Beyond Measure with Christina Whitlock

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It’s strange, but true: music teaching can feel uniquely isolating, even though people ARE the job. Listen in for quick shout-outs of solidarity pertaining to independent music studio life with Christina: your “anytime” piano teacher friend.

Christina Whitlock


    • May 26, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekly NEW EPISODES
    • 19m AVG DURATION
    • 233 EPISODES

    5 from 39 ratings Listeners of Beyond Measure with Christina Whitlock that love the show mention: piano teaching, music teacher, christina, teachers, cheers, encouraging, positive, ideas, happy, voice, great, work, love.


    Ivy Insights

    The Beyond Measure with Christina Whitlock podcast is an absolute gem for music teachers and anyone passionate about piano teaching. From the moment I started listening, I was captivated by Christina's upbeat and friendly voice that immediately brought a smile to my face. Her genuine passion for piano teaching shines through in every episode, making it a delightful and refreshing experience.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is Christina's practical insight and wisdom. As a piano teacher with 40 years of experience and a degree in Piano Pedagogy, her expertise is evident in every episode. She offers valuable advice and tips that resonate deeply with music teachers, whether they are just starting out or have been teaching for years. I particularly appreciate her ability to articulate thoughts and feelings that many of us have experienced but struggled to put into words.

    Another highlight of The Beyond Measure podcast is the length and format of each episode. They are quick, easy to digest sessions that are perfect for busy music teachers on the go. Christina gets straight to the point without sacrificing depth or quality, making it easy to incorporate her insights into our teaching practice. The episodes also have a positive and uplifting tone, leaving listeners inspired and motivated after each listen.

    In terms of drawbacks, it's hard to find any significant flaws in this podcast. However, some listeners may prefer longer episodes with more in-depth discussions on specific topics. While Christina covers a wide range of subjects related to piano teaching, she usually sticks to shorter episodes that provide bite-sized doses of inspiration and advice. This can be seen as both a positive aspect (for those who prefer shorter podcasts) as well as a negative aspect (for those seeking more detailed discussions).

    In conclusion, The Beyond Measure with Christina Whitlock podcast is an absolute must-listen for music teachers. It offers a fresh perspective on piano teaching while providing practical insights and inspiration that can benefit teachers at any stage in their career. Christina's infectious positivity and friendly demeanor make this podcast a joy to listen to, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking to enhance their teaching practice or simply enjoy a delightful podcast about the art of piano teaching.



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    Latest episodes from Beyond Measure with Christina Whitlock

    217: Cheers to Universal Truths of Working with People

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2025 17:54


    Today, I'm sharing 5 timeless truths of humanity, as well as their direct implications on our studio relationships. Find complete shownotes for today's episode at ChristinaWhitlock.com/episode217

    216: Cheers to Thinking BIG (Picture)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2025 20:32


    As teachers, it's WAY too easy to fall into the trap ofteaching lesson after lesson… week after week…. just following the status quo of our overscheduled lives. Today's episode is a call to stop and take stock of where we are guiding our students (and our businesses). Find complete shownotes for Episode 216 at ChristinaWhitlock.com/episode216.

    215: Cheers to Overcoming an Empty Inspiration Tank

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2025 26:29


    Today we address the all-too-common Funk of May; where the "I don't want to's" show up in all kinds of ways. THIS WEEK ONLY: Save $15 off the Studio Foundations Course with code lunchpd at ChristinaWhitlock.com/foundationsFind the complete shownotes for mentioned links, related episodes, and more at ChristinaWhitlock.com/episode215

    214: Cheers to Examining the "Shoulds" of Teaching

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2025 18:35


    The word SHOULD is hands-down one of the most problematic words in our teacher vocabulary. And we're taking a deep-dive on it today. Visit the complete shownotes for this episode at ChristinaWhitlock.com/episode214

    213: Cheers to Receiving Questions as Feedback

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2025 24:57


    Today we're getting to the heart of why it's easier to take questions personally, rather than viewing them for what they really are.View the complete shownotes for today's episode at ChristinaWhitlock.com/episode213

    212: Cheers to Decision-Making for Piano Teachers

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2025 25:16


    Decision-Making advice from an Overthinker like me seems like a laughable prospect at first... but, then again, my struggles have earned me some valuable perspective. Today, I'm sharing five important considerations when you find yourself weighing your options.Find the complete shownotes for today's episode at ChristinaWhitlock.com/episode212

    211: Cheers to What is Working This Season (Round 5)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2025 18:27


    Welcome to the 5th installment of my quarterly reflections on What Is Working in this season of life. I will explore the flipside later this week in the Piano Confessions E-Letter. Check out the Complete Shownotes for this episode at ChristinaWhitlock.com/episode211

    210: Your Springtime Pep Talk (An Encore Replay)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2025 23:49


    The Springtime Gauntlet is upon us, friends, and I am here to help you focus on what REALLY matters to you this frenzied time of year. This episode was originally published in 2022, but my words then are easily JUST as applicable today as they were three years ago. Cheers to work, rest, and play, friends! Find the complete shownotes for today's episode at ChristinaWhitlock.com/episode210.

    209: Cheers to Choosing Recital Music

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2025 22:58


    Today's episode is full of good stuff, you guys. I've got the actual episode on Recital Music Criteria, a big announcement, and a GREAT Teacher Friend of the Week story for you. Suffice to say, I'm happy to be in your ears today.Find the full shownotes for this episode at ChristinaWhitlock.com/episode209 The 2025 Piano Recital Guide is HERE! Check out all the details at ChristinaWhitlock.com/2025

    208: Cheers to Your Studio Roster TODAY

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2025 12:33


    I'm riffing today on a message I originally sent out as part of my One Thought Thursday e-letter series. When it comes to Teacher Life, it's easy to think our rosters will always be the same... when, in fact, the opposite is true. Let's be mindful to appreciate the students in our lives today, as we never know when that might change. Find the complete shownotes for today's episode at ChristinaWhitlock.com/episode208

    207: Cheers to The Power of Attention (Look at You vs. Look at Me)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2025 14:46


    Today, a lesson learned in high school Biology comes full circle to the Piano Teacher Experience. Check out complete shownotes for today's episode, including links to the SuperFriends Community and Piano Teacher Confessions, at ChristinaWhitlock.com/episode207.

    206: Cheers to "The Talk" for High-Achieving Students

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2025 13:56


    Today we're talking about the lesser-explored struggles of the High-Achieving Students in our lives. For complete shownotes, including links to relevant episodes and the Patreon Community, head to ChristinaWhitlock.com/episode206.

    Lesson Planning: All Questions Answered (A Special Teacher Offering)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2025 6:08


    A case of pneumonia sidelined this week's regularly-planned episode, but I'm hoping to make up for it by inviting you to a SPECIAL edition of Teachers Teaching Teachers this Friday. Missed the meeting on February 28th? No problem! Join the SuperFriends Community today for access to the replay. Sign up for just $6 at Patreon.com/BeyondMeasurePodcast.

    205: Cheers to Getting Others Talking About Your Teaching

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2025 18:40


    It's no secret Word of Mouth marketing is king when it comes to studio recruitment, but it seems to me the landscape of getting people to talk about your work is changing. Today, I'm offering my thoughts on the BEST ways to get people talking about your work.Visit today's complete shownotes at ChristinaWhitlock.com/episode205

    204: Cheers to What Really Matters (with Nicola Cantan)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 10, 2025 27:01


    In conclusion of the Fast-Track Series, Nicola Cantan of vibrantmusicteaching.com joins me for a multi-faceted conversation about the dangerous of seeking quick fixes foreverything.VisitChristinaWhitlock.com/episode204 for the complete shownotes, including links to join the Patreon Community and get access to Part 2 of today's conversation.

    203: Cheers to Understanding the Trade-Offs of "Saving Time" with AI

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 2, 2025 24:56


    As always, I'm here to make you think. This week, we're contemplating AI and its many compexities. Cheers to staying aware and adaptive, my friends! Visit today's complete shownotes at ChristinaWhitlock.com/episode203

    202: Cheers to Discernment in Coaching Programs and Other Online Offerings

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 27, 2025 29:12


    After years of hearing horror stories from teacher friends and consult clients, today's installment in the "Fast Track" Series focuses on important questions to ask before signing up for pricey online offerings. Find complete shownotes (including related links and more) at ChristinaWhitlock.com/episode202

    201: Cheers to Overcoming the Fast-Track

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 20, 2025 16:34


    Today's episode serves as an introduction to a series Christina will be running for the next few weeks, examining our 21st century obsession with finding the "Quick Fix", and how we can best deal with the problem as studio music teachers. Find all related links and episodes in today's shownotes: ⁠ChristinaWhitlock.com/episode201

    200: Cheers to 200 Episodes Together!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2025 35:17


    Today's episode features a "lightening round" of all 199 episodes of Beyond Measure with Christina Whitlock thus far. It's been quite a journey, friends! For a downloadable list of all 199, plus other related links, please visit today's shownotes at ChristinaWhitlock.com/episode200

    199: Cheers to Clarifying Boundaries with Studio Families

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 6, 2025 16:36


    Today we consider whether or not our Teacher Actions are fully aligned with our Teacher Words, especially when it comes to dealing with our Studio Families. Find a full transcript, related episodes, and links to game-changing resources (including the Beyond Measure Community!) in today's shownotes at ChristinaWhitlock.com/episode199

    Cheers to the Past, Present, and Future of Music Teaching (An Extended Toast)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 30, 2024 5:29


    On this New Year's Eve Eve, Christina shares an acknowledgement of the legacies we are part of, and those we leave. ...see you next week for Episode 199! The One Thought Thursday e-letter is shaping up to be better than ever in the new year. Make sure you join the list at ChristinaWhitlock.com/subscribe

    Cheers to The Moments We've Shared (An Extended Toast)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 23, 2024 3:24


    Teacher Expectations are not always Teacher Realities. Today, Christina shares an extended toast in celebration of the REAL work we've done this year. Make sure you're on the email list! Visit ChristinaWhitlock.com/subscribe for all the details.

    198: Cheers to What's Working in this Season (Round 4) with Amy Chaplin

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2024 25:54


    Amy Chaplin of PianoPantry.com joins Christina as they each share five items that made their list of "What's Working in This Season of Life". Links to previous episodes in this series, products mentioned, and more can be found in today's shownotes: ChristinaWhitlock.com/episode198.

    197: Cheers to A Year of Remaining Teachable

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2024 16:19


    Today's episode serves as an update to Episode 151, where Christina declared "Remaining Teachable" as her primary intention for the year 2024. Find links to a transcript, related episodes, and more at ⁠ChristinaWhitlock.com/episode197⁠.

    196: Cheers to Favorite Gifts for Music Teachers (and more!)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 2, 2024 21:53


    Today, Christina introduces the 2024 Music Teacher Gift Guide, which can be found at ChristinaWhitlock.com/gifts

    BONUS EPISODE: The December Performance Challenge

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 29, 2024 13:22


    All you need to know about Christina's popular December Performance Challenge, all in one episode. Visit ChristinaWhitlock.com/December for YOUR free download

    195: Cheers to Limitations of "Capturing the Moment" (and Other Musings)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 25, 2024 22:47


    Today Christina shares key takeaways from a week of revelations in her own Piano Teacher Life.

    194: Cheers to Song-Writing Challenges for the Whole Studio Family

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 18, 2024 12:23


    Today's episode features a Thanksgiving-themed FAMILY challenge that I've had success with in years past. Not into Thanksgiving? No problem! There are endless possibilities here, friends. If you try it, please let me know how it goes. Find the complete shownotes for today's episode at ChristinaWhitlock.com/episode194

    193: Cheers to Teacher Lessons From Suzuki Parent Life

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 11, 2024 19:35


    Today's episode focuses on key takeaways ANY teacher can apply to ANY method, all inspired by my experience as a Suzuki violin parent to my youngest daughter. Buckle up, friends... lots of ideas here! Find a transcript, related links, and more - including Studio Teacher Thanksgiving! - in today's shownotes at ChristinaWhitlock.com/episode193

    192: Cheers to Understanding the Weight of Teacher Words

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 4, 2024 11:11


    A recent conversation with my Beyond Measure Community friends inspired today's thoughts on the authority we hold as teachers. Check out referenced episodes, information on the Beyond Measure Community, and more in today's shownotes: ChristinaWhitlock.com/episode192

    191: Cheers to "Un-Seeing" the Piano Lesson Experience

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 28, 2024 14:16


    I once heard a sketch-artist give "the secret to his success", and it is still something I'm thinking about, many years later. More related thoughts in this week's One Thought Thursday e-letter! Be sure to sign up. Find related links, transcripts, and more in today's complete shownotes: ChristinaWhitlock.com/episode191

    Encore Replay: Cheers to Considering Exceptions (originally episode 053)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 21, 2024 16:48


    Today we revisit a timeless struggle in Studio Teacher World: the art of discerning when to make exceptions. Check out the full shownotes for today's episode at ChristinaWhitlock.com/replay053

    190: Cheers to Spoons, Shovels, and Dirty Practice Habits

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 14, 2024 13:42


    Today's episode offers a quick lesson learned from my daughter's Physical Conditioning coach, helping to prove once again that athletes have much to teach us musicians about practice. Check out the complete shownotes for this episode at ChristinaWhitlock.com/episode190

    189: Cheers to Naming Your Core Values (+ Four Years of Beyond Measure!)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 7, 2024 17:50


    In celebration of FOUR YEARS on the airwaves, Christina is sharing the five Core Values behind all things Beyond Measure. This begs the question: What's on YOUR list? Complete shownotes are available at ChristinaWhitlock.com/episode189

    188: Cheers to Avoiding Common Teacher Oversights

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2024 18:21


    Today, I'm offering a kind reminder to avoid some of the most common teacher pitfalls. ​ Check out today's shownotes at ⁠ChristinaWhitlock.com/episode188

    187: Cheers to Fostering REAL Parental Investment in Lessons

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 23, 2024 17:16


    When parents think about investing in their child's musical education, they can't help but focus on the financial commitment. Today's episode sheds light on the even-more-important investment of ATTENTION. Find today's shownotes - including a collection of ALL parent-related episodes - at ChristinaWhitlock.com/episode187

    186: Cheers to What's Working In This Season (Round 3)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2024 20:27


    Today's episode re-visits a question I first pondered in Episode 157 (then again in Episode 170): What IS Working For Me in this season? Check out the complete shownotes at ChristinaWhitlock.com/episode186

    185: Cheers to Lessons in Lego for Piano Teachers

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2024 16:42


    Today we're making a distinction between teaching *our instrument* and teaching *the repertoire*...all framed in a lesson about Lego bricks and creativity.This is an important one, friends! Find a written transcript, related links, and more in today's shownotes at ChristinaWhitlock.com/episode185

    lessons cheers lego piano teachers
    184: Cheers to Not Teaching in a Vacuum

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2024 17:58


    Today's episode is all about the lifeforce of Teacher Community. It's a defining mission for me, and I'm hoping it's something I can help you get serious about as well. Find the complete shownotes for today's episode at ChristinaWhitlock.com/episode184

    183: Cheers to Seeing Past the Teacher Perspective

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2024 16:56


    Today we re-frame the importance of seeing the lesson experience from ONE KEY ASPECT of the student/studio parent experience. Find all relevant links to today's episode in the full shownotes at ChristinaWhitlock.com/episode183

    182: Cheers to Re-Thinking "Fair" Studio Policies

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 19, 2024 19:27


    If you've ever struggled with what seems "fair" when building a studio policy, this episode is for you. Check out ALL the details, including links for the new BMP Playlist and more, at ChristinaWhitlock.com/episode182.

    181: Cheers to "Pruning" the Piano Teacher Brain

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2024 17:01


    Every morning this summer, as I plucked dead and dying blooms from my petunia baskets, I thought of you. Well, actually, I thought of US. Check out this episode to find out why. Find complete shownotes for today's episode, including information on joining the Beyond Measure Community, at ChristinaWhitlock.com/episode181.

    180: Cheers to Confronting Productivity Culture (A Summertime Conversation with Vanessa Cornett)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2024 34:48


    Vanessa Cornett is on a mission to start a revolution against the machine-like expectations of American culture. Join us for a conversation “about nothing” (which may, in fact, be everything). Check out all applicable links to today's conversation in the shownotes at ChristinaWhitlock.com/episode180

    179: Cheers to Setting Expectations for Elementary Piano Students

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2024 27:28


    Today, Christina teams up with everyone's favorite piano teacher Instagrammer, Amy Elmore, for a re-vist of Episode 108: Cheers to Un-Hurrying Elementary-Aged Students. Check out ChristinaWhitlock.com/episode179 for all related links to this episode, including details on joining the Patreon Community.

    178: Cheers to Summering Outside the Box (A Summertime Conversation with Melissa Slocum

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2024 25:41


    Melissa Slocum joins Christina for a conversation about how a little "Crazy Talk" led to a surprisingly unconventional summer plan. Find a transcript and all relevant links at ChristinaWhitlock.com/episode178

    177: Cheers to Preparing Confident Performers (A Summertime Chat with Janna Williamson)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2024 31:34


    Since episodes 064-066 (Preparing Students for Performance) consistently rank in my Top Ten downloads, it made total sense to revisit that series this summer....and, because my friend, Janna Williamson, is THE go-to voice for many teachers on that topic, it made total sense to invite her to chat all things performance prep with me. Check out all related links and more at ChristinaWhitlock.com/episode177.

    176: Cheers to Taming Overwhelm in the Piano Teacher Brain (A Summertime Conversation with Amy Chaplin)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2024 20:36


    Today's conversation features a chat between Amy Chaplin and I, revisiting Episode 138: Cheers to The Things We Do *NOT* Do.

    175: Cheers to Overcoming the Illusion of Competition (A Summertime Conversation with Dr. Kate Boyd)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2024 27:30


    Today, friend/colleague/professor/YouTube Star (@ThePianoProf) Kate Boyd joins me for a conversation, revisiting episode 030: Cheers to Your LOCAL Teacher Friends. Among many things, we do our best to debunk the perception of competition and hierarchy between independent teachers and collegiate faculty members. Join the Patreon for access to our bonus chat, where we talk about the REAL value of University music study. Find ALL details pertaining to this show - including a written transcript - at ChristinaWhitlock.com/episode175 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/beyondmeasure/message

    174: Cheers to the Artist's Joy (A Summertime Conversation with Meredith Hite-Estevez)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2024 32:18


    Merideth Hite-Estevez joins Christina today for a look into all things Creative Joy. Find links to Merideth's new book, our bonus Patreon chat, and more in today's shownotes at ChristinaWhitlock.com/episode174 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/beyondmeasure/message

    173: Cheers to the Ups and Downs of Online Teacher Communities (A Summertime Conversation with Benjamin Steinhardt)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2024 28:52


    Today, renowned pianist-teacher, Benjamin Steinhardt joins me for a peek into Admin World of hearty Facebook Communities. If you spend any amount of time in Facebook Teacher Groups, today's conversation is for you. See the full show notes for today's episode at ChristinaWhitlock.com/episode173 . --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/beyondmeasure/message

    172: Cheers to The Quest for Creativity in Lessons (A Summertime Conversation with Kevin Olson)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2024 34:43


    Today's thought partner is pianist-composer Kevin Olson, professor of piano at Utah State University. Kevin and I share a passion for helping students find creativity at their instruments, which made him the perfect guest to revisit Episode 044 (Cheers to the Relentless Defense of Imagination). Find registration details for the Propel to Excel Online Conference, ways to join the Patreon Community, and more at ChristinaWhitlock.com/episode172. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/beyondmeasure/message

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