If you’ve ever said, “I wish I could play the piano [or other instrument],” this episode will equip you to make your dream a reality. With time-management expert (and music-lover) Laura Vanderkam, we explore how even the busiest lives can make space for meaningful musical pursuits – without adding stress, guilt, or overwhelm. Discover how small pockets of time, used intentionally, can lead to a richer, more joyful life filled with music.
Guest
Today’s guest is someone whose work I’ve followed and admired for years – one of her earlier books, 168 Hours, made a huge impact on me when my kiddos were young. Author (and music-lover) Laura Vanderkam’s brand new book just released TODAY, called Big Time: A Simple Path to Time Abundance. Laura is the author of several time management and productivity books. Her work has appeared in publications including the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, Fast Company, and Fortune. She hosts multiple podcasts and blogs at LauraVanderkam.com.
Notes
We discuss:
- Why so many adults regret quitting music – and what’s really holding them back now
- The myth of “no time” and how our perception of time often misleads us
- What it means to become “the kind of person who has time for music”
- How tracking your time can reveal hidden pockets for meaningful activities
- The concept of “effortful fun” and why it’s more fulfilling than passive leisure
- How just 15 minutes a day can transform your musical skills over a year
- Thinking beyond the 24-hour day: using the 8,760-hour annual mindset
- Why scheduling music actually creates a sense of more time – not less
- How to reclaim your “golden hours” in the evening for creative pursuits
- Practical, real-life strategies to start (or restart) your musical journey today
Connect/Other Resources
- Website: www.LauraVanderkam.com (don’t miss the tab detailing her podcasts!)
- Book: Big Time: A Simple Path to Time Abundance
- Other books by Laura (Note: I especially love 168 Hours: You Have More Time Than You Think!)
Other episodes we mentioned or that you may enjoy:
- Micro 56: Why Musical Hobbies Make You Better at Your Job
- Ep. 162: Unlocking productivity with the power of music; with Erik Fisher, Host of Beyond The To-Do List Podcast
- Ep. 48: Tips from a time management coach on accomplishing (or helping our kids accomplish) musical goals this summer, with Elizabeth Grace Saunders
- View all episodes related to Education & Community
In-Episode Promo
SHEET MUSIC DIRECT: One of the simplest ways I enhance my life with music is by having the right music available the moment inspiration strikes. That’s why I keep coming back to Sheet Music Direct. Powered by Hal Leonard, it gives you instant access to over a million digital sheet music arrangements – for every instrument, genre, and skill level. You can view scores, listen to them, download instantly, and build your own personalized library that travels with you on any device. Example: I watch a movie and love a song I hear. I find it on Sheet Music Direct. I watch the documentary, “The Greatest Night in Pop” and immediately get the itch to play “We Are the World” for myself. Sheet Music Direct. It’s the holidays and I want to play a fun modern song like Sia’s “Snowman.” You got it, Sheet Music Direct.
Pro Tip: If you’re a university student, you can get the Sheet Music Direct PASS for 50% off! And a free trial is available for everyone. Whether you’re practicing for class, playing just for fun, or rediscovering music as brain-boosting self-care, Sheet Music Direct makes it easy. Prices start at just 99 cents, and everything is available instantly at SheetMusicDirect.com.
Coda
Laura says: “I loved The Complete Beethoven website which has, as you might guess, commentary on all (or almost all) of Beethoven’s works and links to the creator’s favorite performances. It made listening to all of Beethoven a very straightforward project!”
Closing Words
As you can tell, I am a HUGE fan of Laura’s new book, Big Time! And Laura has offered a free copy of Big Time to a listener and subscriber of my Soundbites email newsletter! The free book offer is only available to Soundbites subscribers; so be sure to check your email for details in the latest newsletter. And if you aren’t yet a subscriber, you can sign up with the link in the show notes.
I want to give a shoutout to Ben Klinger, a fellow podcaster who recently had me as a guest on his show, Piano Whisperer podcast. It was MY turn in the hot seat (!) and we had such a great discussion about the deeper “why” behind the work I do. Thanks to Ben for the fun and meaningful conversation; check it out on…
➡️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6khDhjHNFBOW2y49j7zntj?si=cb124f7ba4784baa
➡️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-transformational-power-of-music-piano/id1470657118?i=1000764005260
If you’re someone who has said, “Music has always been a dream of mine, but I keep postponing it,” I hope today’s conversation has left you hopeful and inspired to make your dream a reality!
And if you know of someone who would enjoy this episode, please share it with them! It’s one of the best ways to help us reach new listeners and spread the transforming power of music in everyday life.
You can always connect with me on email (mindy@mpetersonmusic.com), Facebook, Instagram, X, or LinkedIn; and by signing up for my monthly e-Newsletter.
Thank you so much for joining me today. Until next time, may your life be enhanced with music.
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