Micro-habits are tiny actions that are easy to incorporate into your daily routine, and over time, they lead to powerful results. As piano teachers, we juggle a lot; scheduling, planning, teaching, business management, and even our own musicianship. The following are small but might habits that have led to positive and powerful results for me as an online piano teacher.
Warm Up with Student Repertoire
Before students login for their lessons, I like to spend a few quiet minutes playing through the pieces they will be working on that day. This short warm-up helps me transition into a musical mindset and also gives me the chance to spot any tricky passages in advance. Sometimes, I'll jot down reminders or prep a quick exercise to help a student navigate a challenge. This small habit keeps lessons flowing smoothly.
Stay Active with a Desk Bike
Teaching online can be sedentary, especially during long stretches of back-to-back lessons. I added a DeskCycle under my desk a few years ago, and it has been a game-changer. Light pedaling throughout the day helps improve circulation, boost alertness, and prevent stiffness. It is not a workout, but it keeps my body engaged and my mind energized, especially during those long afternoon and evening blocks when my focus might otherwise dip.
Track Expenses in Real-Time
One of the best things I've done for my business is developing the habit of logging all expenses immediately. As soon as I make a purchase for the studio, whether it is a book, a game, or sheet music, I update it in My Music Staff, even from my phone. I also created a business receipt label to keep my emailed receipts organized. Then, every third Thursday of the month, I set aside time to reconcile my expenses with my bank statement. At tax time, generating a revenue and expense report takes just a few clicks. My accountant has even complimented how neat and organized the reports are! With a system in place, this micro-habit truly takes just a few minutes and keeps my financials stress-free all year long.
Set Up a Solo 401(k) and Automate It
When I first started teaching, saving for retirement felt intimidating and far off. I wish I had known from the beginning that even setting aside just $5 a month into a Solo 401(k) could make a difference. Once it's set up, you can automate your monthly contributions and watch your savings grow steadily over time. I used Carry to open my Solo 401 (k) and it was an extremely simple process. Carry also offers helpful education resources for small business owners. A nice bonus with this account type is that you can contribute both as the employee and the employer, which opens up a greater savings potential. (As a reminder, I'm not a financial advisor, so please consult with a pro before making financial decisions.)
Choose and Prepare a Weekly Music Theory Game
I love to include music theory games into lessons, when time permits! To keep lessons fresh and engaging, I rotate a themed game each week. During the studio's recent summer break, I took time to organize all of my music theory games, which makes it simple to pull out what I need in less than a minute. I alternate between topics like rhythm, note-reading, ear training, and keyboard geography. This simple system adds variety and fun to lessons without taking a lot of extra time to plan.
Durable Varicolor Stackable Storage Drawers from Staples,
full of games organized by season! |
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| Game Pieces and Dice (container is from Michael's) |
Quick Tidy-Up
At the end of each teaching day, I do a quick tidy-up. I put any lessons books or materials that were used away, wipe down my desk and piano, and clean up any other miscellaneous items. It's a small task, but it makes a huge difference. Walking into a clean, organized studio the next day feels like a fresh start and helps me to begin the day with a calm, focused mindset. This habit also models tidiness and professionalism for students and their families.
Engage with One Teaching Resource Weekly
Dedicate a block of time each week to stay informed and inspired with a Podcast, video, or article from a reputable source. Keeping this habit bite-sized ensures it doesn't feel overwhelming, but still helps with staying connected to new ideas and trends in piano/music education.
Final Thoughts
Micro-habits may be tiny, but their impact is huge. By building these small practices into your daily teaching rhythm, you can stay more organized, energized, and confident in your work as a piano teacher. Whether it is financial planning, lesson prep, or simply keeping your body moving, these micro-habits can help your studio and your well-being thrive.
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