Thank you for being a friend…
Do you have music teacher friends? Is it even important these days?
Every where I have lived, I have had a community of music teacher friends, or like-minded musicians.
This has taken different forms. Sometimes it was my colleagues at a public school or music academy.
Mostly- I’ve been a member of a local MTA group. (If you don’t know what that is - it is the local group of music teachers that is affiliated with Music Teachers National Association - our US teacher group.)
I’ve had a local group since the late 1990s. Until I didn’t.
When I moved here three years ago, our local group had quit meeting due to COVID. Because I was mostly teaching online, and was still reeling from a move across state lines, I didn’t pursue another group.
Fast forward to today. Our local group is getting reorganized, and I couldn’t be happier.
BONUS - I attended the Oklahoma Music Teachers Conference and made lots of new friends!
three smiling ladies who happen to be music teachers!
3 reasons you should find music teacher friends…
and these are not from Chat GPT!
You need people who have brains that work like yours.
Musicians (and other artists) just think differently. Ever been in a group of people who are rigid thinkers, and you start brainstorming? Other folks think you are weird. And you are. But you are weird in a very GOOD way.You need friends and collaborators.
You need a network of people who can help you accomplish things that you couldn’t do on your own. These things include:
*projects (recitals, masterclasses, etc.) that can be bigger than just your studio.*feedback from other teachers
*people who will refer clients and students to you
You need people who will celebrate with you, and encourage you when times get tough.
I can always count on Megan - she gets me. When I need encouragement or a creative idea - she is there for me!
older lady with younger lady, smiling
Since you never know when you will need these people, the time is NOW to start making friends.
Don’t put it off any longer. Look to join your local music group or groups. Reach out to someone on social media who lives near you, and plan a meetup. Engage with local music events.
Your “musical tank” will start to fill up.
And your future self will thank you!
