Before I started teaching privately on a full-time basis it never occurred to me that teaching would interfere with me performing. Fast forward a few years and I can say without a doubt that teaching leaves me very little time for practicing and performing. Somehow the hours spent planning activities for students and trying to think of ways to help them “get it” add up so quickly. A lot of times I’m just plain worn out after a day of teaching. How can something so life-giving be so draining at the same time? I thoroughly enjoy teaching young musicians, but it is very tiring. So, the performer in me has to fight for my attention. The above video is what happens when I do make time for practicing and performing and creating. I hope you enjoy the music, and if you do you can download it free on SoundCloud.com/danaricemusic.
Now for the million dollar question, teachers. How do YOU make time for performing while teaching?
Kids & Keys 
Wow. I’m in awe! This is all you? So nice to see (hear) another side of you, Dana. Kudos!
My performing is strictly on the classical side – which I love and miss dearly when I don’t get to it. Mornings are MINE. No teaching. That’s when I practice / play / nourish that side of me – as long as I don’t get too sidetracked by a certain other keyboard 😉
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Yes that other keyboard is so demanding!!!! Thanks for listening and yes it’s all me. My classical generally doesn’t make it past my teaching studio, but I do enjoy playing it.
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Hmmm… My mornings are generally tied up with kid errands
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Been there. Nice to be past it …
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Ahh…so you’re saying there is life after!
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yes, Yes, YES!!
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😄
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Wonderful Dana! So fun! YOU brightened up my day! 😉
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Aww, thanks, Jennifer! You just brightened up my day too!
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I loved listening to you, Dana! You are wonderful.
This is how I make time for my own music:
– make a dedicated time for it each day. Schedule it like a lesson in my schedule. For me it is usually an hour in the mornings.
– join a choir – that way I HAVE to be there and have to make time to practice!
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Thank you, Leia! It means so much to receive a compliment like that from a fellow teacher and musician. You have such great ideas about making time for the music as well. Even knowing that I should set a dedicated time I never thought of scheduling it like a lesson. Sometimes the way we word something helps it click. So thanks for the wording!
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