I've been thinking a lot about what defines us in this career...

...and, I'm here to tell you: it's not the stuff on our résumé.

Perhaps you know, I spent four days last week in a glorious bubble of PianoTeacherWorld known as NCKP (the National Conference on Keyboard Pedagogy).

Gathering together with other teachers is ALWAYS a privilege, and I try to milk the experience for all it is worth.

No surprise to me at all, my favorite session of the week was with a longtime hero of mine, Vanessa Cornett.

(if her name sounds familiar, it's because her book, The Mindful Musician, was included on the Summer Bookshelf Tour this summer. See episode 132).

Anyway.

I can't possibly do her session justice, but she mentioned the idea of paying more attention to our un-résuméd selves and I was instantly OBSESSED.

There are A LOT of feelings in our profession about the merits and limits of certain qualifications (like music degrees, which I discuss in episode 103).

But - in the end - our lives (and our teaching careers) are defined by a myriad of things that do NOT get a line on our CV's.

So, I'm issuing a challenge for you today:

Make a list: What qualities and/or areas of expertise do you possess that make you the unique person you are?

My degrees and work experience are shared by MANY of my incredible colleagues. They are not what set me apart.

What does?

Here are a few things:

• My absolute obsession with LEGACY in our profession

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• A strange ability to remember things people say and write, even years after the fact (yeah, I'm one of those...)

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• An awkward laugh (that gets me in trouble from time to time)

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• The lengths I will go to in order to make sure others feel comfortable in my presence

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• My constant analysis of human behavior and motivation (I can't turn it off; I've tried!)

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• A sense of artistry that feels far beyond my own capabilities

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• My genuine desire for future generations to have it better than I did - whatever that looks like

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Phew! That was a little nerve-wracking to share, but (since we're friends and all), I try to be an open book. 😆

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May we all begin to embrace the unique qualities we bring to this musical table. For, in doing so, we just might inspire our students to do the same. 🥂

And now that I've told you some of MY identity-markers, IT'S YOUR TURN!

What are the things that make you... you? Maybe it's an experience, maybe it's a quality... but think today about YOUR "un-résuméd self" and tell me what sets YOU apart from the rest.

As always, thanks for reading! 👏

Other Ways I Can Help You:

From the Archives August is a special time in StudioTeacherLand. If you're looking for ideas and/or solidarity from someone who's right there with you, check out the following episodes: ​Episode 90: Cheers to Our Fall Scheduling Grievances ​Episode 38: Cheers to a Less-Conventional August

Can't-Live-Without Repertoire Hot-Off-the-Press: Teachers are always asking me about sightreading material. Truth be told, I rarely use designated sightreading books (if you know what to look for, our studios are already full of great sightreading material). BUT - the Fabers have recently put together Sightreading books for their Preparatory and Level 1 Literature books and I AM HERE FOR IT. 😆 Get Yours Here

One-to-One Teacher Consultations I *just* opened up a block of consult appointments for the month of August. If you feel stuck in your teaching: whether it's a tuition/policy matter, or you don't know how to "up" your teaching game, let me know and we'll see if I can help! More details here

Support my work on Patreon Are you an artist who cares about supporting other artists? Do you find value in the work I put into the world? If your finances allow, I hope you'll consider a $3 or $6 contribution. Check Out Available Benefits

A Favorite Thing I recently scored a GREAT sale on this craft keeper, originally put on my radar by Melody Payne. This little storage system is INCREDIBLE for storing card games, manipulatives, stickers, and more. I love the bright rainbow colors, but there are subdued palettes available as well. Find it on my Favorites List

This Week on the Podcast The Summer Bookshelf Tour WRAPPED UP this week, with our ninth stop: Questions and Answers by (queen) Frances Clark. Other Summer Bookshelf Tour recs are available on my Favorites page. Listen In for my Three Takeaways

Studio Foundations: 6-week session We'll be starting up a new 6-week session of the Studio Foundations Course in September. Register NOW to secure your spot! Check it out!

Piano Pedagogy for High Schoolers I'm considering running the online version of my 6-week pedagogy course this fall. If you have high school students who play at the intermediate level or above and are interested in piano teaching, please have them sign up at this link to receive more information. High School Pedagogy Course

NOW: Hit that REPLY Button and tell me a few things that make YOU the unique teacher-human you are.

Onward and upward toward inspiring others to live their own, authentic journeys. 🥂

Want to check out PAST One Thought Thursdays? Find the Archives Here.​

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