The other day, someone asked when I was going to "reveal" my Studio Mantra for the new school year...

I thought I already had, but whoops! I guess I've been holding out on you.

For those who are newer around here:

Each year, I choose a new Studio Theme (or Studio Mantra).

I talked at length about studio mantras in Episode 043. Basically, I choose one thing I plan on saying a lot and let it become "a thing" in my studio for the year.

It allows me to place a special emphasis on ONE nugget of wisdom I want to plant deep into my students' brains. 😊

The studio mantra/theme goes on a letter board in my studio, on my student's binder covers, and pretty much anywhere else I can think to use it.

Past studio mantras include:

• You Get What You Repeat (courtesy of James Clear)
• Progress Over Perfection
• Invest in Your Future Self
• Celebrate the Musician You Are TODAY
• It Has to Be SOLID Before it Can Be SPECTACULAR

This year, I had several catchy phrases in the running. In the end, I decided to simply choose four words to serve as our "musical compass" for the year.
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Are you ready for it?

My 2024-2025 Studio Mantra is:

Experiment. Examine. Explore. Express.

These four words are serving as our framework in my studio this year. Students understand that - at any given playing time - they should be doing at least one of these things (if not more).

This studio mantra has now been in place for two months and students are already showing more intentional approaches to their playing.

We all know the importance of helping students avoid "brainless" practice time. Providing them with basic vocabulary to use as a framework is paying off in a big way.

I also like the way these words give "equal footing" to all four tasks. We've already had countless laughs over reframing our mistakes as "experiments".

Why yes, Mrs. Whitlock. I totally understand that rhythm; I was just "experimenting."

(They think they are SO funny, but in actuality, I'm reinforcing the importance of experimentation in music and couldn't be happier about it).

So - there you have it, friends! My 2024-2025 Studio Mantra: Experiment. Examine. Explore. Express.

🥂 Cheers to finding new ways to repurpose the things we say ALL. THE. TIME. 🥂​
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​TELL ME FRIEND: If YOU have adopted a practice of establishing a studio mantra, be sure to HIT REPLY and tell me yours!

Please know: I read every response, even though I might be slow at replying.💜

More Ways I Can Help You:

This Week on the Podcast: ​This week's episode is short (under 14 minutes!) and puts both student AND teacher spins on a mantra from my daughter's Physical Conditioning Coach. Listen to Episode 190

About Last Week... I was too busy having fun with my family on Fall Break last week to send out a One Thought Thursday. ​ In case you missed it: Episode 189 took a deep dive into the five core values behind all things Beyond Measure, all while celebrating FOUR YEARS of this show! Listen to Episode 189

Favorite Things Due to the popularity of my Studio Mantra, my letter board has become one of those unexpected symbols of studio tradition I love. I'm seriously contemplating upgrading to this one because those skinny letters are the cutest. Find it on My Favorites list

Must-Teach Music The amazing Catherine Rollin was at our state MTA conference last week and I've been hyper-aware of how much of her music I teach. What a legacy of repertoire she has built. Her Favorite Solos collections are a great place to find quality solos at a variety of levels. Check it Out!

Continuing Education If you are not able to attend state/national conferences this year, I have a small collection of offerings to help you deepen your understanding of our profession. Check them out!

Don't forget to HIT REPLY and tell me what YOUR studio mantra for the year is (or, what it *could* be)! 🥂

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