Written by Kathy Morrison, Studio Director

“Find a group of people who challenge and inspire you, spend a lot of time with them, and it will change your life forever.” – Amy Poehler

Our team at Kathy’s Music is pretty special. Sometimes I sit and marvel at this group of talented people that come together to create an excellent musical learning experience. They are talented, educated, experienced, and full of impressive resumes. More importantly, these people have exceptional character. It is their character that has made all the difference.

This year, 2020, is being touted as many things, including the worst year ever. However, I would beg to differ. This year has proven to be the year when our team made the decision to shine despite never-before-seen obstacles. These 42 people have done amazing things. Their efforts and achievements that can be summed up with 4 letters: TEAM.

T=Tenacity

First, our team has shown remarkable tenacity. The definition of tenacity includes these phrases: “being able to grip something firmly,” “the quality or fact of being very determined,” and “the quality or fact of continuing to exist.” There’s no question that this group was determined that we would keep going even when businesses were forced to close. We did something we’ve never done before by taking the entire program online – private lessons, group lessons, Kindermusik classes, recitals, music festival, and even Kindermusik graduation. Everything moved to a new platform because these people showed a deep well of determination and perseverance. The same is true when we reopened our doors this fall. Students and families wanted to come back in person. So the team showed courage and fortitude to learn how to do just that. As a result our doors are open for in person instruction using a carefully constructed health and safety plan!

E=Empathy

Did you know there are 3 kinds of empathy?

  1. Emotional empathy is when a person can feel the other person’s emotions with them or alongside them. 
  2. Cognitive empathy, sometimes called “perspective taking,” refers to our ability to identify and understand other people’s emotions.
  3. Compassionate empathy is what we usually understand by empathy: feeling someone’s pain and taking action to help. 

See https://www.skillsyouneed.com/ips/empathy-types.html

Our team is filled with people who not only feel with others and understand their perspective, but stand ready to take action. Team members take care of each other demonstrating loyalty, as well as a strong commitment to our mission.  The help comes in the form of problem solving, substitute teaching, training or teaching each other, and checking on others.  In this same way, our people are taking care of our students and families. They see those who are struggling like the student who is ready to be back with their friends, or that parent who is struggling to work and help a child learn from home. They are brainstorming ways to help and taking action because people matter. In addition, they are consistently teaching empathy to our students because they know how important it is.

A=Adaptability

Our team members have taken the concept of “adaptability” to a whole new level.  They surprised themselves with the amount of new technology they are exploring and mastering.  It takes courage to try out so many new processes and platforms. Our teachers and admin team are using an abundance of creativity combined with a willingness to “flex.” That means change and change is hard. We are currently teaching in person with a whole new set of requirements, teaching virtually, teaching hybrid (in person with virtual learners), and teaching outside. Each scenario requires new and different skills. Even so, our teachers are succeeding in each area because of their “can do” attitude! Our admin team, including Studio Concierges, are providing on-going support to ensure that everything runs smoothly and stays safe. Yet another way, our team members are taking care of each other!

M=Music

Through it all, we’ve not lost sight of the music. With all the chaos in the world, it’s easy to get side tracked. This group has stayed true to our “why:” To Change the World Through Music One Student at a Time.  Music brings people together in a way that is so unique. It crosses barriers and creates harmony. While our mission is to provide excellent music education, our team members are also building confidence, creating community, and inviting collaboration all in a culture that cares about each person.  We ARE changing the world through music and the result is not just better musicians, but better people. 

THIS is why our team is so special!

But there is more to the story – at least my story. In my journey to lead this group of amazing people at Kathy’s Music, they have challenged and inspired me along the way. This team experience has changed my life forever. I am a better leader, a better person, because of them. For this I am truly grateful.