time management

As a freelance music teacher, you may have encountered various misconceptions about the profession. In this blog post, I will debunk some of the most common myths surrounding freelance music teaching and reveal the truths behind them. Let’s dive in!

Myth #1: You Have to Work Evenings if You're a Freelance Teacher

Myth #2: You Can't Make a Living Teaching Freelance Music Unless You Work Crazy Long Hours

Myth #3: Freelance Teaching Only Works if Your Spouse Holds the Insurance

Establishing Consistent Practice

Cultivating Confidence Through Singing

Exploring "Living Songtales" and Hymn Study

Additional Ideas for Musical Exploration

1. Music Appreciation: Delve into various musical genres and styles through listening sessions and discussions, cultivating an appreciation for diverse forms of artistic expression.
2. DIY Instrument Projects: Engage in hands-on learning by constructing homemade instruments using household materials, fostering creativity and resourcefulness.
3. Musical Games and Activities: Infuse playfulness into daily life with interactive games and activities designed to reinforce musical concepts and skills. Here's many ideas!
4. Family Music Making: Foster a sense of unity and collaboration by organizing family jam sessions or family sing alongs, providing an opportunity for each member to showcase their musical talents in a supportive environment. Even if family members do not feel they have talents in this area, the goal is communal music-making, not the skill level of the music-making itself. We do value excellence! But we value community and shared experience more here (just like we do with corporate worship... more on that later!).

1. Establish Clear Boundaries: One of the first steps in managing your time effectively is to establish clear boundaries between your work and family life. Set designated work hours for your music teaching and office hours, and communicate these hours to your students and family members. Similarly, carve out dedicated family time where work-related distractions are minimized. By delineating boundaries, you create space for both professional and personal commitments without letting them overlap excessively.
2. Prioritize Tasks: Prioritization is key when balancing multiple responsibilities. Identify the most important tasks for both your music freelance teaching and family responsibilities, and tackle them accordingly. Time block to get those one-time or weekly tasks done. Consider using productivity techniques such as Eisenhower's Urgent/Important Principle to manage your time efficiently. By focusing on high-priority tasks first, you can make significant progress in both areas of your life without feeling overwhelmed.
3. Embrace Flexibility: Flexibility is essential when navigating the unpredictable nature of freelance work and family life. Recognize that plans may need to be adjusted at times, and be willing to adapt accordingly. Utilize tools such as scheduling apps or digital calendars to keep track of appointments, deadlines, and family events. Additionally, communicate openly with both your students and family members about any changes or adjustments to your schedule. By embracing flexibility, you can navigate unforeseen challenges with greater ease and minimize stress.
4. Delegate and Outsource: Don't hesitate to delegate tasks or outsource certain responsibilities to others when necessary. Whether it's hiring a virtual assistant to handle administrative tasks related to your teaching business or enlisting family members to help with household chores, delegating can free up valuable time and mental energy. Remember that you don't have to do everything yourself, and seeking support from others can lighten your workload and reduce feelings of overwhelm.
5. Practice Self-Care: Amidst the hustle and bustle of balancing work and family life, don't forget to prioritize self-care. Carve out time for activities that recharge you mentally, physically, and emotionally. Whether it's taking a walk, practicing mindfulness, or indulging in a hobby, self-care is essential for maintaining balance and preventing burnout. Remember that by taking care of yourself, you'll be better equipped to fulfill your commitments to both your music freelance teaching and your family.

1. Difficulty in Time Perception: Work-from-home moms may find themselves losing track of time while engrossed in tasks, leading to underestimation or overestimation of how long activities take (I struggle with thinking things will take less time than they do and not breaking projects down into small enough manageable tasks!).
2. Procrastination and Pacing: Tasks may be delayed or rushed due to an inability to gauge how much time is available, resulting in last-minute scrambles to meet deadlines.
3. Time Fragmentation: Interruptions from family responsibilities, household chores, and work obligations can fragment the day, making it challenging to maintain focus and productivity.
4. Neglecting Self-Care: Time blindness can also impact self-care routines, as moms may struggle to find time for exercise, relaxation, or hobbies amidst their busy schedules.

1. Create a Structured Schedule: Establishing a daily routine with set work hours, dedicated breaks, and time blocks for household tasks can provide a sense of structure and help combat time blindness. Time blocking has really helped me here!
2. Use Time Management Tools: Utilize calendars, planners, or digital apps to schedule tasks, set reminders, and track progress. Time-tracking apps can also help in gaining awareness of how time is spent throughout the day. I utilize my Google Calendar to keep me on track throughout the day and to keep my week organized as each week looks different with my variety of work tasks!
3. Prioritize Tasks: Identify the most important tasks for each day and allocate time accordingly. Break larger projects into smaller, manageable tasks to prevent overwhelm and facilitate better time estimation.
4. Set Boundaries: Communicate boundaries with family members, colleagues, and clients regarding work hours and availability. Establishing designated workspaces can also signal to others when you are engaged in work.
5. Practice Mindfulness: Incorporate mindfulness techniques such as meditation or deep breathing exercises to improve focus, reduce stress, and enhance time awareness. I learned some great ways to keep my mind on track to reach my goals from Big Think!
6. Delegate and Outsource: Recognize when tasks can be delegated to others or outsourced to free up time for more critical priorities.
7. Regular Breaks: Incorporate regular breaks into the schedule to rest and recharge, preventing burnout and maintaining productivity levels.
8. Know Yourself and Work With Your Strengths: If you know you are most productive on brain-heavy work before noon, schedule to do those more creative and challenging tasks then and save the more light or mundane tasks for later in the day when your brain is tired and less productive. Same goes for if you're a night owl -- do your less brain-heavy tasks earlier in the day and plan your work time in the evening for when your brain is most alert and productive. You will finish tasks so much more efficiently if you can schedule then when you are most productive.
   
   Time blindness can present significant challenges for anyone, but especially work-from-home moms who often have less distraction-free time to work and more schedule moving pieces to juggle than your average person. With awareness and effective strategies, it can be managed successfully. By implementing structured routines, utilizing time management tools, and prioritizing tasks, moms can reclaim control over their time and achieve a better balance between work and family life. Remember, managing time blindness is a journey, and small, consistent efforts can lead to significant improvements in productivity, well-being, and overall satisfaction. Give yourself grace as you learn new skills and celebrate the victories!

1. Enhanced Focus: By allocating dedicated blocks of time for tasks like lesson planning, teaching, and administrative work, you can minimize distractions and maintain focus on the task at hand. Less distraction means more done in less time!
2. Improved Productivity: Time blocking allows you to prioritize important tasks and allocate sufficient time to complete them effectively, resulting in increased productivity and efficiency. This feels good!
3. Better Work-Life Balance: By scheduling specific blocks of time for work-related tasks and personal activities, you can create a more balanced schedule that allows for adequate time for rest, relaxation, and family commitments. I get so much done in dedicated 15-30 minute blocks of time!
4. Reduced Stress: With a structured schedule in place, you can alleviate the stress and anxiety that often comes from feeling overwhelmed by a long list of tasks and responsibilities. The flexibility of this approach allows you not to work too long or too much as well.

1. Identify Your Priorities: Start by identifying the most important tasks and activities in your day-to-day life as a music teacher. This may include lesson planning, teaching sessions, administrative work, personal practice time, and leisure activities.
2. Allocate Time Blocks: Divide your day into blocks of time, with each block dedicated to a specific task or activity. Be realistic about the time needed for each task, and don't forget to include buffer time for unexpected interruptions or transitions between activities. Make sure you dedicate the time blocks where you are most alert and awake and inspired for the more challenging, brain-heavy tasks!
3. Stick to Your Schedule: Once you've established your time blocks, commit to sticking to your schedule as much as possible. Avoid the temptation to multitask or deviate from your plan, and instead focus on completing each task within its designated time frame. Set a timer and turn your phone to airplane mode for minimal distractions!
4. Review and Adjust: Periodically review your time blocking schedule to assess its effectiveness and make any necessary adjustments. Be flexible and willing to adapt your schedule as needed to accommodate changes in workload or priorities or family obligations.
5. Use Tools and Resources: Utilize tools such as digital calendars, scheduling apps, or traditional planners to help you organize and visualize your time blocking schedule. Experiment with different methods until you find the approach that works best for you. I use Google Calendar and the tasks feature to organize my time effectively.
   
   Time blocking can be a valuable tool for music teachers seeking to manage their time more effectively and increase their productivity. By allocating dedicated blocks of time for different tasks and activities and projects, you can enhance focus, productivity, and work-life balance. Whether you're scheduling teaching sessions, lesson planning, or personal practice time, incorporating time blocking into your routine can help you make the most of your time and achieve your goals as a music educator without feeling burnt out.

1. Set Clear Goals: Begin by defining your musical objectives and the milestones you aim to achieve. Whether it's mastering a challenging technique, learning new repertoire or a new instrument, or honing your improvisational skills, clarity in your goals will guide your efforts and help you stay focused amidst the busy-ness.
2. Establish Boundaries: While teaching and family commitments come first, it's essential to delineate boundaries to safeguard time for personal musical pursuits so that we don't become musically stagnant. Communicate your needs to your students and loved ones, setting realistic expectations and carving out dedicated time for practice or time with an ensemble.
3. Create a Flexible Schedule: Acknowledge that different seasons may afford varying amounts of time for personal musical endeavors. Design a flexible schedule that adapts to the demands of teaching and family life, allocating resources accordingly. During busier periods, focus on maintaining consistency in practice habits, while in quieter seasons, seize the opportunity to delve deeper!
4. Practice with Purpose: Maximize the efficiency of your practice sessions by prioritizing quality over quantity. Identify specific areas for improvement and tailor your practice routine accordingly. Embrace focused repetition, targeted exercises, and use your goals to establish priorities that make the most of your available time.
5. Embrace the Power of Reflection: Use downtime between teaching engagements and family responsibilities to reflect on your musical skills. Evaluate your progress, identify areas of growth, and strategize ways to overcome challenges. Cultivate a mindset of continuous improvement, seeking opportunities for learning and development in every season.
6. Seek Support and Accountability: Surround yourself with a supportive network of fellow musicians, mentors, and loved ones who understand and respect your commitments. Lean on them for encouragement, advice, and accountability as you navigate the complexities of balancing teaching, family life, and personal musical growth.