PIXEL is the pen name of composer and educator Evan Combs. This playfully academic newsletter offers a behind-the-scenes look at designing and shaping learning experiences and culture. Supported by practical insights and actionable strategies, it’s perfect for teachers, leaders, and anyone curious about the art and science of learning through the lens of music.
New Year, New Growth 🥳
|
Hey everyone, and Happy New Year! The annual Mr. Combs School of Music Alumni Event™ (best name ever, full credit accepted, thank you) happened on December 29th. I’ve been at the same program for over 12 years, and every winter I invite former students to a local food court to reconnect and reflect on the small but mighty community we’ve built together. It’s tradition to go around the table, celebrate wins from the past year, and share goals and growth areas for the year ahead. Tangent #1: Of all the alumni who’ve attended over the years, only one has pursued music education. I’m not surprised, but that’s a story for another issue. I share this because today’s issue is about you! Sometimes we spend so much time designing growth for learners that we forget to invest in our own. So breathe. Relax. And… Reflection Exercise If you’re reading this newsletter, you’ve already demonstrated a commitment to growth. Seriously, thank you for that. Now, how often do you actually…
Every issue, I encourage you to create safe spaces where learners can take risks, fail, and grow. But we all know the truth: The most effective educators lead by example. Assuming your reply to that list wasn’t, “Like all day, every day, dude.” What’s getting in the way?
If some thoughts on what’s working/what’s not working are circling, good. If not, do yourself a favor and marinate on it for a minute. Backward Designed Goals You right now: “Oh Evan, I know where this is going. I can make my goals SMART.” OR “You literally just told me to reflect weekly. I’ll add a Sunday calendar clarity break block and we’re done here.” It’s not that, pinky promise. For goals to matter, they have to point toward something bigger. I hate the interview question, “Where do you see yourself in five years?” But once someone’s in the seat, I love asking it in the context of a personally driven growth plan. So let’s try it here. Where do you want to be in five years? (No wrong answers)
Goals only gain meaning when they serve this long-term direction. For example, when I was 23 and starting my first real job after grad school, I had two personal goals (beyond family growth):
Spoilers: First one didn’t happen till 31; There But having those milestones gave me a filter. I said yes to free commissions, taking on accountability, and side projects because they aligned with where I wanted to go, not just what felt comfortable in the moment. Tangent #2 My new life goals:
So back to you. What long-term goal can shape how you commit to your own professional growth? Strategies for Sustainable Self-Growth Make it actionable without making it overwhelming. 🎯 Pick One Growth Thread Not “all of the things.” Choose one area you’re passionate about: pedagogy, leadership, musicianship, responsibilities, or wellness. Depth beats breadth. 🧭 Filter Opportunities Through the Long Game Before saying yes, ask: Does this move me closer to where I want to be in five years? And if you can’t say no: How can I do this in a way that moves toward my long game? ⏱️ Find Time and Commit It doesn’t work if you don’t commit, and it’s easier to commit when it becomes a habit. What habit can you build that naturally supports momentum? Self-growth isn’t selfish. It’s modeling positive behaviors we hope learners carry forward. And, it’s how we stay curious instead of burning out. Updates From the Music Room
Your Thoughts Seriously, what’s your long game? I’d love to hear about it. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Here’s to a year of intentional growth, thoughtful reflection, and becoming the educator you’d want to learn from. Get Inspired, Previous Issue: The Art of Cognitive Load |
PIXEL
PIXEL is the pen name of composer and educator Evan Combs. This playfully academic newsletter offers a behind-the-scenes look at designing and shaping learning experiences and culture. Supported by practical insights and actionable strategies, it’s perfect for teachers, leaders, and anyone curious about the art and science of learning through the lens of music.
Hey everyone, Picture a high school senior’s day at school… Period 2: “If I catch you using AI, it’s a zero.” Period 4: “AI will rot your brain, you need to think for yourself.” Period 6: “AI is destroying civilization as we know it.” Four years later, they sit in a job interview and hear: “So, walk us through how you use AI in your workflow.” Recent Grad: “I was told there would be no AI” That’s the whiplash we’re creating, and I get a front-row seat to both ends of it. By day, I design...
Hey everyone, Imagine I’m your boss. I walk up to you and say: “Next time you’re in front of learners, you’re not allowed to speak. And you need to teach the next three sessions like this.” I slap a new unit of content on your desk and walk away. You’d all be like… Except what I REALLY meant was: “You’re going to pilot a new project-based unit where learners drive the discussion and their own work. I trust your instincts as a seasoned educator, and I want your feedback to help make this...
A year ago, I wrote an issue about building classroom culture from Day 1 (Start as You Mean to Go On - as a refresher). A year later... I'd change one thing. Culture doesn't start on Day 1, it starts before Day 1. It starts with: The agreements you’ve chosen to surface. The routines you’ve chosen to establish. The invisible curriculum you’ve chosen to value. Over the last year, I’ve written about: Cognitive rigor Project-based learning Learning through failure Cross-curricular thinking...