Within The Musician

📝 Episode Summary:In this solo episode, Monica reflects on how 25 years of teaching music has reshaped her philosophy—especially when it comes to students who don’t practice between lessons. Instead of shaming or scolding, she shares how she’s created an environment that inspires growth, even when life gets in the way.You’ll hear how she uses gamification, seasonal events, and imaginative experiences (like musical elves from the North Pole!) to keep students engaged. From evolving her practice rewards program to designing lessons that work within a student’s lifestyle, Monica walks you through how she balances flexibility with meaningful progress.Whether you’re a teacher navigating similar challenges, or a parent wondering what to expect in a music lesson, this episode offers insight, encouragement, and some creative ideas to keep the music alive.

🎙 Episode 1 – Creating Value in Private LessonsWelcome to Season 2 of Within the Musician! After a long pause since Season 1 (which launched during the pandemic), I’m excited to return with a fresh perspective—and a mix of solo episodes and interviews exploring what it really means to live and work within the identity of a musician.In this short solo episode, I’m diving into one of the most common questions music teachers ask each other: How do you structure your studio to avoid burnout, protect your time, and still offer value to students?I walk you through how I set up my lesson calendar using a flat-rate monthly tuition system—and why it’s been a game changer for both my students and my own sustainability as a creative professional. This includes:My full-year calendar layout (45 lessons + 10+ events)Why I don’t offer traditional makeups—and what I do insteadHow events like recitals, open mics, and workshops serve as built-in value (and makeups!)Transparent pricing: how families understand what they’re paying forThe swap list and virtual options that keep everything flexibleA reminder that protecting your energy as a teacher helps you stay inspired and connectedIf you’re a music educator trying to move away from the “makeup lesson trap” or just need a little validation for creating better work-life balance, this episode is for you.✨ Stay tuned—up next is a short “Favorite Things” episode where I’ll share some of the tools, books, and ideas that are currently bringing joy and ease to my teaching studio.

Importance of music for young and old minds! Today Stephan Betz and I  are going to talk about the intricacy of the brain, and how music can affect the development. How music can actually help students experiencing challenges in academics. We’ll talk about why it might be easier to start as an earlier student, but also how it can really benefit starting as an adult. We are also going to talk about what music therapy is, how it’s helpful and who it’s helpful too.About Stephan Betz:  he is a A board-certified music therapist as well as an award-winning composer in jazz musician. He plays many instruments, with over 36 years of experience. He also has a PhD in community education. He is also one of the teaching artist at Contra Costa music guild, A collective of teachers we started early in the pandemic.To learn more about Stephan Betz and schedule a trial lesson with him visit: www.contracostamusicguild.com 

On tooday I am going to talk aboutMy personal journey of improvisation What improvisation really is anyway. Why I like introducing it into my teachingWhy and how I think it is beneficial to classical musiciansAnd we will go over some excersise to get started as a musician or ways to start it as a teacher- and even on zoom!!!!Feel free to reach out with any questions or feedback. I can be reached at www.bayareaflutist.com or [email protected] 

On today's episode I am talking with Lea Pearson is the author of Body Mapping for Flutists: What Every Flute Teacher Needs to Know About the Body and numerous articles in professional magazines. Those publications and her years of successful pain-relief outcomes with musicians have gained her international acclaim. She is a sought-after trainer and speaker and has presented and taught workshops at more than 40 universities, military bases, conferences, and conventions throughout the world.Today we are going to talk about:What Body mapping really is. How to problem solve when a student is expressing painHow to teach this more effectively onlineAnd about Lea’s new program the transformational teacher.To learn more about Lea go toWebsite: www.musicminuspain.comTeacher circle link: https://musicminuspain.kartra.com/page/IRl31Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lea.pearson1

 On this episode Suz Pulinski and I  talk about the mindset needed to move forward in 2021. Suz is  they creator of the Rockstar planner book, She is an expert in her field - bringing home the importance of planning and strategizing in a really effective way. On today’s show we will talk about how she started on this path to empower musicians. We will also  talk about how to set goals and maintain them- again without the burnout. Follow Suz, the Rockstar advocate here: Instigram @rockstaradvoWebiste www.therockstaradvocate.com

In this episode Josh Boyd gives great insight into what it is like being a band director during covid. He talks about virutal and inperson learning, and how to navigate between the two. I loved his insight into building community within your band programs! Definetly check out his podcast 'Directing Bands' below! Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5aNBzNBNNXh3H3eH9p7IBUListen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/directing-band/id1524501038Instigram @directingtheband Twitter: JoshRBoyd As always feel free to contact me with any feedback: [email protected]: @monicawilliamsflutist 

On this episode I have two private instructors: Stephen Evans and Irina Fatykhova. Private music instructors have a very unique position. Our instruction is completely individualized. As creative instructors we teach the whole musician. Often our job is to find out how a students week went, what challenges did they have that week? What breakthroughs did they have that week? How did they enjoy or connect to the music? And how can I help you strategies so this next week is better. Well, with so much going on- it was impossible for me to avoid these conversations with some students. We chat about how private music instruction is helpful during these stressful economic, political and covid crisis. To learn more about Stephan Evans and me Monica Williams go to www.contracostamusicguild.com and To learn more about Irina go to www.iplaymusic.school

 Guest Sherry Finzer gives us lots of insight about  New Age music and the power it has to heal. And right now more than ever- I think we all can use a little healing. On this episode we are going to talk about what New Age Music is.... How it can help us heal... What mindfulness is.. And how music can help us be more mindful.... On this episode we talked about all of the following, check Sherry and all of her amazing projects out here:Website:www.sherryfinzer.comFacebookhttps://www.facebook.com/SherryFinzerMusic/Instigram@sherryfinzerMindful Music Association:https://www.mindfulmusicassociation.comInsight Timerhttps://insighttimer.com/sherryfinzerHeart Dance Recordshttps://www.heartdancerecords.com

In this episode Nicole Hand talks about empowering artists to have financial freedom. She believes Artists do not need to choose between a creative career and financial stability.  She is going to share her journey, and give us some ideas on how to get started building our wealth. Follow Nicole on Instagram @artistwithabundance or on her website at www.artistwithabundance.com Nicole teaches bassoon, saxophone, piano, and has great articles, resources and courses for artist that want to take charge of their finances and freedom!As always follow the host, Monica Williams at www.bayareaflutsit.com or Instagram @monicawilliamsflutist or email [email protected]. I teach flute lessons to all levels and love talking to other podcasters to collaborate.  

This 2020 was challenging, but there were so many lessons learned. In this episdoe I talk about what I am grateful for.  I have found a life purpose in teaching, and sharing music and for 2021 I am surrendering. There is uncertanty, and I need to have flexiblity in that. I also talk about the move Soul by Pixar/Disney, and how it relates to my person life.This episode is just me, but looking forward to bringing lots of guests to you this New Year!

Staying healthy for the New YearOn today’s episode we explore the most common New Years resolution: Health, weight loss, and wellness. So today I am bring an expert dietician on our show to discuss how we as musicians can be healthier and have longer and more successful careers. We will also talk about foods that can support us during stressful audition, touring, or recording projects, as well as foods that will support our immune system as the pandemic is still raging in many areas.A bit about Stacy.Stacy is a board certified specialist in nutrition, an American College of sports medicine certified fitness specialist, adjunct faculty in the graduate school of nutrition at Simmons University teaching entrepreneurship, she worked for 20 years as senior clinician at Harvard Medical School teaching at affiliate hospital- Dana- Farber Cancer Institute and Massachusetts General Hospital, mainly focused in oncology.. She co-founded her private practice, Wellness Guides. She is a recognized thought leader and media personality, speaking all over the world on the topics of nutrition science, weight loss, behavioral change and entrepreneurship.For more information or to work with Stacy go to:http://wellnessguides.org or email her at [email protected] reach the host you can go towww.bayareaflutist.com or email [email protected] Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thewholemusician/message

On today’s episode we talk with Tereasa Payne, a multi instrumentalist regularly performing on Broadway in New York. Today we talk about Tereasa about why music is essential, and how she is making the show go on. Virtually Tereasa performs to seniors and homebound individuals, breaking the isolation and bringing connection through music.Tereasa also talks to us about world flutes, her path to Broadway, and get advise for young musicians that might want to follow in her path.To follow Tereasa go to: http://www.tereasapayne.comTo here her world flutes concert tour go to:http://worldflutesconcert.comAnd follow her on social media here:https://www.facebook.com/WorldFlutist/As always reach out to me, Monica Williams with questions at www.bayareaflutsit.com .      [email protected] Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thewholemusician/message

On today’s show we hit topics close to the heart for our music community. Our guest is Toni Aswegan, a mental health professional, who has her own podcast called Toni Talks Therapy. We talk about depression, sadness and anxiety that is hitting this holiday season. The challenges musicians and artists face at this time due to lack of performing at our busiest time of year. We also talk about issues many musicians face such as : perfectionism, performance anxiety, and imposter syndrome. Toni also highlights how some performance anxiety can be helpful.Follow Toni Aswegan here:Podcasts: Toni Talks Therapy (all platforms)Instagram: @tonitalkstherapyFor WA residents looking for therapy contact Toni at her private practice.Website: www.riverbanktherapy.comFor CA residents looking for virtual therapy- I would refer my therapist Natalie Kusturicwww.nataliekusturic.comThe Crisis Line for anyone needing immediate support1-800-273-8255 or text 741-741--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thewholemusician/message

In this spontaneous episode, I talk about my experience teaching Christmas music to students of all levels. My realization that singing lyrics provided a powerful understanding of phrasing, style, interpretation, vibrato usage, and much more. I talk about how connecting to Christmas music can provide a deeper understand of music as a form of expression.For more info on me Monica Williams please visit my websitewww.bayareaflutist.com--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thewholemusician/message

The Portfolio MusicianThis episode is jam packed with wisdom from Katherine Emeneth. This episode is especially helpful for private teachers that want to work on ideas for retention of students, growing growing the numbers of students. We talk about what a portfolio musician is- in short an artist that has multiple revenue streams. We also talk about what musicians can do to keep our industry alive, having day jobs without shame, and much more!You can follow and learn more about Katherine Emeneth at:Instagram @KatherineEmenethFacebook :https://www.facebook.com/katherine.isbillWebsite: www.Katherineemeneth.comAs always you can reach Monica (host) [email protected] Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thewholemusician/message

In this episode we talk with principal flutists of NSO, Aaron Goldman. Aaron shares his path to success, which was not always an ascending straight line. He talks about the importance of mindset and resilience in the performing and auditioning process. He shares tips and techniques he uses to help with performance anxiety and how to overcome a ‘bad’ practice day. His story is one of inspiration and strength .--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thewholemusician/message

In this episode I talk with John Herrera from Clamsville Studios. John is a grammy nominated music producer, recording engineer, composer and plays many instruments. Today we talk about what this profession looks like 8 months into Covid. He highlights some upcoming brilliant work from artists soon to be released, and talks about the courage and vulnerability that he witnesses as artist enter the recording studio.--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thewholemusician/message

Virtual learning was not the first choice of students or teachers, but by entering into this new territory we have all been challenged. I will talk about what I have learned from teaching virtually, and my appreciation for this challenge. Later in the segment my 8 students will share what virtual learning is like for them. Isabelle, Drishti, Claire, Caroline, Arhan, Liza, Lexi, and Crystal bravely tell it how it is. The social challenges, and the exhaustion of it all.  They recognize the hard work of all their teachers and remain hopeful for a better future.--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thewholemusician/message

This podcast is a place of discovery for all students, performers, educators and future educator. Join me and my guest each week as we explore why music matters. We will talk about the struggles and the triumphs, But above all we draw inspiration from one another as we explore ways to make ourselves happier and healthier human beings. Music is not just about the study of tone, technique, rhythm or theory. We will explore topics like stress management, perfectionism, communication, connection and above all self care and compassion.--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thewholemusician/message