Updates from Andrea Orem

A Teacher's Ally for Resilience and Well-Being

A Teacher's Ally for Resilience and Well-Being
A Teacher's Ally for Resilience and Well-Being

Teaching is a noble profession, but its demands can sometimes jeopardize educators' physical and mental health... it certainly did mine for way too long... almost to the point of quitting entirely, at least until I found actual tools to support my body and mind.

I had a moment while driving in the car on the way to work one snowy morning... I can't believe I am telling you this, but it's true. I thought, 'What if I ran into the ditch so that I couldn't make it to work today?' That's how desperate I was for change. For me, that looked like both job changes and physical ones, like finding tools to support my body and mind so that I didn't break down altogether.

Enter WavWatch, one of those tools. Designed to support people in various aspects of their well-being, in this blog, I'll share three ways WavWatch contributes to my health and wellbeing as an educator, addressing concerns from everyday stress to more significant health challenges.

(Read to the end for a discount code if you're interested in one for yourself!)

  1. Stress Reduction and Anxiety Management: some of the settings on WavWatch support general stress and anxiety. This has provided me so much help because it helps my body and mind calm after the long day at work and allows me to more efficiently complete the tasks I need to get done so that I can spend more time with my family.
  2. Resilience through Traumatic Situations: WavWatch stands as a beacon of support during challenging times, providing a sense of normalcy and routine even through traumatic situations. Its capabilities ensure that teachers can navigate health challenges without compromising their dedication to their work. I have found it extremely helpful to help my body process after really tough days working with student situations so that I can show up my best the next day.
  3. Promoting Physical Well-Being: Beyond bigger support, WavWatch promotes physical well-being by helping me maintain health in myself and my family -- we've been sick less often. Teachers (especially those of us with kids!) know how key this is.
WavWatch, I've found, has been a great tool for busy teachers. By addressing everyday stress, fostering resilience through traumatic situations, and supporting physical health, this innovative device aims to create an environment where people can thrive, and I've found this to be true as an educator.

You can learn more about how the WavWatch works here and use code ANDREAO100 for $100 off!


Navigating Concert Week Chaos: A Music Teacher's Survival Kit

Navigating Concert Week Chaos: A Music Teacher's Survival Kit
Navigating Concert Week Chaos: A Music Teacher's Survival Kit

Concert week—the grand finale that puts on display our and our students' hard work! Yet, the journey to that moment can be a bit tumultuous at times. Fear not! Here's your shortcut to concert week success without losing your cool (and all your sleep that week).

Embrace Early Planning: Start early, plan wisely. Craft a roadmap with rehearsals, sectionals, and practice goals. I use this notebook to keep myself organized! Share the plan with students and parents for smooth preparation. Try to have deadlines in place earlier than you actually need those things completed in case you experience delays.

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: Ditch the solo act and delegate tasks to students or parent volunteers (this can feel so hard but be so rewarding! Students thrive when given responsibility appropriately). Whether it's setting up the venue, managing costumes, or handling backstage logistics, there's strength in numbers. A shared load eases the burden.

Organizational Magic: Master the art of organization. Utilize tools like spreadsheets and calendars to tame rehearsals, attendance, and communication chaos. I love using Attractwell for contacts, keeping organized, and sending info to students' families since I am self-employed. And don't try to remember it all on your own! Timers and to-do lists are my best friend.

Spread Positivity: In the midst of tension, sprinkle positivity -- laughter helps so much. Celebrate small victories and reassure students that their hard work is paying off. One of my greatest mentors' motto was, "Cheerful and flexible. If you can't be cheerful, be flexible. If you can't be flexible, be cheerful! And if you can be both... GREAT! Do that."

Strategic Rehearsals: Conduct smart rehearsals. Identify and prioritize challenging sections early in the week for a smoother performance. Talk less and sing/play more.

Create a Supportive Environment:
Amidst chaos, cultivate a supportive atmosphere. Encourage, uplift, and acknowledge the ensemble's hard work.

Self-Care is Essential: Don't forget yourself! Get rest, stay hydrated (without the caffeine that can hurt your voice -- this is my favorite go-to for non-caffinated energy), and take short breaks. Your well-being is crucial.

Master Communication: Keep everyone informed about schedule changes and expectations through emails, newsletters, and social media.

With early planning, teamwork, positivity, and self-care, you're not just surviving concert week; you're thriving. Embrace the excitement, enjoy the music, and make this week a crescendo of success. Cheers to the magical symphony you're about to create! 🎵


Embracing Musical Freedom: A Book Review of "Feierabend Fundamentals" by Dr. John Feierabend

"Feierabend Fundamentals" by Dr. John Feierabend is a groundbreaking book that not only delves into the core principles of music education but also emphasizes child-centered learning in the realm of musical expression. As a self-employed music teacher, this is one of the foundational books on which I build my philosophy of teaching and basis for instruction. Dr. Feierabend, a distinguished figure in the field of music education, seamlessly intertwines his expertise with a refreshing perspective on fostering creativity, autonomy, and learner-centered expression.

One of the book's standout features is its comprehensive systems of teaching and learning fundamental musical concepts. Dr. Feierabend's approach is both scholarly and accessible, making it an ideal resource for educators, students, and anyone passionate about the art of music. Through engaging anecdotes and practical examples, he navigates readers through the essential building blocks of musical understanding, emphasizing creating a strong foundation for children by the age of 7 or 8.

However, what truly sets "Feierabend Fundamentals" apart is its emphasis on freedom in the musical journey. Dr. Feierabend passionately advocates for nurturing individual creativity and allowing learners, especially children, to find their unique voices within the framework of musical theory. He argues that true musical proficiency is not just about mastering notes and rhythms but also about cultivating a personal connection in creating with the art form, especially during the formative years of child development.

The book challenges traditional notions of musical education that may stifle creativity by promoting rigid structures and stifling conformity. Dr. Feierabend encourages readers to break free from these constraints through a structure that promotes individuality, fostering an environment where self-expression, particularly in a child-centered context, is not only welcomed but celebrated. In doing so, he empowers educators and parents to guide children in embracing their musical identities, fostering a sense of ownership over their artistic endeavors.

Dr. Feierabend's insights are not only informative but also inspiring, motivating readers to rethink their approach to teaching and learning music, particularly when working with young learners. The book is structured in a way that encourages reflection, providing thought-provoking prompts and exercises that prompt readers to apply the principles discussed, making it especially valuable for those involved in child-centered musical education. 

"Feierabend Fundamentals" is a must-read for educators, parents, and enthusiasts alike who seek to go beyond the confines of traditional music education, especially when working with children. Dr. Feierabend's advocacy for freedom, autonomy, and child-centered learning serves as a guiding light, encouraging readers to view music not just as a set of rules but as a boundless realm where individual creativity can flourish, particularly in the context of nurturing the next generation in what's known as his "30 year plan." As a result, this book stands as a comprehensive reference resource for those who need or want an all-in-one guide to Dr. Feierabend's philosophies and materials.

What Online Systems Do I Use as a Self-Employed Music Teacher?

I get asked all the time what online systems and processes I use as a self-employed music teacher!

Such as... What website host do you use? How do you keep track of all of your students' families? How do you send all of those onboarding emails without forgetting any? How do you give online music lessons? How do you accept payments? And more.

I found that there are some free options that work for some of these functions, but it was really hard to get them to "talk" to each other, and often there were glitches or other frustrating technical issues. Once I found a system that does it all, I realized it was worth paying for so that I didn't waste time on glitches or having to do those onboarding tasks manually. Once I set it all up, it automatically sends emails or adds new students to the appropriate tags so that I send them what they are supposed to receive. It even includes Zoom, so I don't have to pay for that separately!

My all-in-one resource is called AttractWell. It is a CRM, blog, website, landing page system, payment processor, and more all rolled into one, and their customer support has been amazing. I even asked to go "between" their different levels at one point because I didn't need to upgrade yet, and they were so easy to work with. A simple email got me exactly what I was looking for, saved me money, and provided what I needed.

If you're interested in trying out AttractWell, you can try it for $1 for the first month here!

I know that there are other resources out there created specifically for music teachers, but this has worked so well for not only my music teaching business, but other aspects of my other multiple income streams as well, making it a great option if you want to be multi-versed or generate income from multiple places.

A Quick Tutorial on Teaching Sight Singing & Ear Training in as Little as 5 Minutes Per Day

A Quick Tutorial on Teaching Sight Singing & Ear Training in as Little as 5 Minutes Per Day
Sight Singing and Ear Training are fundamental skills in music education. Most colleges teach it over the course of a few different classes, and many people view it as skills you can't teach until middle school or later... but I love teaching these skills to students as young as 2nd grade (who are already tuneful, beatful, and artful!) in as little as 5 minutes per day. It can be done well and creatively so that students experience it in a joyful, fun way.

Sight singing is the ability to read and sing a piece of music at first sight without having heard it before. It involves translating the written musical notation into vocal sounds. This ideally is done AFTER having some foundational skills built first, namely ear training skills.

Skills Involved:
  1. Note Recognition: The ability to identify and sing the correct pitches indicated in the musical score.
  2. Rhythm Recognition: Being able to interpret and execute the rhythm of a piece accurately.
  3. Interval Recognition: Recognizing the distance between two pitches, which helps in accurately reproducing melodies.
  4. Key and Scale Recognition: Understanding the key signature and scale of a piece, which guides the performer on which notes to sing.
  5. Phrasing and Articulation: Interpreting the musical notation to convey musical expression, including dynamics, tempo, and articulation.

Ear training, also known as aural skills, involves developing the ability to identify and reproduce musical elements solely by hearing them. This includes melody, harmony, rhythm, and timbre. My goal is always to develop the musical ear before the musical eye.

Skills Involved:
  1. Pitch Recognition: Identifying individual pitches and intervals between them.
  2. Melodic Dictation: Hearing a melody and writing it down in musical notation.
  3. Harmonic Analysis: Recognizing and identifying chords and chord progressions in a musical piece.
  4. Rhythmic Dictation: Hearing a rhythm and notating it accurately.
  5. Chord Progression Recognition: Identifying the sequence of chords in a piece of music.
  6. Transcription: Listening to a piece of music and notating it in sheet music form.
Both ear training and sight singing are essential for any musician who wants to perform, compose, or arrange music. It enables musicians to effectively communicate and collaborate with others. Musicians with strong sight singing and ear training skills can adapt to various musical styles and genres. These skills empower musicians to improvise and create their own music. It hones the ability to critically analyze and appreciate music. Both sight singing and ear training are skills that can be developed and honed through consistent practice and training. They are vital components of a well-rounded musical education.

Conversational Solfege is a system of 12 steps that addresses these needs first by ear and then adding the eye and symbols to it to develop a person's musical mind and musical thinking in a playful, creative way!

To learn more about Conversational Solfege, check it out here. And here are the flash cards I use that go with the CS units. I'm happy to chat more about CS as well, it's a passion of mine to use this well-created resource to help develop young musicians.


Amazon Favorites of a Music Teacher Mom

Amazon Favorites of a Music Teacher Mom
Today is Prime Big Deals Day!

Here are bunch of my favorite Amazon finds as a music teacher mom, most of which happen to be part of the deals today, too. I use these ALL the time in my home and teaching space.

1. Rubber Chicken! We play a game called chickens & foxes with ours, there's lots of other uses. My students named him drumstick, haha! He's also a great model of open tall vowels for choir.

2. Googly eye rings! I use these for arioso, small group singing, and conversations in song back & forth between students.

3. This super cozy nursing and maternity sweatshirt -- so nice for fall/winter days and for nursing baby discreetly!

4. This white noise sound machine has been the best. It's not too big, so great for traveling. And even has colors if you need a night light feature.

5. These footed pants were SO cozy when baby was tiny. 10/10 recommend, especially if you have a fall/winter baby! This is all my baby girl wore except for footies last winter.

6. A pickler triangle set -- this is a great toddler activity for those cold winter days where we're all cooped up inside because it's too cold to even play in the snow. I am getting one for my baby girl for Christmas.

7. Classroom instruments are a great way to engage students without breaking the bank. I typically own only 1-2 of each instrument and we grow in patience, social skills, waiting, turning taking, etc by only using one. Here are a few I found on sale today: cabasa set, rainbow streamers for expressive movement, wood block, guiros, juggling scarves, and more!

8. Non toxic crayons! Perfect for beginning babies who are going to put them in their mouth.

9. I am getting this busy board for my baby girl because a friend recommended it for long car rides (or air plane rides!).

10. This musician's journal I created -- fun colors! You have SO MANY notebooks you're writing in allll the time too? You're in good company.

11. So much silly fun with pop tubes!

There's more, but this is a great start. Happy shopping!

5 Natural Resources for Moms on a Budget

Being a crunchy mom on a budget means wanting to incorporate natural and holistic approaches to parenting while also being mindful of your finances. Here are five resources that can help you navigate this lifestyle without breaking the bank:

1. Natural Parenting Blogs and Forums:
   - Mothering.com: This is a community-driven website that covers topics like natural childbirth, breastfeeding, cloth diapering, and more. The forums are especially helpful for connecting with other like-minded parents.
   - Mama Natural: While not exclusively for moms who want to homebirth or birth center, this blog offers a wealth of information on natural living from pregnancy through toddlerhood.
   - The Hippy Homemaker: This blog focuses on DIY natural living with an emphasis on budget-friendly options. It covers everything from natural beauty products to healthy recipes.

2. Library and Online Articles:
   - Your local library is a treasure trove of resources. You can find books on natural parenting, herbal remedies, and eco-friendly living.
   - Many online platforms have articles and guides on budget-friendly crunchy living. Look for blogs or websites dedicated to topics like natural parenting, sustainable living, and eco-friendly products.

3. Social Media and Online Communities:
   - Platforms like Facebook, Reddit, and Instagram have groups and pages dedicated to natural lifestyle and parenting. You can join communities where members share tips, advice, and budget-friendly ideas. A great one is Happy Healthy and Loving Life -- you can write my name, Andrea Orem, in the membership question asking who referred you there!

4. DIY and Homemade Products:
   - Learning to make your own products can save a lot of money. You can find recipes for homemade cleaning supplies, baby products, and even personal care items like shampoos and lotions. One of my most-used ingredients in our DIY items is castile soap.
   - Websites like Pinterest and blogs mentioned earlier often have a plethora of DIY recipes. If you need some recommendations, I'm happy to send some your way, just ask! I have lots of cloth diaper, natural recipes and other recommendations I could point you to.

5. Local Farmers' Markets and Co-ops:
   - Buying organic and locally-sourced food can be more affordable when you shop at farmers' markets or participate in a community-supported agriculture (CSA) program.
   - Many co-ops also offer bulk buying options for pantry staples like grains, beans, and spices at a lower cost.
   - My state has a "Farm Direct" site and Facebook group for farmers to connect directly with consumers, which cuts the cost down a LOT. If you're in Minnesota, connect with me if you'd like an invite! And if not, try searching for your own local area to see if one exists.

Remember, being on a budget doesn't mean you have to compromise your crunchy lifestyle. It often means finding creative ways to incorporate natural and holistic practices into your life without overspending. These resources can help you discover affordable alternatives and connect with a community that shares your values.


12 Benefits of Teaching Music to Toddlers

Teaching music to toddlers is incredibly beneficial for their overall development.
Here are several reasons why (if you're a parent or a music teacher, read on!):

1. Cognitive Development: 
   - Enhances Memory and Recall: Learning music involves memorizing patterns, melodies, and lyrics, which helps improve memory skills.
   - Develops Problem-Solving Skills: Figuring out rhythms, notes, and melodies encourages analytical thinking and problem-solving.

2. Language Development:
   - Expands Vocabulary: Through song lyrics, toddlers are exposed to a wider range of words and phrases.
   - Improves Pronunciation: Singing helps with speech development, enunciation, and pronunciation.
   - There's research that shows that being able to keep a steady beat actually helps with language development and future reading skills!

3. Motor Skills:
   - Fine Motor Skills: Playing instruments like drums, xylophones, or even simple hand clapping exercises fine motor skills.
   - Gross Motor Skills: Dancing and moving to music helps with coordination and balance. Crossing midline is very important for future motor planning, which clapping and other movements that are musical can help with (like keeping the beat activities I use with my early childhood classes!).

4. Emotional Expression:
   - Encourages Emotional Expression: Music provides an outlet for children to express their feelings, which can be particularly helpful for those who may not have the verbal skills to do so.
   - Music can help calm a worried or sad child.

5. Social Skills:
   - Promotes Cooperation: Group activities like singing in a choir or playing in an ensemble teach children how to work together towards a common goal. It teaches them how to start together with a group and builds teamwork.
   - Encourages Communication: Sharing musical experiences encourages interaction and communication among peers.

6. Mathematical Understanding:
   - Introduces Basic Math Concepts: Rhythm and beat introduce foundational mathematical concepts like counting, patterns, and divisions of time.

7. Cultural Appreciation:
   - Introduces Diversity: Music exposes toddlers to different cultures, traditions, and musical styles from around the world, fostering cultural appreciation and understanding.

8. Creativity and Imagination:
   - Fosters Creativity: Music allows for self-expression and encourages creativity as toddlers experiment with sounds and melodies.
   - Stimulates Imagination: Singing and playing with instruments can stimulate imaginative play. Arioso (a type of solo singing I use in my classes) is a great place to show this!).

9. Boosts Confidence and Self-Esteem:
   - Positive Reinforcement: Learning and performing music in front of an audience can boost a child's confidence and self-esteem. I have seen SO many students grow in this area in my time with them.

10. Stress Reduction and Relaxation:
    - Emotional Regulation: Music can have a calming effect, helping toddlers manage stress and anxiety. They can process sadness or learn to wait through songs too.

11. Foundation for Future Learning:
    - Prepares for Formal Education: Early exposure to music can provide a strong foundation for future music education and learning other subjects.

12. Enjoyment and Fun:
    - Promotes Happiness: Music is inherently enjoyable and brings joy to children's lives.

It's important to note that the benefits of teaching music to toddlers are maximized when it's approached in a fun, age-appropriate, and engaging way. Activities should be adapted to suit their developmental stage and interests, and should never feel like a chore. Ultimately, music offers a holistic approach to early childhood development, nurturing cognitive, emotional, and social skills in an enjoyable and enriching way.

If you're a parent looking to find classes for your toddler or baby, check out my offerings on my website menu above!


Can Anyone Teach Private Music Lessons?

Private music lessons offer a valuable opportunity for aspiring musicians to receive personalized instruction and guidance on their musical journey. Traditionally, these lessons are provided by trained and experienced music educators with higher degrees in their specific instrument or with specific pedagogical training in that instrument. However, in recent years, there has been a growing trend of individuals, including accomplished musicians and enthusiasts, offering private music lessons. This raises an important question: Can anyone teach private music lessons? We will explore the various factors to consider when deciding if teaching private music lessons is a viable option for you and, if you are a parent or caregiver looking for lessons for your child(ren), the factors you should consider when looking for an instructor.

1. Expertise and Skill Level

The first and foremost consideration when contemplating teaching private music lessons is one's own level of expertise and proficiency in the chosen instrument or discipline. A thorough understanding of music theory, technique, and repertoire is essential to effectively guide students through their learning process. This can be acquired through formal education, extensive practice, and performance experience.

2. Pedagogical Skills

Teaching music is not just about being a proficient player. It requires effective techniques to pass on those skills to various ages and abilities. This includes using strategies to break down complex concepts, provide clear instructions, and offer constructive feedback. A good music teacher should be able to adapt their teaching style to cater to the individual learning needs and preferences of each student.

3. Communication and Patience

Successful music teachers are excellent communicators. They can convey ideas and concepts in a clear and understandable manner and often in a fun, memorable way. Additionally, patience is a crucial virtue when working with students, especially beginners who may struggle with certain techniques or concepts. A patient teacher can provide the support and encouragement necessary for a student's progress.

4. Understanding of Different Learning Styles

Individuals learn in different ways, and a great music teacher understands and accommodates various learning styles. Some students may be more visual, while others may be more auditory or kinesthetic learners. Being able to adapt teaching methods to suit these styles can greatly enhance the learning experience and success of the student.

5. Time Commitment and Availability

Teaching private music lessons requires a significant time commitment. This includes not only the actual lesson time, but also preparation, planning, and administrative tasks such as collecting payment, emailing families, and regular marketing to find new students. Additionally, teachers need to be available for regular lessons, which may require flexibility in their schedule.

6. Legal and Ethical Considerations

Depending on your location, there may be legal requirements or certifications needed to teach private music lessons, as well as insurance to purchase if you are running your own small business. It's important to research and adhere to any local regulations, especially if you plan on teaching students below the age of 18.

7. Passion and Dedication

Teaching music is a rewarding but demanding endeavor. It requires a genuine passion for music and a dedication to the success of your students. This passion is often what motivates teachers to continually improve their own skills and stay updated with the latest teaching techniques and resources.


While teaching private music lessons can be a fulfilling and valuable pursuit, it's not a path suited for everyone. It requires a combination of musical expertise, pedagogical skill, communication ability, and a genuine passion for teaching. If you possess these qualities and are willing to invest the time and effort, you can certainly explore the possibility of becoming a private music instructor. Remember, the impact of a great music teacher can last a lifetime, shaping the musical journeys of their students for years to come.

And if you are a caregiver/parent looking for music lessons, please take these things into consideration when looking for a teacher and ask questions to see if the teacher is a good fit for your child(ren)!

My Top 5 Tools for Supporting Mama and Baby's Health

I know that this time of year (but really all the time... let's face it) is hard on families with small children. Colds and flu and back-to-school hit us hard! So many people ask me how I support our family to 1) try not to get hit so often and 2) support us through the experience when we do come down with something.

Here are my Top 5 Tools for supporting our family throughout the year, but especially now:

1. Aged Garlic Liquid -- this is HUGE if your family deals with all the ear problems... iykyk. I use it for the little one while nursing so that it stays in the ear longer while she's on her side. You can put it inside the ear or take it by mouth!

2. These cough drops and all the stuff on this list -- if you're dealing with the respiratory stuff, we seem especially susceptible to that around here! But we LOVE these cough drops and the chest rub. So worth it.

3. Using a steam inhaler is super helpful for breaking up gunk -- babies can't use it, but the shower has the same steam effect for them! Standing in the bathroom while the hot shower is running can help.

4. Getting in plenty of fluids and antioxidants! We love these electrolyte drops in our water and this supplement for supporting the happy cells to do their work in the body.

5. Drinking echinacea tea! I made it for me and baby girl last week and cooled hers with an ice cube. :)


Hope this helps! Having these on hand has made a world of a difference for us when the ick strikes.

Can I teach music without a degree?

Can I teach music without a degree?
Can I teach music without a degree?

This is a great question! The very short answer is YES.

The long answer requires asking some more questions, such as...

  • Are you referring to having no music degree or to having any undergraduate degree?
  • What setting are you wanting to teach in?
  • What kind of music are you wanting to teach?
  • What time of day are you wanting to teach?
  • What type of students are you wanting to teach?
  • What background knowledge to do already have as credentials?
These are some of the first questions you'd need to answer in order to answer the initial question. For example, I teach a few homeschool choirs (which are bursting at the seams, I almost need to start another one to keep up with the demand!). I have a music education degree, but would not need to have a degree in order to conduct these choirs. I do have some experience and great classroom management techniques as well in order to be successful at managing large groups of elementary through high school age singers in a choral context. So depending on your background knowledge and experience, that may be more important than the degree itself in being able to do the work successfully.

What time of day and type of students are you wanting to teach? If you want to teach private lessons and do that full-time, you will likely need to have evening and weekend availability, something that I myself did not want for my family and work rhythms. I only teach a handful of private lessons for this reason, and currently most of my private students are homeschooled so that they are available during the daytime hours for their lessons.

____________________________________

Hopefully considering a few of these factors helps in answering the question, "Can I teach music without a degree?" for you. If this was valuable and you'd like more guidance in considering these options as you want to start a music business, I offer coaching for those wanting to begin in either a part-time or full-time capacity (my own business is part-time hours but the income is full-time level due to how I've structured it). And we have a support group with resources for those interested which you can find here too!

5 Music Teacher Tools that Will Blow Your Mind

5 Music Teacher Tools that Will Blow Your Mind
Here are 5 tools I use weekly as a Music Teacher that will blow your mind!


1) Hoberman Sphere! A fun toy that I use to work on deep breathing for singing (and works well to have a calm moment with a rowdy class if needed too!). I like to have students takes turns leading the group in how fast or slow we will take those breaths and pick someone breathing silently to go next.

2) A microphone! I like felt ones personally but have also used this sparkly one that my students love as well. Great for turn taking, a talking piece for classes that interrupt one another a lot, or solo moments. I use the Feierabend First Steps in Music with my younger classes, so there are lots of opportunities for solo singing!

3) Claves or another instrument that you can use to keep a steady beat. A great alternative to your voice, a metronome, or clapping! My middle schoolers love playing a game called Pass the Beat Around the Room while I keep the beat with the claves.

4) A new song resource, like this global music resource, for teaching new songs! I have SO many favorites -- should I do a blog post just of those?

5) Pitch Pipe! Very useful for anywhere you don't have a piano, to get a pitch quickly and accurately. My students think it sounds funny, but function over funny is my motto with this one. ;)


There you have it! I have so many toys and tools that I use all the time, should I do another post of more? What tools do you use all the time in your teaching? I'd love to hear!



...................................................


Feel like you could use some direction in how to set up classes, how to price classes for your area and market them, or what to teach when? These topics and so much more we cover in 1-1 music leadership coaching! You can learn more about that here.

 
Read Older Posts Read Newer Posts

This is my health story

 

I have always been sensitive. That's a word that has described me, my body in particular, my whole life. I have skin sensitivities to fabrics, bruise easily, I get cold easily, I tend to be on "alert" all of the time (no coffee needed here!), I'm a musician and very creative, and I don't even THINK about using any conventional personal care or other products that are scented... they bother my skin, and they bother my respiratory system too. I've never been able to use any scented products because of the discomfort and increased sensitivity they cause. I can't be around people who wear perfume or scented deodorant, because I can't breathe well and my head has discomfort. I can't go into a public bathroom that has been just cleaned because of the toxic chemicals they used to clean it. I can't enjoy candles or most lotions or makeup like most women I know because I'm sensitive to it.

During my first semester of college, I started to develop debilitating discomfort in my jaw, which I was later told is TMJD or temporomandibular joint dysfunction, not just the kind of little twinge when you bite down on something too hard, but long-lasting aching, along with clicking and cracking. It was exacerbated by singing, gum-chewing, caffeine, and other things, and I was easily able to cut out all of the things listed on my doctor's list except for one -- singing. I was a vocal music education major, and singing was my livelihood (or at least soon-to-be), so I couldn't just not practice! I struggled so hard for 2.5 years through long choir rehearsals, voice lessons, practice sessions, and more. By the end of the day, it would be so bad that I'd almost be in tears. My roommates and boyfriend (and his roommates!), bless their servant hearts, would bring me freezing cold ice packs to numb my face enough so that I could fall asleep at least, though I would wake up in the night unable to fall back asleep due to other sleep issues I also was dealing with.

It seemed like a vicious cycle that I needed to stop. Maybe I needed to change majors and give up my dream of making music, of teaching others to make music too. Maybe I needed to pick something that didn't require so much singing and talking. Even smiling a lot bothered me, so maybe I needed to pick a major or job with less human interaction. But THAT idea broke my heart. I didn't enjoy any of the things I could think of! My boyfriend at the time (now husband!) and I had many conversations about what I should do... singing was part of the fabric of my BEING. I am MADE to sing. If you know me, you know that hardly an hour went by without me humming or singing some little tune. But my jaw bothered me so much most of the time that I needed to change SOMETHING. But what?

And that's when change came...

I found some natural and pretty simple solutions -- though simple doesn't always mean easy! It required a LOT of discipline and self-control on my part.

I'm blessed now to have so many versatile tools in my tool box for any emotion, body system, or issue I may be experiencing. So, where am I now? Healthier than I’ve EVER been. I have NO jaw issues anymore when I keep up my self-created protocol. I sleep through the night. I feel so much better now that I'm sleeping more and deeper. I've spent 4 years now working through the emotional issues I faced in early career, and I am so happy that I can now FEEL emotions without feeling completely run-over and frozen by emotions. I’m also happy to say that I have only had little illnesses since finding solutions, not the constant strep throat and other illnesses I was getting at least once per month before! And, that’s saying a lot as I was constantly around germs while working full time with 500+ elementary students. But once I started supporting my immune system, I stopped getting sick every couple of weeks. I can clean with the most amazing smelling cleaner without coughing. I can wear my own homemade "perfume" and get compliments, and not only does it smell good, it supports my body systems. I can use amazing smelling shampoo now! I can have twice as much energy for the day without drinking any coffee or sugary drink. When I started having these successes, I was at first in disbelief, and now in awe at all that God's created, I believe, and given us for our good. Now these are my first line of defense, my go-tos, the first thing I do when something is off, which is not very often anymore (usually just when the weather changes, ah MN life).


I look forward to living a beautiful life of freedom and feeling empowered every single day, enjoying the life I was meant to live. That life includes sharing my story of overcoming and helping you also find better, safer solutions to overcome your daily struggles.

Are you ready to live empowered to be your own best advocate? Let's chat.

Contact

Copyrights © 2025 held by respective copyright holders, including Andrea Orem.