Beyond Measure Podcast – Positive Piano Instruction for Students of Every Age – Located in Muncie, Indiana

Beyond Measure Podcast

Your self-proclaimed “Anytime Piano Teacher Friend” is delighted by the overwhelmingly positive response to her little podcast project, Beyond Measure with Christina Whitlock.

A formal website for the podcast is in the works, but, for now, we’ll count this as our little piece of Internet Real Estate for the podcast.

Thanks, friends!

You can listen to Beyond Measure here:

Episode 104: Cheers to the Upcoming Gift of January – Beyond Measure with Christina Whitlock

Don't roll your eyes at my mention of January just yet… Today I'm sharing a GAME-CHANGING perspective to keep on the coming new year… See a list of relevant links to today's episode by clicking here. Email anytime at beyondmeasurepodcast (at) gmail (dot) com — Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/beyondmeasure/message

CLICK HERE for your FREE Weekly Studio Reflections Printable!

beyondmeasurepodcast

…don’t roll your eyes just yet… Yes, I said

…don’t roll your eyes just yet…

Yes, I said “January,” but there’s a good reason.

…not to try and rush through the end of 2022, but to help you reframe one GAME-CHANGING perspective on entering a new year as a studio teacher.

Check out today’s (15 min!) episode to see why I’m mentioning the J-word when we’re barely into December already. 😉

Cheers to our best end-of-year festivities yet, friends! 🥂

On saying goodbye to seasons of life… I hosted

On saying goodbye to seasons of life…

I hosted my last community music recital program yesterday as part of the university job I’ve chosen to leave at the end of this semester.

It was one of those perfectly-beautiful events I will always be grateful for.

Because these are community students taught by my university students, I have very little interaction with these kiddos until this one day of the semester.

Yesterday’s students CLEARLY loved being there and were generous with their enthusiasm and their compliments from start to finish (SUCH a gift! 🎁). I lead an hour of game play/warm-ups before the recital began and they were so. much. fun.

Their performances were also the most solid I’ve seen since taking this program over a few years ago, which is a testament to the terrific student teachers I’ve been mentoring this semester.

Once everyone had left, I took the Bosendorfer for one last spin (Chopin Nocturne, Op. 9 No. 1, if you’re curious). I closed the piano up, turned off all the lights, and thought to grab this photo.

I’ve always loved the feeling of an empty recital hall. It’s unlike anything else. 🤍

I’ve said multiple times, I’m going to miss this work very much. It’s simply not a good logistical fit for me anymore, but I’m trying to be very intentional about recognizing the blessing of being able to walk away while something is still good.

The work wasn’t making me miserable. I have no ill-feelings about any of it. People will miss me. I did good work. I kept classes and programs afloat through the lockdown and all its aftermath.

And ALL of that is good.

Just because it’s sad, doesn’t mean it’s wrong.

This was one of many paths that has led me to the place I am heading, and it served me well.

Thank goodness we are always “on our way.”

NOW I am staring down a long week of wrapping-up: last lessons with my applied students, and last classes with my pedagogy students. I am not looking forward to it.

So, if you need me between now and then, you’ll find me repeating the phrase, “Just because it’s sad, doesn’t mean it’s wrong.”

Cheers to our many seasons of life, friends. 🥂

Looking for a way to keep your (easily-distracted)

Looking for a way to keep your (easily-distracted) students playing this month?

Or just over Winter Break?

Allow me to introduce you to the December Performance Challenge! 🎶

Here is the gist:

I’ve been running this for many years now and it’s proven to be (1) popular with my students, (2) EASY for me, and (3) inclusive of any faith traditions. That’s the trifecta for me!

Very simply, I have students collect signatures from anyone they play for in the month of December. The student at the end of the month with the most signatures wins a prize. For me, that’s $30 cash.

I also award $5 prizes to anyone achieving 30 or more signatures. This is my way of incentivizing EVERYONE to aim high, regardless of how intense a handful of students get with the competition. 😂

Cash IS a great motivator, but I also budget ahead of time for this (from my registration fees collected in August). You could - obviously - award anything that works for you.

This is the only incentive I run throughout my year. I’m willing to throw a little $ at it because the idea of students sharing their music with others - especially this time of year - matters to me.

There is a link in my bio to the printable I use, in case you are interested!

I’ll also comment with some of the many points of “fine print” I have learned to implement with this challenge over the years. 🙃

I hope you find this helpful! 🌟

…no podcast episode today! 🦋 It’s easy to

…no podcast episode today! 🦋

It’s easy to do things “just because we can”. I think of the MANY years I taught every possible week through the holidays “because I could” (and, of course, because I hadn’t yet discovered the beauty of flat rate tuition and couldn’t help but count the dollar signs I was missing by not teaching any given week. THERE’S A BETTER WAY, friends… but I digress😅).

Consider this your reminder that REST and white space for your brain makes you a BETTER TEACHER (sub: friend/spouse/parent/neighbor/human).

I could have recorded a podcast this weekend - no problem - but turning my brain completely off of content-creation mode for a few days was JUST what the doctor ordered. 🤍

If you are missing me, here are a few suggestions from the archives:

🎄Studio Holiday (re)considerations can be found in episodes 9 and 10.

🎨Ways to support our fellow creatives this time of year can be found in episode 8.

🌨As Seasonal Affective Disorder begins to set in, check out episode 40 on pulling yourself out of a funk before teaching.

🎁AND - something I’ve been thinking a lot about lately - Episode 57, Naming What You Want - is a great listen this time of year as we spend so much time focusing on what OTHERS want.

My forever favorite Thanksgiving prayer 🤍 We a

My forever favorite Thanksgiving prayer 🤍

We are having an unexpectedly-small Thanksgiving this year and I’ve been a little mopey about it, but the truth is, our blessings are far…well, beyond measure.

I am grateful for my teacher friends - near and far - who have brought more joy and purpose to my life than I can express.

Have a beautiful day, all! 😘

Traveling this week? Let me help you build your

Traveling this week?

Let me help you build your podcast playlist!

Send me a DM and tell me three things about your studio teacher life. Helpful info includes what you’re doing that you LIKE, what you’re doing that you DON’T, or something you WISH you were doing.

…I’m hosting thanksgiving for just my own small crew this year, so I’ll message you while pies are cooling and turkeys are roasting! 🤍

(This offer does not expire 🙃)

Whether you are celebrating here in The States this week or not, I hope this week gives you the opportunity to reflect on the many reasons we have to give thanks.

Stay safe and healthy, everyone! I am thankful for YOU. 😘

I’m stepping right into it today… 🙈 Appa

I’m stepping right into it today…

🙈

Apparently the week of US Thanksgiving is the time I chose to tackle one of the biggest arguments in all of studio teacher world.

…maybe you can debate THIS around your holiday table (rather than unsavory politics; ha!) 😅

Seriously, the argument of the “necessity” of university credentials is always one that brings about a lot of passion.

In the end, we must remember our own personal experience informs EVERY “debate” we find ourselves in. No one wants their decision to be de-valued (whether that decision was to complete a music degree or not). It all boils down to humanity, friends.

At the same time, there ARE valid points to be made on both sides… though (strangely) the good ones don’t seem to get mentioned much when this topic arises.

AND SO, I bring you episode 103: Cheers to the (Often-Debated) Value of University Education.

…as always, I’d love to hear your own experience! ☀️

BIG NEWS around these parts… The Studio Founda

BIG NEWS around these parts…

The Studio Foundations Course is my FIRST EVER course offering (with many more to come 🥳).

If you are looking to hit the “refresh” button on your approach to studio teaching, this course is definitely something to consider.

The Studio Foundations course is for anyone - regardless of how long you’ve been teaching - who is looking for SUSTAINABLE SATISFACTION in their work.

In other words, the goal is to help you build a studio approach that keeps you (and your studio families!) enthusiastic and effective for the long-haul. 🎶

This is a self-led video course, built upon 14 Guiding Principles I follow in my own teaching.

These 14 principles are comprised of teaching philosophies, key research regarding how humans learn music, as well as life lessons I’ve learned in 27 years of studio teaching.

Two incredible things happen if you register before 01.03.23:
- You will lock-in the lowest-ever price of $89
- You will receive three bonus units, centered on building relationships with your students, their families, and your community.

Pre-registration ends on January 3rd, and the course officially opens on January 15th.

For more information on how you can make 2023 your most satisfying studio year yet, check out the link in my bio, or head to christinawhitlock.com/foundations

Thanks, friends! Onward and upward! 🥂

It’s a great day to build some empathy… As w

It’s a great day to build some empathy…

As we all know, teaching offers a constant challenge to understand the inner-dialog of the student sitting across from you.

There are many ways to go about this, but today, in Episode 102, I am suggesting ONE very important factor I wish ALL educators gave a little more consideration to…

Curious? Find out what it is (and listen to me overshare about my childhood people-pleaser tendencies! 🫣) by listening to Episode 102 of the Beyond Measure Podcast. 🥂

This is my grateful face! 🤩 I have had THE BES

This is my grateful face! 🤩

I have had THE BEST TIME hosting Studio Teacher Thanksgiving this week.

What important work it is to take time to actively seek gratitude in your life. Not in a trite way, not to dismiss real problems, but in a genuine, “wow. there really is goodness in every day” kind of way. 🤍

Each day this week, I delivered a 5-minute video focused on a particular point of gratitude to the inboxes of anyone who signed up. Each video came with a printable reflection for attendees to ponder and complete, and we’ve had the LOVELIEST conversations in our private Facebook group the last several days.

If you missed your invite the first time around (or the timing just wasn’t awesome), you can still grab a 5-Day Wrap Up by joining the link in my bio (look for Studio Teacher Thanksgiving). 🍁🍂

…the Facebook group is still open through the end of November so feel free to join. If the links give you any trouble, send me a dm and I’ll get it taken care of! 🤍

CHEERS TO GRATITUDE, my friends 🥂

I’ve been thinking so much about this lately…

I’ve been thinking so much about this lately…

I’ve run into what-feels-like-a-million technical glitches as I’ve run Studio Teacher Thanksgiving (an immersive email experience you can STILL jump into!) this week.

But, in the end, the problems I’m trouble-shooting now are just educating My Future Self. 🙃

This feels like a serendipitous mindset shift, seeing as how this week’s podcast episode was all about seeing “mistakes” (whatever those are 🤷🏼‍♀️) as learning opportunities.

The next time you find yourself feeling frustrated by something new, try to flip the script and think about how Your Future Self will be better for today’s challenge.

Cheers to taking the deep breaths, friends! 🥂

🎙 Episode 101 🎙 Today I am talking about al

🎙 Episode 101 🎙

Today I am talking about all things “mistakes” - including the problematic nature of the word itself - as well as the opportunity we have to help change the way our students think about “errors”.

…and now I’m curious: how do YOU handle “mistakes”?

Are you someone who automatically tries to rationalize your way out of them?

Do you perseverate about the colossal damage your mistake is going to cause?

Can you roll with the punches because you know “mistakes” are part of life?

I need to know 🫣

📣 Fun Announcement Time! 📣 Next week (start

📣 Fun Announcement Time! 📣

Next week (starting 11.07.22), I am hosting Studio Teacher Thanksgiving!

…and, obviously, YOU are invited.

Because I truly am your ANYTIME Piano Teacher Friend, I’ll be showing up in your inbox each morning…but YOU choose the time we hang out that day. 🙃

Of course - like any good guest - you need to RSVP.

Signup at christinawhitlock.com/thanksgiving, and here’s what you will get DAILY for five days, beginning on Monday:

- A 3-5 minute video featuring me 🙋🏼‍♀️ and a focused point of gratitude to ponder for a few minutes.
- A printable journal reflection for the day
- An invite to our PRIVATE Facebook group; accessible only to Studio Teacher Thanksgiving guests.
- Aaaaand, perhaps there will be a surprise or two as well 😉

Here’s the thing: I am confident these are not reflections you’re going to find anywhere else on the internet.

I’m also confident you could use more intentional gratitude in your life (because, who couldn’t?🤷🏼‍♀️)

So, friends… join me next week for Studio Teacher Thanksgiving.

(Link in bio, or go to christinawhitlock.com/thanksgiving)

E P I S O D E 1️⃣ 0️⃣ 0️⃣ is here! 🪩🕺

I can’t believe it friends, but the numbers don’t lie. Just over two years into this little passion project, we’ve hit triple digits.

But today’s episode isn’t about me. It’s about YOU, and the power of showing up.

I hope you’ll take a listen.

AND - because I am so full of gratitude I could burst, I’m inviting you to a very special week of Studio Teacher Thanksgiving, beginning Monday, November 7th.

Head to christinawhitlock.com/thanksgiving for more information.

(Link in bio)

CHEERS TO A MONUMENTAL MONDAY! 🥂

Raise your hand if you can relate! 🙋🏼‍♀️

The struggle to not immediately jump in and “fix” our students’ errors is real.

In episode 99 this week, we’re talking about the importance of allowing your students to experience their music education; not just receive corrections.

Drop a 🎶 if you agree!

Episode 99 for the win…. I don’t want my stud

Episode 99 for the win….

I don’t want my students to perceive their music as a thing in constant need of fixing.

Do your students see you as the Keeper of the Corrections? Or do they see you as an inspiration to create more and think on a deeper level?

Of course, quality instruction is going to involve both; it’s just a matter of striking the right balance.

Drop me a 🤍 (and go listen to episode 99) if you agree! 🥂

Today – in episode 99! – we talk about an easy pit

Today - in episode 99! - we talk about an easy pitfall of music teaching: Leaning too heavily on corrections, rather than musical experiences.

Cheers to Monday, friends! 🥂

As we head into a new week, may this be a frequent

As we head into a new week, may this be a frequent reminder.

The payoff needs to be worth the price.

🥂

You guys. My DMs have 💣 exploded 💣 this wee

You guys.

My DMs have 💣 exploded 💣 this week with “secret” confessions of how much of our addiction to busy-ness is fueled by our need to be appreciated/acknowledged/celebrated by others.

This isn’t inherently bad.

Doing work that sets us apart or makes us feel appreciated is fine!

BUT -

It isn’t worth sacrificing your overall quality of life for.

If you are someone who struggles with “why-am-I-so-busy-all-the-time!?” (ahem, fellow musicians and teachers 👀)… you might benefit from a good, solid audit of why you do the things you do.

The payoff has to be worth the price. 🤍

For more on this idea, check out episode 98 of the Beyond Measure Podcast.

Today is the day I make a rather unflattering conf

Today is the day I make a rather unflattering confession, in hopes it might help you understand a lesser-discussed reason we can find ourselves committed to too many things.

Cheers to a brave Monday, friends! 🥂

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