Music Ed Mentor Podcast #57: How to Burn Out of Teaching Music

Key Takeaways

Spoiler alert! At the risk of ruining the suspense, I think the real key is to stop taking care of yourself.

Here are some time-tested ways to do just that:

Get less sleep and rest
Emphasize poor nutrition in your diet; especially avoiding whole foods
Replace exercise and mediation with more social media ranting
Do more! Be sure to say YES to everything anyone ever asks you to do
Never take a break from music. Not in the car, while you sleep, or in the shower. Never.
Be certain no one appreciates you, even when evidence suggests otherwise

And most importantly:

Remember to take EVERYTHING, including yourself, VERY seriously

podcastElisa Janson JonesSeptember 20, 2019lifestyle, burnout, self care, wellness, batch 3

Music Ed Mentor Podcast #55: Comebacks, Hobbies, and Reinventing Yourself

Key Takeaways

Setting up your day right is setting up your life right.
New projects and creative avenues are a great way to re-energize your teaching career.
Think about the big question right before bed and wake up with the answer.

podcastElisa Janson JonesAugust 16, 2019hobbies, wellness, self care, batch 3

Music Ed Mentor Podcast #048: Setting Realistic Expectations

Key Takeaways

Having an over-arching philosophy for every level you teach is essential
Realize that beginners can sound as good as advanced performers; if only on single notes
The only discipline is self-discipline

Music Ed Mentor Podcast #047: Benefiting from Critique

Key Takeaways

Celebrate small wins
Choose your attitude
Never be defensive or make excuses – just listen
Temper your expectations

podcastElisa Janson JonesMay 17, 2019wellness, critique, adjudication, batch 2

Music Ed Mentor Podcast #037: Creating Zen in the Music Classroom

In this episode we talk about:

What we can do to be calmer and more centered: no matter what is happening in the classroom
1. How can we deal with frustrating students, parents, colleagues, and administrators
2. How to bring some zen into your classroom to improve student behavior, increase student retention, and gain an overall joy of teaching

podcastElisa Janson JonesDecember 14, 2018classroom management, wellness, lifestyle, happiness

Music Ed Mentor Podcast #036: 7 Secrets for a Healthy and Happy Holiday Season

Key Takeaways

At the risk of being my own spoiler, here are this weeks’ seven key takeaways:

Eat veggies at every meal
Habitually sanitize
Prioritize rest
Start your day in silence
Connect with nature
Get your vitamin D
Be present

podcastElisa Janson JonesNovember 30, 2018self care, wellness, holidays, staying healthy, batch 2

Music Ed Mentor Podcast #032: Battling Burnout with Best Practices

Key Takeaways

Bring in others to listen

Have the vulnerability to bring somebody in to observe your rehearsals. It’s important to get this outsider perspective. Of course you can pick someone you’re comfortable with and from whom you’d welcome feedback and constructive criticism.

Say no more often

It’s okay to say no sometimes to somethings, both at work and at home. This is an important thing for us all to learn and practice. Take a minute to step back, evaluate, and prioritize.

The best educators delegate

You need to have open communication with parent boosters, student leadership, music staff, and other partners. Asking them for help doesn’t mean you can’t do things; it means you’re a good manager and that you value the contributions of others. Remember that people do like to hear “I need you.”

podcastElisa Janson JonesSeptember 21, 2018battling burnout, preventing burnout, life hacks, lifestyle, wellness, batch 2