Arguably, the most important time of the day is the first few hours after waking. What you choose to do in that time sets standards, expectations, and tone for the rest of the day. Many people working 9 to 5 jobs have little flexibility in their morning routines, simply because they have to be at work so early. Music teachers, on the other hand, often have odd schedules. I, for example, teach mostly school aged children at a music store, so I rarely have a lesson before 2:30pm. How I spend the time between waking and teaching dramatically affects the quality of my day and the quality of the lessons I give. Here are four suggestions for early morning activities that lead to a successful teaching day.
1. Practice
Getting up and going straight to your instrument sends a very clear message to your brain: “I am a musician, and I am going to have a musical day!” Can you think of a better way to musically start your day? Practicing first thing in the morning not only sets the tone for the day, but it also “gets it out of the way.” How many times have you gone to bed thinking “I wish I had found more time to practice today”? Between teaching duties, administrative tasks, personal time, family time, socializing, commuting, and other activities, it’s easy to let practicing fall through the cracks. Practicing in the morning insures that will never happen.
Living situations can sometimes present challenges to morning practice. I, for example, play primarily drum set and live with a roommate. My roommate does not appreciate being woken by the sound of a full drum set (nor would he appreciate being woken by trumpet, trombone, or electric guitar, I suspect). As a compromise, I practice on a pad in the morning and a full set in the evening. Most people who have voluntarily agreed to living with a musician will usually be open to some type of compromise. Alternatively, you could always head to a studio or other location for morning practice.
2. Write
In The Artist’s Way, Julia Cameron recommends starting each day with “morning pages,” three long-hand pages of stream of consciousness writing. Morning pages are a great way to capture all those half-thought-out ideas floating around in your mind. You can also use morning pages as a journal, recording events and working through challenges in writing. Oftentimes, I’ll brainstorm lesson plan ideas or marketing strategies. I find morning pages particularly effective for this, simply because I’m too tired to censor myself early in the morning. There are no stupid ideas at 6am.
Another early morning writing option is to start on actual writing work. This could include writing a blog article, your newsletter, or possibly composing a piece of music. Writing first thing in the morning allows you to create without the day’s distractions cluttering up your mind.
3. Exercise
This is my personal favorite and also the early morning strategy I use most often. Exercising naturally increases blood flow and energy, and it also enhances your mood, leading to increased feelings of happiness. That’s exactly what I need first thing in the morning. I find that when I start my day by going to the gym, I have more energy throughout the day, and I’m more enthusiastic with my students. I belong to the YMCA, but you don’t have to go to a gym to exercise. Try starting with a 15-20 minute walk around your neighborhood in the morning and see how you feel the rest of the day.
Most people who exercise regularly also experience additional confidence with their bodies. Being more confident with you body will ultimately lead to being more confident with students and parents.
4. Meditate
I saved this idea for last because it’s the only one I haven’t personally tried, though I know many people who love to start their day with meditation. By meditating, they clear their mind and set their focus or intention for the day. Some people even watch their whole day unfold in their mind, which helps them immensely when challenges present themselves throughout the day. Personally, I can’t meditate in the morning because I just fall back asleep. To each his own, I suppose.
Your Turn
How do you start your day? What morning rituals do you use to set the tone for a successful teaching day? Leave your answers in the comments below.
About the Author
Jon Dittert teaches drum set and percussion at the Drum Center of Lexington in Lexington, KY. He has also served as a percussion assistant to several Fayette County middle schools. Jon has performed with former SNL trumpeter Graham Breedlove, Emmy award winning producer/bassist Eric Suttman, saxophonist Bobby Streng, and Christian recording artist Sarah Bauer. Currently, he performs regularly around Kentucky with Business Time, The Blue Barracudas, and Jonathan Webb.
by Brandon Pearce — Fri Jan 9, 2009 @ 12:24 am
I'm also a big fan of a morning walk before breakfast.
-CD
by Christopher — Fri Jan 9, 2009 @ 6:40 am
by Peggy Schaaf — Fri Jan 9, 2009 @ 8:54 pm
I plan to wake up, go to the gym, have a healthy breakfast, do my music research/admin, practice, and that's all BEFORE teaching! I'm so excited!
Also, I have been spending my mornings doing the Anthony Robbins Personal Power CDs with my partner. Setting clear goals and focussing on how to achieve everything I aspire to. That is a great way to get ready for the day and feel that you can conquer anything!
by Leah Coutts — Fri Jan 9, 2009 @ 9:47 pm
by Sarah Luebke — Sat Jan 10, 2009 @ 8:15 pm
by Jennifer Thomas — Sun Jan 11, 2009 @ 9:28 pm
by Michelle Payne — Thu Jan 22, 2009 @ 6:20 pm