Beyond Measure: A Podcast for Piano Teachers with Christina Whitlock
By Christina Whitlock
Beyond Measure: A Podcast for Piano Teachers with Christina WhitlockJun 14, 2021
167: Cheers to PERFECTION is Overrated
Today I'm sharing a story that illustrates a timeless lesson: Perfection is Overrated. May we all move forward with intentions to live a life FAR GREATER than "perfect".
Find all links mentioned - including 20% off all recorded resources through 05.10.24 - at ChristinaWhitlock.com/episode167.
166: Cheers to Piano Teacher Takeaways from Taylor Swift (No Swiftie-Status Required)
Love her or... well, otherwise... my primary thesis in life is the fact that we can ALL learn something from one another. Today, I'm sharing three TeacherLessons learned from none other than Taylor Swift.
Find a transcript, related links, and more at ChristinaWhitlock.com/episode166
165: Cheers to Changing Perspectives Before Performance
In today's ultra-practical episode, I'm sharing THREE necessary changes of perspective we should all remember in those weeks leading up to a performance (and, really, all year long).
Find all related links, written transcript, and more at ChristinaWhitlock.com/episode165
164: Cheers to Reducing Confusion, Intimidation, and Embarrassment in the Lesson
Today's episode riffs on a well-known quote from mathematician, Larry Martinek: “Children don’t hate math. What they hate is being confused, intimidated, and embarrassed by math.” How does this apply to piano lessons? Listen in... Find today's shownotes, including related links and a written transcript, at christinawhitlock.com/episode164.
163: Cheers to Spending Like an Artist
We all know: financial decisions are incredibly personal.
Yet, if we all prioritize that which matters to us, it stands to reason Creatives should have some common perspectives when it comes to the things we support.
Today we examine what it means to Spend Like an Artist.
Find a transcript and related links to this episode at ChristinaWhitlock.com/Episode163
ENCORE REPLAY: Cheers to Mixing Business with Compassion
Today's episode features a replay of one of "those" episodes that we ALL could (or, perhaps, should?) listen to more than once. It's also paving the way for next week's episode. So, kick back and enjoy this Encore Replay of Episode 126, as we remind ourselves of one fundamental truth: We CAN show compassion to our studio families, WITHOUT putting ourselves in financial hardship.
162: Cheers to Stating the "Obvious"
Today I am sharing three (somewhat embarrassing) stories to illustrate the importance of communicating things that may seem obvious to us... but are anything-but-obvious to our students. Let's learn, laugh, and vow to do better together.
161: Cheers to Calling EGO What it Is
The last several podcast episodes have danced around an important TeacherTruth that is a bit unsavory. Today, we're taking a BOLD step and calling Ego what it is.
Find registration for The Varsity Musician's Playbook and all other related links for today's show at ChristinaWhitlock.com/episode161
160: Cheers to Fueling Recital Participation with FOMO
Today we address "those families" (we all have them from time to time!) who just don't make studio events a priority.
Find links to the Recital Summary page, the Varsity Musician's Playbook, and more at ChristinaWhitlock.com/episode160.
159: Cheers to Releasing the WEIGHT of "Potential"
Teaching sometimes feels synonymous with the idea of identifying "potential", right?
AND YET - the notion of "potential" can easily turn into a burden. It can skew our assessments, and impact our satisfaction on the job. Today, we're looking at how to release this weight and gain a healthier perspective.
Find the complete shownotes (including a transcript, related links, and more) at ChristinaWhitlock.com/episode159
ICYMI: Cheers to Being a Piano Teacher
While on a self-imposed vocal rest, Christina takes the opportunity to share with you an episode of the "What it's Like to Be" podcast, recorded with NYT Bestselling Author, Dan Heath.
Thanks to producer, Matt Purdy, for the invitation and his fine editing.
Check out ChristinaWhitlock.com/support for ways to hear more from your Anytime Piano Teacher Friend.
158: Cheers to Advice for My Younger Teacher Self
Today, I'm revising the top piece of advice I would give to my early-20's Teacher Self, if I could. I'd love to know what YOU would tell your younger self as well.
Check out a written transcript, all mentioned links, and more at ChristinaWhitlock.com/episode158
157: Cheers to What's Working in This Season
One important practice in my life is regularly listing What's Working for me, and, conversely, What's Not. Today, I'm bringing my most recent list to you. I'm ultra-curious what makes YOUR list. Don't be shy; share with me at BeyondMeasurePodcast (at) gmail (dot) com.
Find a full transcript, related links, and more in the shownotes for this episode at ChristinaWhitlock.com/episode157.
156: Cheers to Lessons Learned in (Pre-Teen) Counseling
Today I'm sharing three Piano Teacher Takeaways I learned - of all places - in the counselor's office.
Check out ChristinaWhitlock.com/episode156 for a written transcript, related links, and more.
155: Cheers to Studio Traditions
Today I'm sharing all things TRADITION, including ideas from Instagram friends far and wide.
Find all mentioned links (there's a LOT of them here!), written transcript, and more at ChristinaWhitlock.com/episode155.
154: Cheers to My No. 1 Practice Hack
...it's probably not what you think it is!
Find a full transcript, related links, and more in at ChristinaWhitlock.com/Episode154
153: Cheers to One SIMPLE Lesson Activity
Today's episode features one easily-actionable lesson activity, as well as some big-picture takeaways from the experience.
All related links, transcript, and more can be found at christinawhitlock.com/episode153.
152: Cheers to What it Means to PLAY
It's easy to SAY we prioritize the role of PLAY in what we do, but how often to we *actually* sit and consider what that word really means? Well, friend... that's our work for today: Considering PLAY.
Find links mentioned, a written transcript, and more at ChristinaWhitlock.com/episode152.
151: Cheers to Remaining Teachable (My One-Word for 2024)
Choosing a Word of the Year is a practice I only take on when I find a word that feels undeniably applicable. This is one such year. Today we look at why I'm declaring 2024 my year of Remaining Teachable.
Find related links and more at ChristinaWhitlock.com/episode151
Links mentioned in this episode:
- Sign up for the Beyond Measure Book Study by clicking here
- Check out the Studio Foundations Course by clicking here
- Join the Teacher Friends of the Beyond Measure Podcast Facebook Group Here
Encore Replay: Cheers to Finishing "Up" (originally episode 017)
When this episode originally aired, the amount of "buzz" it created convinced me this was a message we all needed to hear. Two years (and a LOT of audience members!) later, I thought it was time to visit it again. I was also inspired to create a new download to accompany this material.
Find the new download, written transcript, related links, and more at ChristinaWhitlock.com/replay017.
Encore Replay: Cheers to Naming Your Studio Vibe (Originally Episode 096)
Today's encore replay features an important reminder: People don't always buy services and/or products. More often, they buy FEELINGS.
Find a written transcript, related episodes, and more at ChristinaWhitlock.com/Replay096
Encore Replay: Cheers to Money Talk (originally Episode 037)
Why is talking about money so difficult? Today's encore replay looks into the why's-and-how's of financial conversations.
Find related episodes, a full transcript, and more at ChristinaWhitlock.com/Replay037
Encore Replay: Cheers to the Upcoming GIFT of January (originally Episode 104)
While it may seem premature to be talking about January, today I'm share a key consideration to making sure you kick off 2024 on your "A" Game.
View complete shownotes for this episode at ChristinaWhitlock.com/Replay104
Encore Replay: Cheers to Solid Before Spectacular (originally Episode 041)
Today's Encore Replay features a real "ah-ha" moment in my life, and I hope it has a similar impact on yours.
Find a written transcript, all links mentioned, suggested follow-up episodes, and more at ChristinaWhitlock.com/Replay041.
Encore Replay: Cheers to Experience > Correction (originally Episode 99)
Today's replay features one of "those" episodes: the ones that end up teaching *me* just as much as I hope it teaches *you*.
Find a complete transcript, related links, and more at ChristinaWhitlock.com/replay099
Encore Replay: Cheers to My Rule of Three (originally episode 049)
In the first of the year-end Encore Replays, Christina introduces her Rule of Three (episode 049).
Year-End Encore Replays feature a new intro/outro, plus a classic episode that bears repeating.
Complete shownotes - including a transcript, related episodes, and more - can be found at ChristinaWhitlock.com/Replay049
150: Cheers to Taking Time Away from Teaching
Today's episode reminds us: Just because you *can* teach without taking a break, it doesn't mean you *should*. Join Christina as she shares three primary reasons why you need to incorporate more time off in your next studio calendar.
See complete shownotes at christinawhitlock.com/episode150
149: Cheers to The Best Advice for Studio Parents
Years ago, I happened upon a piece of parenting advice that really stuck with my Teacher Brain. Today, I'm sharing it with you, in hopes it will help you, and - perhaps - your studio parents.
Find the full shownotes for today's episode at christinawhitlock.com/episode149
148: Cheers to The Forgotten Step in Teaching Teenagers
If there's one area studio music teachers can find solidarity in, it's navigating the struggles of those busy teenagers! Today, Christina shares one game-changing strategy to help make the most of your lesson year with these overscheduled students.
Find the complete episode notes - including the free download link - at christinawhitlock.com/episode148
147: Cheers to Goals as Stepping Stones (Not Destinations)
Today's episode makes an thought-provoking parallel between doing the laundry and music study. HINT: Both involve goals that are important to complete, yet are never truly finished. Join Christina for a lesser-explored perspective on goal-setting.
Find a written transcript for this episode, as well as links to related episodes and more at christinawhitlock.com/episode147
146: Cheers to the Irrevocable Title of Musician
Musicians are not defined by the number of hours they practice, the kinds of performances they give, or whether or not they have a teacher. Helping our students realize this (as well as reminding ourselves of the same) is an important step towards finding joy in making music.
Find related episodes and more in the shownotes for today's episode at christinawhitlock.com/episode146.
145: Cheers to "Kids These Days"
This one's been brewing for awhile, friends: It's time to take a tough look inward, recognizing how our expectations support the idea of making things better for up-and-coming generations, and - well - how they don't.
Find the shownotes for today's episode at christinawhitlock.com/episode145
144: Cheers to Prioritizing Lasting Value
Focus On That Which Will Last: These are words that save me ALL THE TIME in my personal and professional life. But what does this look like in studio music teacher life? That's what we're looking at in episode 144.
Find the shownotes for this episode at christinawhitlock.com/episode144
143: Cheers to Metronome Musings
Today, we're talking about finding success with the most polarizing device in all of music teaching: the metronome.
View related links and more in the shownotes for this episode at christinawhitlock.com/episode143
142: Cheers to Being Your Own Method
Inspired by the well-known philosophy of Frances Clark, today I'm sharing a handful of my (many!) thoughts related to the true role of a method series in our teaching.
Links mentioned today, as well as related episodes can be found at christinawhitlock.com/episode142
141: Cheers to The Things We Know (and the Things We Don't)
One of the fascinating mind games of MusicTeacherWorld is this: we have to simultaneously accept the fact that (1) we have much knowledge worth sharing, and (2) we have so much to learn. Today, Christina offers a permission slip to embrace BOTH of these truths.
Shownotes for today's episode can be found at christinawhitlock.com/episode141
140: Cheers to Identifying Emotional Labor in Teaching
Today, we talk about naming things that may have gone un-named in your studio. Listen in for an important discussion on the Emotional Labor of Teaching.
Visit the shownotes for today's episode AND register for next week's webinar at christinawhitlock.com/episode140
139: Cheers to BRAVERY in Communication
Today, Christina dishes out a bit of tough love for those of us (ahem) who are conflict-avoidant and prefer to "hide" behind written policies. Oh yeah, it's a good one...
Find links to TWO free downloads, the Patreon community, and a collection of GREAT previous episodes in today's shownotes at christinawhitlock.com/episode139.
138: Cheers to The Things We Do *Not* Do
Inspired by an enthusiastic response to a particular One Thought Thursday email, today we are BOLDLY naming the things we do NOT do.
Check out the links mentioned in today's episode and more at christinawhitlock.com/episode138
137: Cheers to Questions and Answers by Frances Clark (Summer Bookshelf Tour)
The ninth and FINAL stop on our summer bookshelf tour is here, friends! I am excited to wrap up this series with a timeless piano teacher classic.
Visit christinawhitlock.com/episode137 for ALL the details related to this episode, including links to all Summer Bookshelf Tour recommendations, related episodes, Studio Foundations Course details, and more.
136: Cheers to Under Pressure by Lisa Damour (Summer Bookshelf Tour)
Today's episode covers a (maybe?) unlikely piano-teacher recommendation, exploring the "Epidemic of Stress and Anxiety in Girls". We are better teachers when we understand the struggles facing our students outside our studio walls, and Dr. Damour offers a thorough-yet-hopeful glimpse into her life's work here.
Find the shownotes for this episode at christinawhitlock.com/episode136
135: Cheers to The Ways Children Learn Music by Eric Bluestine (Summer Bookshelf Tour)
Phew! This is a BIG topic to handle in my usually-bite-sized show. Listen in for ways I utilize MLT-inspired philosophies in my teaching.
Check out links to REAL MLT resources and more at christinawhitlock.com/episode135
134: Cheers to Burnout by Emily and Amelia Nagoski (Summer Bookshelf Tour)
Today, we look at the real causes of (and preventions for) that nasty thing called Burnout.
Check out shownotes and more at christinawhitlock.com/episode134
133: Cheers to Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert (Summer Bookshelf Tour)
Today, we examine what I consider to be the Anthem of Creative Living for artists in many disciplines: Big Magic, by Elizabeth Gilbert.
Episode notes and more can be found at christinawhitlock.com/episode133
132: Cheers to The Mindful Musician by Vanessa Cornett (Summer Bookshelf Tour)
Our fourth stop on the Summer Bookshelf Tour is a fabulous journey into the world of mindfulness. It comes with an abundance of reflection tools, breathing exercises, and heaps of research to help us approach our students as informed educators. Join Christina for a peek into one of her must-reads for musicians.
Check out christinawhitlock.com/episode132 for related episodes and more.
131: Cheers to The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown (Summer Bookshelf Tour)
Our third stop on the Summer Bookshelf Tour is a work I re-read every January because it's THAT good. The Gifts of Imperfection holds a multitude of truths for musicians, teachers, and humans alike.
Visit christinawhitlock.com/episode131 for related episodes, favorite things, ways to support the show, and more.
130: Cheers to Intelligent Music Teaching by Robert Duke (Summer Bookshelf Tour)
Our second stop on the Summer Bookshelf Tour is Christina's most-recommended music text: Intelligent Music Teaching, by Robert Duke.
Visit christinawhitlock.com/episode130 for related episodes, registration for the Studio Foundations Course, and more.
129: Cheers to Atomic Habits by James Clear (Summer Bookshelf Tour)
Cue the party horns! Today, Christina launches her first-ever SUMMER SERIES on the podcast. Each week through June/July, she will be sharing three takeaways from a book that has made a significant impact on her #MusicTeacherLife.
Visit christinawhitlock.com/episode129 for related episodes, info on the Studio Foundations Course, and so. much. more.
BONUS EPISODE: Cheers to Continuing Legacies...
SURPRISE, FRIENDS! It's my first-ever BONUS episode, focusing on my continued obsession with the legacies we learn from, and those we leave...
Visit christinawhitlock.com/BONUS1 to see Menahem Pressler's musical genealogy, as well as registration info for the Studio Foundations Course.
128: Cheers to Contemplating Change
Today's episode is part of a three-way podcast takeover, featuring myself, Nicola Cantan (of Vibrant Music Teaching), and Tim Topham (of Integrated Music Teaching).
We are all tackling the question of, "What three things you would change right now if you could?" and - let me tell you - our answers are ALL distinct and thought-provoking. You'll want to listen to all three podcasts, because they'll give you plenty things to ponder all summer long.
Catch MY three responses on Tim's show, The Integrated Music Teaching Podcast. You can find HIS responses on Nicola's show, The Vibrant Music Teaching Podcast. That means you'll find Nicola featured here today on the Beyond Measure Podcast.
Phew! SO MUCH FUN.
Find links for all these shows - and more - at christinawhitlock.com/episode128