherwise promise.
This is an opportunity to study the many elements of Intermediate piano teaching (repertoire, transfer students, stages of learning and development, technique, rhythm, reading, historical style, etc.)
…but ALSO to spend time learning from one another through the lessons behind the lessons (just as I examined in today’s Confession).
Please be aware: The cost of registration for our 2026 Intermediate Piano Cohort increases $40 on Saturday: August 8th.
(Assuming any spots remain at that time) 🤷🏻♀️
If you are interested in going “back to school” with us this fall, we welcome you to sign up.
Here’s the gist:
- We use brilliant materials
- Live online instruction happens on 12 consecutive Fridays, beginning September 4th.
- The value you take from the course is directly proportional to the amount of attention you give it.
- SuperFriends on Patreon save $30 off the cost of registration. Join today and save! (discount expires end of day Friday: 08.07!)
Click here for more details!
“I really loved this experience, it was so very well framed, organized and delivered. Breakout rooms were great!
Absolutely, the material was great, the additional resources were wonderful. You two were really fabulous. Just wonderful, functional, creative recommendations”
Mary Anne, 2025 Cohort Participant
NOW IT’S YOUR TURN: What lessons-behind-the-lesson have YOU learned from your colleagues?
Leave a comment below and tell me!
More from Christina and Beyond Measure:
