How to Set Boundaries and Avoid Burnout in Your Freelance Teaching Journey
Embarking on a freelance teaching journey can be an exhilarating yet challenging transition, especially when balancing the demands of a career, motherhood, and attempting time for self-care. If you find yourself in a whirlwind of exhaustion and uncertainty, you're not alone. If you're a music teacher mom who dreams of breaking free from the hamster wheel of a 9-5, pursuing her passion for music, and creating a thriving freelance business, keep reading. Let's delve into practical strategies for setting boundaries and steering clear of burnout in this exciting new chapter that I wish I knew sooner!
1. Define Your Priorities:
Begin by identifying your core priorities. As a mom, your family's well-being is probably at the top of the list. Allocate time for your children, partner, and yourself. Recognize that it's okay to prioritize your needs alongside your professional pursuits, even if some of your professional pursuits do line up at times with something you need to prioritize for yourself. I know I am a much better mom because I work 2 days/week!
2. Establish Clear Work Hours:
Freelancing often blurs the lines between work and personal life. Set specific work hours to create a clear boundary between your professional and family life. Communicate these hours with your clients and stick to them as closely as possible. Dedicate uninterrupted time to your family when you're having family time rather than getting pulled away by work emails or other obligations. Utilizing tech tools like a scheduler have REALLY helped me with this!
3. Delegate and Seek Support:
Recognize that you can't do everything alone! This was a hard one for me at first but has made a world of a difference. Delegate tasks both at home and in your business. Whether it's hiring a virtual assistant, seeking help with household chores, or involving your partner in childcare responsibilities... building a support system for your family and your business to run efficiently and effectively is crucial.
4. Prioritize Self-Care:
Fulfilling your role as a music teacher, mom, and freelancer requires a healthy and energized you. Schedule regular self-care activities, whether it's a short walk, meditation, or indulging in a hobby (my current one is homemade yogurt with this starter and sourdough! Haha) Taking care of yourself is not a luxury but a necessity. If you're noticing you're dealing with more fatigue, sleep issues, irritability, or sluggishness than normal, perhaps consider trying out the 11 Day Jumpstart to lower chronic inflammation. It helped me SO much!
5. Set Up Systems for Success:
Freelancing can be unpredictable, but setting realistic and achievable goals as well as creating efficient systems to accomplish those goals is key to maintaining balance. Break down larger objectives into smaller, manageable tasks, allowing you to celebrate victories along the way. If you need help with organization of your personal life and business while still living in the unpredictability of family life and creativity (I found after becoming a mom, I really needed someone to guide me in this aspect), I have an amazing friend named Danelle Fowler who is available for 1-1s to drill down on this with you. You can reserve a time on her schedule here!
Which of these practical strategies for setting boundaries and steering clear of burnout do you think you most need to implement for yourself? Come chat about it in Freelance Music Teacher Moms as we figure out this delicate balance of creative work and family life!
Music Education in a Shifting Educational Landscape
In recent years, the world has witnessed a significant shift in education models, with more families exploring alternative approaches to education such as homeschooling. As traditional classroom structures evolve, so too must the realm of music education. Many music teachers now find themselves in a unique position to tap into and create opportunities for students engaged in alternative education models where the opportunities may be decreasing in the traditional schooling model. Let's explore the changing landscape of education and discuss how music teachers can adapt to better serve the needs of these students.
The Rise of Alternative Education Models:
The rise of homeschooling, online learning, and other alternative education models has been fueled by various factors. Families are increasingly seeking personalized and flexible approaches that cater to their unique circumstances and preferences. We've seen a compound annual growth rate of 10% since 2016 for homeschooling alone, and this doesn't even include the other models! This shift has opened up new possibilities for students to explore their interests in depth, and music is no exception.
Adapting Music Education:
Music teachers play a crucial role in adapting to this changing educational landscape. Here are some key ideas for tapping into and creating opportunities for students engaged in alternative education models:
- Flexibility in Curriculum: Recognize the diverse needs and schedules of homeschooled, online, and hybrid students. Consider developing flexible music education curricula that can be tailored to individual learning styles and time constraints. This has been a key area of research, growth, and implementation for me over the past 5 years.
- Utilizing Technology: Embrace technology to connect with students in virtual spaces. Offering virtual ensemble experiences and collaborative projects allows students to engage with music from their own time and space constraints.
- Community Involvement: Foster a sense of community among students through online forums, virtual performances, and in-person collaborative events. This not only enhances the social aspect of music education but also provides a platform for students to showcase their talents, allowing them to thrive in a way that their alternative educational opportunities may not afford in other subject areas.
- Adaptive Teaching Methods: Recognize that alternative education students may have varied learning styles and preferences. Explore different teaching methods, incorporating visual aids, interactive activities, and project-based learning to keep students engaged.
- Supporting Parents as Educators: Acknowledge the role of parents in alternative education settings and provide resources to support their efforts. Consider workshops, online resources, and guides that empower parents to facilitate their child's musical journey. This is also a big area for growth in the near future!
A final note:
Bridging the Economic Gap: Address affordability concerns. Make music education accessible by offering cost-effective options, group lessons, or community-based programs. Ensure that financial constraints don't limit a student's access to the world of music. This has been an effort of mine over recent years too, with great success!
Bridging the Economic Gap: Address affordability concerns. Make music education accessible by offering cost-effective options, group lessons, or community-based programs. Ensure that financial constraints don't limit a student's access to the world of music. This has been an effort of mine over recent years too, with great success!
Ultimately, the changing landscape of education brings both challenges and opportunities for music teachers. By adapting teaching methods, embracing technology, and actively creating affordable opportunities, educators can ensure that students in alternative education models receive a rich and fulfilling musical education. As we navigate these changes, the harmonious future of music education lies in our ability to evolve alongside the shifting educational paradigms while bridging the economic gap for all aspiring musicians.
What ways have you changed and evolved what you do to meet this educational shift?
What ways have you changed and evolved what you do to meet this educational shift?
"Mystery Musician" is a term I came up for a way to implement a small piece of my classroom management system.
Can I just call out something I HATE about the modern educational movement? I HATE prize boxes and reward systems. There, I said it. BUT, that said, I do utilize one in a very rudimentary way that focuses on developing habits in my choir singers that I want to develop. In my experience, this has worked best for grades 3rd-7th, but you could likely adapt it for older or younger singers.
Read to the end for some winner items I've included in my "Mystery Musician" box that my students love, is NOT edible, and doesn't break the bank.
But first. What is the "Mystery Musican" and how do I use it?
A "Mystery Musician" is someone who...
- Is organized. They have their materials (music folder and pencil) and come prepared to rehearsal if they were given a practice assignment.
- Works hard. They use our time well during rehearsal.
- Stays focused. He or she does not distract others during class but pays attention to what page we are on.
- Helps others. If their neighbor doesn't know what page we are on or where I am at, they help them find their spot without causing others to get distracted.
- Tells the story of the piece of music. They express emotions when they sing, making the audience feel happy, sad, or excited based on what we are singing. They use a smile or engaged face to draw the audience in!
- Follow the leader. They follow their conductor's directions really well. It's important for everyone to listen and work together as a team!
- Are curious! Mystery musicians are always learning. Their goal is to become even better singers! There is always something new to learn or discover.
There you have it! I reinforce these characteristics with my students during class by saying things like, "Wow, I see the mystery musician is sitting tall with eyes on the conductor, ready to see when she will start the piece." or maybe, "Thank you, mystery musician, for remembering to bring your music folder with you before class started! If you forgot yours, no biggie, go grab it from your bag after warm-ups are done."
This allows me to teach these habits to my singers without singling anyone out in either a positive or negative way -- and it keeps my students focused on what they are doing rather than what someone else did or didn't do. Many students may be demonstrating mystery musician traits that day, but I try to think of who that singer is as soon as they walk in the door. If that person doesn't really demonstrate these traits that day, I just pick someone else at the end of class who was and circle back around to that student another day.
So, do you do something similar in your classroom? If so, how is it similar or different to how I do it!
Oh! And bonus: 4 Winner Items I add to my box that students LOVE:
1) TINY duckies! I don't know why, but my students are OBSESSED with these cute little guys.
2) Cute erasers -- these are always a hit! I look for different ones each time I need a restock to change things up.
3) Music stickers -- can't get these anywhere else they know of (not in bulk!)
4) Jumping frog toys -- so simple, and so fun!
These have lasted my box YEARS, and I just add a new item or replenish a favorite item around once per year to change things up and keep it fresh. Cheap and fun!
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!)
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!)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!
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
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! 🎵
"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.
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.
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.
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!
