Can you believe it’s 2026 already?! As I’ve welcomed my students back this week, focusing intently on writing the correct year in their assignment books, I just can’t process that another year has gone by so quickly. But I appreciate the freshness a new year brings.
As I’ve pondered the idea of fresh starts and new beginnings, it’s made me think about goal setting. In years past I would set a bunch of goals in many different areas, determined to change everything about me that needed changing. You can imagine the results as goal after goal went unmet or only partially completed. It led to frustration and several years of just skipping the whole resolutions thing. I had an “all or nothing” mentality that was holding me back.
Fortunately age brings a bit of wisdom and helped me see that I was trying to change too many things all at once. Better to set smaller, reachable goals, and to focus on one thing at a time. Some of my friends are trying one new thing just for a month. It may become a habit they keep, or it may fall by the wayside as they try a new goal for the next month. Another dear friend, who happens to be my daughter-in-law, introduced me to the idea of “all or something”. Rather than beat myself up for not completely reaching the goal, celebrate whatever progress was made. Recognize that life sometimes gets in the way. The 30 minutes I planned to devote to whatever it was may have only been 5 minutes that day, but that is still 5 minutes more than I used to do. It’s something, and that is progress.
One of my students is working toward participating in Awards in Excellence for the first time. We chose her pieces months ago, as her busy high school schedule can wreak havoc on her practice time. We have worked on setting reasonable goals, biting off small sections to memorize, even just two measures. It’s easy for her to get overwhelmed and frustrated, but these small victories will help her keep pressing forward toward the eventual goal.
I hope all of you teachers recognize the important work you do. One sweet student made me a card this week with an admittedly odd-looking sixteenth note drawn on the front, with “Just a little note saying thank you” written across the top. She transferred to my studio in August and was quiet and withdrawn as she began. As I focused on making her lessons as positive and friendly as I could, she began to blossom. Her shy smiles became hesitant conversation, and now she freely shares stories with me. It reminded me once again that teaching music--the songs, theory, technique, etc.--is only part of what I do. I am helping to build confidence, encourage perseverance, nurture creativity, teach time management and problem-solving skills, develop focus and attention to detail, and provide a way to express feelings and combat anxiety. My students may never grace the stage at Carnegie Hall, but they know that I love them. I care about their progress in music and as people. I love that I can share my passion for music with them and feel like I’m making a positive difference in their lives. As you begin this new year, take a moment and recognize your vital role. Appreciate the opportunity we have as teachers to make an impact on our students. I am grateful for each of you, for your positive influence on my life.
Happy New Year!
Lorri McHardy
DVMTA President
Read the full January 2026 Newsletter
As I’ve pondered the idea of fresh starts and new beginnings, it’s made me think about goal setting. In years past I would set a bunch of goals in many different areas, determined to change everything about me that needed changing. You can imagine the results as goal after goal went unmet or only partially completed. It led to frustration and several years of just skipping the whole resolutions thing. I had an “all or nothing” mentality that was holding me back.
Fortunately age brings a bit of wisdom and helped me see that I was trying to change too many things all at once. Better to set smaller, reachable goals, and to focus on one thing at a time. Some of my friends are trying one new thing just for a month. It may become a habit they keep, or it may fall by the wayside as they try a new goal for the next month. Another dear friend, who happens to be my daughter-in-law, introduced me to the idea of “all or something”. Rather than beat myself up for not completely reaching the goal, celebrate whatever progress was made. Recognize that life sometimes gets in the way. The 30 minutes I planned to devote to whatever it was may have only been 5 minutes that day, but that is still 5 minutes more than I used to do. It’s something, and that is progress.
One of my students is working toward participating in Awards in Excellence for the first time. We chose her pieces months ago, as her busy high school schedule can wreak havoc on her practice time. We have worked on setting reasonable goals, biting off small sections to memorize, even just two measures. It’s easy for her to get overwhelmed and frustrated, but these small victories will help her keep pressing forward toward the eventual goal.
I hope all of you teachers recognize the important work you do. One sweet student made me a card this week with an admittedly odd-looking sixteenth note drawn on the front, with “Just a little note saying thank you” written across the top. She transferred to my studio in August and was quiet and withdrawn as she began. As I focused on making her lessons as positive and friendly as I could, she began to blossom. Her shy smiles became hesitant conversation, and now she freely shares stories with me. It reminded me once again that teaching music--the songs, theory, technique, etc.--is only part of what I do. I am helping to build confidence, encourage perseverance, nurture creativity, teach time management and problem-solving skills, develop focus and attention to detail, and provide a way to express feelings and combat anxiety. My students may never grace the stage at Carnegie Hall, but they know that I love them. I care about their progress in music and as people. I love that I can share my passion for music with them and feel like I’m making a positive difference in their lives. As you begin this new year, take a moment and recognize your vital role. Appreciate the opportunity we have as teachers to make an impact on our students. I am grateful for each of you, for your positive influence on my life.
Happy New Year!
Lorri McHardy
DVMTA President
Read the full January 2026 Newsletter
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