Let’s pretend like it’s not almost February by the time I’m getting around to writing this New Year’s post! Although things have been quiet out here, there’s been a lot going on behind the scenes that I’m very excited to share. I’ve spent a lot of time brainstorming and praying and putting things in place for what I hope will be an inspiring and beneficial year for everyone here on Music Matters Blog.
One of my brothers-in-law sent me a link to a fascinating podcast called, “The Lean Micro Farm: Raise Crops with Maximum Efficiency.” Not exactly your usual piano teaching inspiration material, but I was struck by the concept of looking for ways to become more lean operationally. Some of the principles they discussed were: leveraging constraints, building just enough, essentializing, simplifying, localizing, ruthlessly sorting, precisely identifying value, cutting out waster, and continuously improving. I’m still pondering additional applications, but for now I’ve overhauled and re-sorted the Music Matters Blog store for greater efficiency. You’ll notice fewer categories and a more consistent look.
I’ve also implemented some new automations that I’m hopeful will help streamline administrative duties related to the blog and store. Have you heard of Zapier? The whole online system allows you to create “Zaps” that automate tasks or processes that you would otherwise have to do manually. Super cool!
Finally for now, at long last, after years of planning to send a regular newsletter, I’m taking the plunge and putting together a monthly newsletter that will be delivered right to your inbox with the latest from the blog, a collection of different Top 5 Music Teaching Resources every month, and various other personal thoughts and ideas that you can implement with your students. To celebrate the launch, everyone who subscribes to the newsletter will receive a special coupon for any purchase in the Music Matters Blog store! Just fill out the form below and click on the verification email and you’ll be all set to receive the first issue. There will be more to come soon, and I’m looking forward to a year full of inspiring creativity as we strive to faithfully invest in each of our piano students!
[CHANGE OF PLANS; READ THIS POST: https://musicmattersblog.com/2024/01/26/honest-reflections-on-feeling-overwhelmed/]
Brenda Slocum says
Thanks