Full of deadlines, challenges and expectations, the weeks before the winter break can feel overwhelming. The holiday period, therefore, provides a much-needed chance to catch our breath. It's a time to review the past year and consider how to prepare ourselves for the one coming next.
Reflecting on the past year
For many, the past year will have moved at a whirlwind pace. Some of us may have experienced a period of growth, watching our students blossom and seeing our hard work bear fruit. For others, the year may have been more difficult, with challenges or personal struggles affecting motivation.
Whatever the year brought, reflection is essential. Think about the breakthroughs – a student finally mastering a tricky piece, a lesson that exceeded expectations, or a quiet student discovering their voice. These moments are worth cherishing, reminding us of the reasons we teach in the first place.
At the same time, it's important to acknowledge our struggles. Perhaps a student found it difficult to engage with the material. Maybe the balancing act between lesson preparation and administrative tasks became overwhelming. We all face challenges that test our patience and resilience, and these are just as important to reflect on as the high notes.
We should also use this moment to celebrate our successes and to learn from tougher moments. These lessons will help shape our teaching as we move forward.
Preparing for the year ahead
As we begin the new calendar year, it's important to consider how to prepare – emotionally, mentally and practically – for the opportunities and challenges ahead. We can start by setting realistic goals, both for ourselves and our students. These goals don't have to be grand; often, small adjustments can lead to significant improvements.
Think about what professional development opportunities are available. Many music teachers, particularly visiting tutors, can feel isolated. However, there are numerous organisations (notably the ISM, MTA and Music Mark) offering tailored support, training, resources and networking opportunities to help us grow professionally.
Staying connected with other educators is also key to keeping us – and our teaching – fresh and inspired. Joining local teacher meetups or online forums can be good opportunities to collaborate with peers. The new year is a great time to reach out, collaborate, and find new teaching methods or classroom strategies that could refresh your approach.
Beyond professional development, don't forget to prioritise wellbeing, for ourselves and our students. The mental health of music teachers is often overlooked, despite how much we invest in our work. Taking time for self-care, managing stress and setting boundaries is essential to avoiding burnout. As we plan for the new year, we should make a commitment to look after our wellbeing. After all, we can only give our best when we are at our best.
Don't forget, too, to stay flexible. Change is constant, especially in education, so preparing to adapt is vital. This might mean adjusting lesson plans, embracing new teaching methods, or using technology more effectively. It can also mean being open to learning from what students bring into the classroom. Each year offers new opportunities for growth, both for us and our students. By staying flexible, we can evolve alongside them.
Spirit of the season
The winter months may be dark, but they offer the perfect opportunity to pause and reflect on the meaning of the season. We should take time to appreciate the people who have supported us – colleagues, mentors or students – and consider small ways to show our gratitude. Whether it's sharing resources with a fellow teacher, volunteering at a concert, or simply lending a listening ear, these acts of kindness can have a lasting impact.
Most importantly, remember to give back to yourself, and use this time to recharge and reflect on your own journey. Acknowledge the hard work you've put in, and make space to rest and plan for the year ahead. Whether you're a visiting teacher or part of a school department, this is a moment to reconnect with why you became a music teacher: to inspire, to nurture, and to share the gift of music.
