Welcome to a new series called A Peek Into My Life This Month. 

Occasionally teachers ask me personal questions and I thought this would be a fun way to answer. It’ll also be nice for me to share things that I love and keep track of these memories for myself.

I’m learning that life is more enjoyable when we stop and really appreciate the moment. I think keeping track of my “monthly memories” will help me to enjoy the present more and that’ll be a great tone to set for 2018!

1. I’m teaching anything and everything Christmas, of course! Thank goodness I’m blessed with students who love Christmas music as much as I do. 

2. I also enjoy sneaking in lots of theory through Christmas games that celebrate the reason for the season. For SO many years I resisted playing games during lessons and I regret that. It’s such a FUN way to build a solid musical foundation. (You can read more about that here.)

3. I'm planning for next semester by "playing detective" now - What are my students' weaknesses? For example - some kids need to work on scales. I have another student who relies a little too much on her ear and needs to solidify her note reading. Setting goals for everyone!

4. Finally, I’ve been playing Christmas music for my personal enjoyment and also to prep for an upcoming school recital. The kids were supposed to sing “Happy Birthday Jesus” - but get this - unfortunately SO many students were sick that the whole performance was canceled at the last minute! Such a bummer...)

I’m an avid reader and always in the middle of a book - usually multiple books! That’s why I started the Upbeat Piano Teacher Book Club. (If you’re not a member, you can read more about it here.)

Right now I’m reading:

1. The Dawning of Indestructible Joy by John Piper - This book is full of daily readings for Advent. It’s new for me and I’m enjoying it. Each reading is only 1-2 pages and helps me to focus on God during this busy season.

2. Made to Crave Devotional by Lysa Terkeurst - One of my big goals recently has been to get a little healthier. I joined Weight Watchers back in June and have dropped 20 pounds. (Go me!) Even though I’ve lost some weight and love WW, this whole journey has been tough.

​This Made to Crave Devotional really helps remind me to keep my focus on God and trust that HE should be my source of joy - not chocolate! (I have to be reminded of this constantly!)

3. The Twelve Week Year by Brian P. Moran - I just got this book and am SO excited! A dear friend recommended it to me and the concept sounds fabulous to a planner like me. I'll do a review once I'm finished! 
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4. The Christmas Promise by Donna VanLiere - I love fiction and I love Christmas. This is the perfect combo for this time of year!

Next month the Upbeat Piano Teacher Book Club starts a new book. I'd love to have you join us. You can read more about it here.

1. Hallmark movies! Feel free to laugh at me - that's my ironing board set up in our family room because this time of year I love to get my ironing done while I watch Hallmark Channel.

​Of course, sometimes I actually curl up by the fire with a cup of hot cocoa and just relax, but life has been busy. This is a great way for me to multi-task! (And yes - I’m like the only person who still irons their clothes!)

2. Pentatonix Christmas - Did you see their Christmas special? They are fabulous!

3. Various Christmas movies - I absolutely LOVE The Santa Clause Series with Tim Allen and of course, Elf is always on our watchlist EVERY Christmas too!
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4. Oh! And we've been to the movie theater twice this month. (A real treat for us!) We saw "Wonder" with Julia Roberts (great!) and "Thor Ragnarok" (We love Marvel movies, so yes - this was great!) 

I'm just starting to organize my thoughts and goals for the New Year. The picture above is my Powersheets Planner from this year. As far as 2018, here are some thoughts:

1. Sara and I are already working on the next webinar series and we’re SO excited!

2. College visits for my son. (Wasn't he a toddler only yesterday?) A BIG focus for me in 2018 will be living in the moment and enjoying every one!
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3. Personal and business goals for the new year. I’ll share some of those next month. One goal will definitely be getting back into  my morning routine  after the busy holiday season!

The Upbeat Book Club will be diving into a new book next month and we'd love to have you join us!

It's fun, it's free, and best of all - you'll get motivation to keep you going! (Click here to see selections from the past.)

​January Book: Thinking as You Play (Teaching Piano in Individual and Group Lessons) by Sylvia Coats 

Start Date: January 8, 2018

How long will it last? This session will last 10 weeks, ending on March 17, 2018.

What's the reading schedule? Join our FB group to get in on the discussion and download the reading schedule.

Grab your book right away! Take note that this book is not available in Kindle, so you'll need to go ahead and get a physical copy.  Or put this book on your Christmas wish list! Sign up for a free trial of Amazon Prime to get free 2-day shipping! (Make sure you cancel before the month trial ends to avoid a charge.)​​

Join our FB group! If you want to get information through email, register for our newsletter.​ ​​​

Oh - and find your highlighters. This looks like a great book!

Registration is now open for Upbeat Piano Teachers! We have webinars about everything from growing your studio to using technology to teaching group lessons and summer camps! 
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Enroll now to get lifetime access and an invitation to our FB Mastermind group! ​

​Note: Some of links in this post are affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

The Upbeat Book Club is diving into our new book and we'd love to have you join us!

It's fun, it's free, and best of all - you'll get motivation to keep you going! (Click here to see selections from the past.)

Current Book:: The Piano Practice Physician's Handbook by Nicola Cantan

Start Date: October 9, 2017 (That's this week!)

How long will it last? This session will last 8 weeks, ending in early December.

What's the reading schedule? Join our FB group to get in on the discussion and download the reading schedule.

• Grab your book right away! It's available in paperback and Kindle. Sign up for a free trial of Amazon Prime to get free 2-day shipping! (Make sure you cancel before the month trial ends to avoid a charge.)​

• Join our FB group! If you want to get information through email, register for our newsletter.

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• Oh - and grab your highlighters. Trust me - you'll need them!

Registration is now open for Upbeat Piano Teachers! We have webinars about everything from growing your studio to using technology to teaching group lessons and summer camps! 
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Enroll now to get lifetime access and an invitation to our FB Mastermind group! 

If you're looking for a simple way to add fun to your piano lessons, consider surprising your students with a story. It's a great way to engage kids and get a few giggles too!

​Here are some of my favorites!

One day a bear cub finds a strange object in the forest. He bravely touches it and is suddenly startled by the odd sounds.

But.....he's also intrigued.

And so begins this wonderful story about a bear who discovers a piano and learns to master the instrument.

This book is about much more than the piano. It's a lovely story about friendship and is a must-have for your collection!

​Mole lives a simple, quiet life until he hears someone playing a violin. From that moment on, Mole is never the same. He determines that he can learn to play music too!

Through daily patience and practice, he see success! Soon others are enchanted by his music in a way that Mole never realizes.  

It's a great way to discuss the importance of practice and the impact that our music can have on others.

If you're looking for giggles from your piano students, this is the book for you!

It's a story is about a little boy who goes to a concert at the zoo. Before long, he falls asleep and dreams that the animals storm the stage - becoming the musicians! They end up playing all sorts of instruments in a concert for the humans. 

​It's a creative story and the illustrations are delightful! Just what you'd expect from John Lithgow! And of course this one is great too!

We've all had times when playing the piano made us feel.....different.

​If you have students struggling with those feelings, grab this book and start talking about it!

This is a story about a girl named Debbie who takes piano lessons. She creates a cardboard piano for her friend, in the hope that her friend will love playing the piano too.

Unfortunately, things don't go the way Debbie planned and both girls learn a life lesson: just because you're friends with someone, doesn't mean you always have the same interests. And that's okay!

(This is a great book to get discussion going, but I recommend it for your older students, not preschool.)

If you're a piano teacher expecting to find teaching tips, this post might surprise you.

Yes, I LOVE sharing ideas for teaching piano! But truthfully, faith and family are also important to me, so sometimes I'll write about those topics too.

​And truthfully, most of us work from home, so "business" and "life" sort of overlap, right? (If you're a "Piano Mom" like me, then I know you get it!)

Today I'm sharing some ideas to  jazz up your quiet time. ("Jazz" used intentionally right there!)  If you're anything like me, it's all too easy to get into a rut. Summer is the perfect time to try something new!

Here are 4 easy ways that you can change up your Bible study:

Entrusted is an online Bible Study sponsored by Lifeway Women and it's entirely FREE!  Well...you will need to get the workbook which sells for 12.99, but the teaching videos are all included at no charge. 

The 5-week study revolves around 2 Timothy and it kicks off June 15. You read more about it and register here.

Note: This might surprise some of you who are fans of Beth Moore, but I've never done one of her Bible studies. I've read her books and even attended one of her simulcasts, but I've never actually taken part in a Bible Study. Have you done one? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Lara Casey has created Write the Word Journals that might be perfect for your quiet time.

Each journal has scripture selections for you to write out, but there's room for so much more! You'll find space to write down your blessings, a prayer, or anything else that comes to mind.

There are 5 different journals to choose from and they are all lovely. This summer, I chose Cultivating Joy and I'm really enjoying it during my morning quiet time. (Learn how I established my early morning routine here.)

If you're looking to cultivate joy, faith, gratitude, hope, or renewal, then you'll love these books. 

If you're interested in studying Romans, She Reads Truth is kicking off their summer study on June 5.

You can access the free reading plan and daily devotional here. Poke around on their website and you'll see that you can also access past reading plans.

They also have a great app that you should check out AND there's a He Reads Truth app (and website!) for the men in your life!

I discovered Candace Crabtree about a year ago when Sara Campbell and I interviewed her for Upbeat Piano Teachers. Little did I know then, that I'd become a HUGE fan of hers - and it goes WAY beyond piano! 

Candace has a heart that shines for the Lord in all she does. Personally, I just love her Scripture Writing Plans. They'll get you in the Word and keep you on track!

Best of all? They're completely FREE! Just print the plan, grab a notebook and a pen!

Click here to find over a dozen writing plans!

Do you change up your summer Bible Study? I'd love to hear what works for you!

​Note: Some of links in this post are affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

The Upbeat Book Club kicked off last summer and already over 600 piano teachers have jumped on board! 

If you haven't joined our club, we'd LOVE to have you! It's fun and FREE! (If you're curious about our past selections, click here.)

• ​​Next Book: Lessons with Matt by Nick Ambrosino

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• Start Date: May 15, 2017

 

• How long will it last? This session will last 7 weeks, ending the last week of June.

 

• Where: The discussion will be in our FB group. Click here to join.

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• What's the reading schedule? We'll release this soon!

• BONUS! Nick Ambrosino is creating a discussion guide for us to use! How cool is that?!

We have webinars about everything from growing your studio to using technology to teaching group lessons and summer camps! 

Click here to learn more!​ (At checkout use LAST5 for $5 off ANY webinar. Registration ends May 10!)
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