Happier Music Teacher

Happy Thanksgiving!  You've earned a well-deserved break.  If you could use a reframe about our profession and a break from some of the negativity in the online space, here is my list of some things about being an elementary music teacher that I think are great! HMT Considering Important Career Changes Tracy King Thankfulness Blog

Burned out?  Disappointed about your productivity at home and at school?  I think a lot of happiness is about adjusting expectations.  At first that may seem like terrible news but it is great news!  I'm here to show you how I structure a typical week and set reasonable expectations for work and home. The best thank you I can receive for the book or the podcast is a positive review.  Thank you for listening and reading! How to leave a review on Apple podcasts How to leave a book review on Amazon

Welcome new friends from SDMEA! Are you teacher tired on Friday nights?  Catching up on laundry on Saturdays?  Trying to rest and connect with family on Sunday?  We should be friends! Here is a peek behind the curtain of what a fellow music teacher prioritizes on a typical weekend.   Buy Beth's Book on F-Flat Buy Beth's Book in Paperback HMT How to Fight the Sunday Scaries Episode    

Does your typical weeknight look like mine?  If your weeknights are a blur of carpools, phone calls and an attempt at laundry and dinner, they might!  The lesson here?  Our time, particularly on weeknights, is finite. Tidy Hour Episode Buy Happier Music Teacher on F-Flat Books Buy Beth's Book on Amazon  

Wondering what an actual school day in the life of a happier music teacher looks like?  Here is a look behind the curtain at my schedule, habits and routines as a busy elementary music teacher for some inspiration as you plan your day.   Enjoyed this episode?  Leave a review or share it with a friend! SDMEA Conference Buy Beth's Book on Amazon Support Beth's Work on F-Flat Books  

As music teachers, there are habits that are good and habits that are scary!  I've been guilty of a lot of these lately so no judgment.  Today, we'll examine the scary habits so we can replace them with more nourishing habits. SDMEA Conference HMT Final Stretch Challenge Episode Buy Beth's Book on Amazon

This is the final portion of my interview with Kristin Behlmann LPC MA https://www.kristinbehlmann.com/ Please go back and listen to her earlier episodes to gain even more of her wisdom for music teachers. Today, we tackle the question of practice time as a busy educator from Facebook member Natalie and also discuss mindset shifts around excellence and time as musicians.   Buy Beth's Book on Amazon    

Welcome to the third episode with Kristin Behlmann (https://www.kristinbehlmann.com/).  Today, we address mental health as an investment and reframe the discussion around self-care to self-kindness.  We also dig in to some of the biggest misconceptions arounds counseling.  If you enjoyed this episode, please share it on your socials or text it to a friend. Kind disclaimer: Kristin is a licensed professional counselor but this podcast is not a substitute for therapy or mental health care. Buy Beth's Book on Amazon

This is the second part of my conversation with Kristin Behlmann https://www.kristinbehlmann.com/ Kristin offers therapy, coaching, & education services for musicians, music educators, and performing artists.  Today we discuss her turning point in taking mental health more seriously and she gives us a wellness hack that you're going to want to implement immediately.  Plus, we have some straight talk about teaching with longevity and joy. Support Beth and F-Flat Books Purchase the Paperback of Happier Music Teacher    

You are going to love my first podcast guest, Kristin Behlmann.   From her website: She is a classically trained musician, former music educator, and licensed professional counselor in Texas. She helps musicians, music educators, and performing artists manage anxiety, perfectionism, and burnout so they can reconnect with the music and life that light them up. I think she is such a perfect fit for the show and I know you're going to enjoy the conversation.  This is the first episode in a series of four. Please check out her work at https://www.kristinbehlmann.com/ You can find my book at Beth's Book on Amazon

I wish that our only emotions as music teachers were positive but there are lessons in the negative ones, too.  This was a literal description of me last weekend even though I planned the episode title quite some time ago.  Listen in for some tough grace about what to do when you are feeling tired, resentful or taken for granted. My latest webinar for Musicplay is linked below. I love you.  Thank you for being here! 9.10 Musicplay Wednesday Webinar

A little later than usual today!  If normal teaching is heavy, it is even more challenging when you are weighed down by grief or sadness.  Here is my hard-earned wisdom from some recent loss. On a much brighter note, thank you for helping the podcast surpass 10,000 downloads!  To God be the glory!   I am excited to present a webinar for Musicplayonline this Wednesday, 9.10.25, at 5:30 CST.  It is "Yes!  Musicplay Works for Upper Elementary, Part 2."  If you can't be there live, I think you'd benefit from and enjoy the replay whenever you are able.     Please join

Being an organized music teacher doesn't have to be alphabetizing and color coding but it might!  Need some tips for digital and physical organization in your music room that don't feel like a part-time job?  Here are some of my favorites.  Of course it includes Musicplay, binders and calendar work! Sale alert!  Happier Music Teacher E-Book is on sale for 30% off on F-Flat Books on 9.2.25 (today!) through midnight.  Promo code: LABORDAY https://fflat-books.com/product/happier-music-teacher/    

Drowning in paper and stuff at the beginning of the school year?  Me, too.  Here are some organizational principles from a decidedly Type B+ teacher.  This doesn't have to work for your Type A colleague down the hall or be featured in a magazine spread (do they still have those?), it needs to work for you! Buy Happier Music Teacher on Amazon Support Beth and F-Flat Books

Sometimes we're so worried about getting our students and children ready for back to school that we forget to take care of ourselves.  The Music Ed with Missy Facebook group had some excellent wisdom to share for teachers preparing for back to school this summer/fall.  Back to school is a lot for teachers!  Let's prioritize being kind to ourselves during a challenging season for us and our families! Happier Music Teacher Book on Amazon