Phew, are my fingers tired! I just finished sending 60+ emails regarding my fall studio schedule, which goes into effect in less than two weeks.
My summer schedule taught me a LOT about what I can and should handle on a weekly basis. I learned that 15 back-to-back lessons and or music therapy sessions are hard on not only my body, but also my brain. Breaks are a good thing! I also learned that I need to schedule in planning and administrative time, because otherwise my days stretch too far into the night for my (and my husband’s) liking.
I took these valuable lessons into account as I structured my schedule for the fall. I’m actually thrilled with how it turned out, and it seems as though my students and their parents are, too. I have already received quite a few emails positively confirming the new schedule! There will inevitably be conflicts as well, but I’ll deal with them as they come up.
How do you go about scheduling a new session? We’ll be discussing this topic on an upcoming episode of the Music Therapy Round Table podcast, so please share your ideas and inputs in the comments below.
Congrats on the schedule! I always find it daunting but at the same time rewarding. Another chance to get it right. I find it most difficult to strike a balance of evening/weekend and daytime work while primarily working with school-aged children. Given that my husband has his weekday evenings and weekends free with his schedule, it’s often tough to know when to to draw the line.
You are so right on when you say “another chance to get it right” – that is exactly how I felt when I went about creating this schedule! My husband’s schedule gives him free weekends and evenings as well, so I can completely relate. We’ll see how things go this time around. Thanks Renee!
I have found that it is essential not to schedule too many sessions back to back. Otherwise the last couple of clients don’t get the quality of service that they should get, because I end up being too tired to focus well. I try not to schedule more than 6 sessions in one day, and I make sure my last session ends no later than 7 p.m. This way my husband and I have time together in the evening. Having a workable schedule is critical to longevity as a music therapist. I’ve made it 30 years! :-)
Thanks for the input, Kathleen! I completely agree that if you schedule too many sessions in a row, the quality of service (including my ability to focus/keep my eyes open!) is diminished. I hope to still be rockin’ it like you are many years down the road :)