Within The Musician

Monica Williams
  • 5.0 (8)
  • MUSIC INTERVIEWS
  • UPDATED BIMONTHLY

Welcome! This podcast is a place of discovery for all students, performers, educators and future educator. Join me and my guest each week as we explore why music matters. We will talk about the struggles and the triumphs, But above all we draw inspiration from one another as we explore ways to make ourselves happier and healthier human beings. Music is not just about the study of tone, technique, rhythm or theory. We will explore topics like stress management, perfectionism, communication, connection and above all self care and compassion.

  1. 07/31/2025

    Creating Value in Private Music Lessons

    Within The Musician

    8 min

  2. 07/31/2025

    Teaching With Grace

    Within The Musician

    12 min

  3. 06/04/2025

    Teaching with Grace: When Practice Doesn't Happen

    📝 Episode Summary: In this solo episode, Monica reflects on how 25 years of teaching music has reshaped her philosophy—especially when it comes to students who don’t practice between lessons. Instead of shaming or scolding, she shares how she’s created an environment that inspires growth, even when life gets in the way. You’ll hear how she uses gamification, seasonal events, and imaginative experiences (like musical elves from the North Pole!) to keep students engaged. From evolving her practice rewards program to designing lessons that work within a student’s lifestyle, Monica walks you through how she balances flexibility with meaningful progress. Whether you’re a teacher navigating similar challenges, or a parent wondering what to expect in a music lesson, this episode offers insight, encouragement, and some creative ideas to keep the music alive.

    12 min

  4. 06/03/2025

    Creating Value in Private Music Lessons

    🎙 Episode 1 – Creating Value in Private Lessons Welcome to Season 2 of Within the Musician! After a long pause since Season 1 (which launched during the pandemic), I’m excited to return with a fresh perspective—and a mix of solo episodes and interviews exploring what it really means to live and work within the identity of a musician. In this short solo episode, I’m diving into one of the most common questions music teachers ask each other: How do you structure your studio to avoid burnout, protect your time, and still offer value to students? I walk you through how I set up my lesson calendar using a flat-rate monthly tuition system—and why it’s been a game changer for both my students and my own sustainability as a creative professional. This includes: My full-year calendar layout (45 lessons + 10+ events)Why I don’t offer traditional makeups—and what I do insteadHow events like recitals, open mics, and workshops serve as built-in value (and makeups!)Transparent pricing: how families understand what they’re paying forThe swap list and virtual options that keep everything flexibleA reminder that protecting your energy as a teacher helps you stay inspired and connected If you’re a music educator trying to move away from the “makeup lesson trap” or just need a little validation for creating better work-life balance, this episode is for you. ✨ Stay tuned—up next is a short “Favorite Things” episode where I’ll share some of the tools, books, and ideas that are currently bringing joy and ease to my teaching studio.

    8 min

  5. 03/16/2021

    The brain and music, with Stephan Betz, PHD

    Importance of music for young and old minds! Today Stephan Betz and I  are going to talk about the intricacy of the brain, and how music can affect the development. How music can actually help students experiencing challenges in academics. We’ll talk about why it might be easier to start as an earlier student, but also how it can really benefit starting as an adult. We are also going to talk about what music therapy is, how it’s helpful and who it’s helpful too. About Stephan Betz:  he is a A board-certified music therapist as well as an award-winning composer in jazz musician. He plays many instruments, with over 36 years of experience. He also has a PhD in community education. He is also one of the teaching artist at Contra Costa music guild, A collective of teachers we started early in the pandemic. To learn more about Stephan Betz and schedule a trial lesson with him visit: www.contracostamusicguild.com

    1 hr

  6. 03/02/2021

    Benefits of playing improvised music

    On tooday I am going to talk about My personal journey of improvisation What improvisation really is anyway. Why I like introducing it into my teachingWhy and how I think it is beneficial to classical musiciansAnd we will go over some excersise to get started as a musician or ways to start it as a teacher- and even on zoom!!!!Feel free to reach out with any questions or feedback. I can be reached at www.bayareaflutist.com or monica@bayareaflutist.com

    26 min

  7. 02/17/2021

    Music Minus Pain with Lea Pearson

    On today's episode I am talking with Lea Pearson is the author of Body Mapping for Flutists: What Every Flute Teacher Needs to Know About the Body and numerous articles in professional magazines. Those publications and her years of successful pain-relief outcomes with musicians have gained her international acclaim. She is a sought-after trainer and speaker and has presented and taught workshops at more than 40 universities, military bases, conferences, and conventions throughout the world. Today we are going to talk about: What Body mapping really is. How to problem solve when a student is expressing painHow to teach this more effectively onlineAnd about Lea’s new program the transformational teacher.To learn more about Lea go to Website: www.musicminuspain.com Teacher circle link: https://musicminuspain.kartra.com/page/IRl31 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lea.pearson1

    1h 1m

  8. 02/09/2021

    Planning and Goal Setting for Artist with Suz aka the Rockstar Advocate!

    On this episode Suz Pulinski and I  talk about the mindset needed to move forward in 2021. Suz is  they creator of the Rockstar planner book, She is an expert in her field - bringing home the importance of planning and strategizing in a really effective way. On today’s show we will talk about how she started on this path to empower musicians. We will also  talk about how to set goals and maintain them- again without the burnout.  Follow Suz, the Rockstar advocate here:  Instigram @rockstaradvo Webiste www.therockstaradvocate.com

    49 min
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5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Welcome! This podcast is a place of discovery for all students, performers, educators and future educator. Join me and my guest each week as we explore why music matters. We will talk about the struggles and the triumphs, But above all we draw inspiration from one another as we explore ways to make ourselves happier and healthier human beings. Music is not just about the study of tone, technique, rhythm or theory. We will explore topics like stress management, perfectionism, communication, connection and above all self care and compassion.

Information

  • Creator
    Monica Williams
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Within The Musician
  • Show Website
    Within The Musician