Choosing to Thrive: A Music Teaching Career Based on Core Values

Abstract

How do we face the changes and challenges of a music teaching career and learn to thrive as teachers, musicians, and humans? Ideas from the field of positive psychology, including human flourishing and teacher well-being, combined with an understanding of how our core values shape our professional choices can lead us to meaningful self-reflection and positive growth. When we align our values with our work and when our strengths match the challenges we are willing to accept, we can create a teaching life filled with balance, joy, and engagement. This article offers an opportunity to (1) consider our psychological needs and how those needs change across the stages of our careers, (2) identify our personal core values and unique strengths, (3) consider our personal and professional priorities, and (4) create positive growth by choosing the challenges we are willing to accept.