In this reflective conversation, I sit down with Christina Whitlock to look back on years of piano teaching and talk honestly about how perspective changes over time.

We reflect on practice expectations, overscheduled students, burnout, perfectionism, and the quiet pressures piano teachers carry, often without realizing it. This episode is not about fixing anything. It is a thoughtful conversation between two experienced teachers sharing what they have noticed after decades in the studio.

If you are a piano teacher who feels tired, reflective, or simply wants to listen in on an honest, unfiltered conversation about teaching music long term, this episode is for you.

Topics we discuss include:
• What piano teachers tend to feel most tired of over time
• Practice struggles and shifting expectations
• Overscheduled students and modern studio realities
• Giving yourself grace as a teacher
• Letting go of perfectionism in lessons and life
• Teaching piano with perspective and sustainability

This episode is part of The Scrappy Piano Teacher Podcast, a space for real conversations about music teaching, studio life, burnout, and building a sustainable career.

What does it really mean when we say our piano studios are “taking a break”?

In this Scrappy Snippet, Jaclyn Mrozek talks through the confusion around winter break, piano practice expectations, and what rest actually looks like for students. December can feel heavy for both teachers and students, and this episode offers a grounded, realistic approach to letting students rest without guilt or pressure.

You’ll hear why rest matters from a learning perspective, including insights inspired by Learn Faster, Perform Better by Molly Gebrian. Jaclyn also shares how she personally handles winter break practice in her studio, why she gives students choices, and what she actually sends home with students during this time of year.

This episode is for piano teachers who are asking:
• Should students practice over winter break• What does “taking a break” really mean in a piano studio• How do we reduce pressure without lowering standards• What should the last week of December lessons look like

Jaclyn also shares practical, low-pressure ideas for the final week before break, including optional resources and story-based learning for younger students.

Resources mentioned:• Learn Faster, Perform Better by Molly Gebrian• Susan Paradis studio-licensed collections at susanparadis.com• Wendy Stevens’ Beautiful Places series from Compose Create at composecreate.com• Coda’s Ornament holiday piano storybook• December Piano Party Pack

Today’s episode is one big exhale for every piano teacher who is carrying a lot right now.

Teaching does not happen in a vacuum. It happens inside the real life we are living, with all its surprises, interruptions, emotions, and responsibilities. And if you have ever tried to teach through a full life season, today’s conversation is for you.

I recently went to a teacher Christmas brunch, and it was such a reminder that even the most grounded teachers are juggling real things behind the scenes. Leaking ceilings, overwhelmed moms, recital prep, teenagers, holiday pressure. And on that same day, I was dealing with a migraine so intense I could barely function. My family stepped in and did everything for recital night, and it reminded me how much we expect ourselves to carry alone.

This episode is not really about December. It is about the truth that matters in every season of studio life. Piano teachers are human. Independent music teachers are human. And your real life does not disqualify you from being a good teacher. It shapes the way you show up with depth and compassion.

Inside this episode you will hear:
• What “teaching while human” really looks like• The emotional load piano teachers carry behind the scenes• How real life and teaching life collide• Why overwhelm does not mean you are failing• Encouragement for teachers navigating burnout, stress, or busy seasons• One gentle reflection question you can take into any month of the year

This episode is perfect for:Piano teachers, independent music teachers, studio owners, group piano teachers, new teachers finding their footing, seasoned teachers needing encouragement, and anyone feeling stretched between teaching and real life.

Join the Scrappy Circle, Find the December Piano Party Pack, and join the Winter Workshop all at www.scrappypianoteacher.com