In summer, I usually find myself reading about the creative process, catching up on online courses and webinars, and organizing content and teaching materials; I spend time researching new music and collections for my students, finding ways to develop my musicianship skills, and creating art (whatever it is that's inspiring me).

What about you? Do you find yourself drawn to being a learner again in the summer months? Do you read more or study a topic that’s interesting to you, learn a new skill, take a class, or try something creative?

This summer already looks a little different than normal: events have been canceled, trips have been postponed, and most of us find ourselves (still) staying home. But there’s a gift in that if we’re willing to receive it.

How have the events of the past few months changed us as teachers, as musicians? What will we do differently going forward?

One of the things I love about summer is the slower pace: the invitation to create a new routine, a new rhythm, the opportunity to learn and work and rest at my own pace. And that hasn’t changed.

Looking for a few ideas for how to spend your time this summer? Here are a few things to explore:

For show notes, click here.

Resources mentioned:

*Disclosure: I get commissions for purchases made through some of these links.

Creative Confidence by Tom Kelley and David Kelley

Zig-Zag: The Surprising Path to Greater Creativity by Keith Sawyer

Episode 011 - Zig Zag: The Surprising Path to Greater Creativity

Questions and Answersby Frances Clark

A Piano Teacher’s Legacyby Richard Chronister

The Success Factor in Piano Teachingby Elvina Pearce

American Orff-Schulwerk Association (AOSA) virtual professional development opportunities

The Kodály Music Institute online summer courses

Summer@Eastman Session online courses and workshops

The Frances Clark Center for Keyboard Pedagogy virtual Summer Intensive Seminars

Choristers Guild webinars and virtual forums for choir directors

The Presbyterian Association of Musicians online summer conference

NAfME Academy professional development webinars

Evernote: an app for note-taking, planning, organizing, and archiving

Milanote: a web-based tool for organizing creative projects into beautiful visual boards

Google Drive: home to all my online lesson recordings, recordings from students, and virtual studio class games

Episode 010 - Hosting a Virtual Studio Class: 7 Tips for Success