Monday, November 1, 2021
"Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones" I have to admit that when I first read the subtitle of this book, I was definitely skeptical. The wording made it sound like the next fad diet! However, when I started listening to it on Audible, I quickly found many nuggets of wisdom. In fact, I'm finishing up my second time through the book now, and I know I'll listen to it again in the future! If you haven't picked up a copy of Atomic Habits by James Clear, I highly recommend you add it to your wish list!
There is much to learn from this book, but the basic premise is that our lives are not typically changed through once-in-a-lifetime interactions as much as they are by the collection of little decisions or habits we engage in daily. Those daily (atomic) habits contribute to changing our direction in life ever so slightly one way or another, and they eventually pile up to make up who we are. "You should be far more concerned with your current trajectory than with your current result," the author writes.
Now take that idea and shift it to your ensembles. As music educators, there are always things we are looking to improve--from intonation to classroom management to players taking ownership. Choose one thing you'd like to see improved in your program, and make a conscious effort to adjust your habits and change your trajectory. If you aim for improving your area of focus by just 1% daily, the changes will add up. Once you really commit to doing this, chart your growth and see where you are in one week, one month, next semester. I wish you well as you make a tiny change that will result in a larger impact!
To read a summary of the high points from Atomic Habits, click here.
It's Got an Extra String!
This is what your students will typically first shout when they see a 5-string in your classroom. Once only thought of as an instrument for fiddlers and other improvisers to expand their range, this instrument can be found in many orchestral classrooms as a useful teaching tool! Combining the range of a violin and viola, this time-saver allows teachers to demonstrate parts for violin, viola, or cello without stopping to switch instruments. Contact your rep today to see about trying out a Canonici 5-string violin or viola for your classroom. You will love the flexibility it gives you as a teacher!
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Mike Steffen joined Team PMC as an Educational Representative in 2011, and has since traveled all over Missouri serving directors and their programs. He is a KC (Grandview), and is a proud alum of both Missouri State and UMKC with a bachelors and master degree in music education. He served as a band director in the Lee's Summit R-7 & Pleasant Hill R-3 School Districts where he taught band in grades 5-12. His main passions are teaching jazz at all levels, working with middle school band programs, and teaching private saxophone. Mike is married to his high school sweetheart Miranda, and is the proud papa of three wonderful girls - Melody, McKenna, and Mae! Mike was named MVP of Palen Music Center in 2016 and 2021. |
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