This article emphasizes the transformative power of coaching in music education, highlighting how educators can improve communication and connection by shifting from giving solutions to asking thoughtful questions. By adopting coaching strategies—such as the “Irresistible 1-2-3 Question Combo”—educators can foster independence, deepen relationships, and create more meaningful growth for students and colleagues. The approach promotes better leadership by encouraging curiosity, patience, and inquiry rather than reliance on advice, ultimately enriching the educational experience and avoiding common pitfalls like overdependence, overwhelm, and disconnection.

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In the ever-evolving world of music education, one of the greatest challenges we face isn’t tied to technique, repertoire, or rehearsal management — it’s communication and connection. As educators, we often find ourselves defaulting to giving advice, solving problems, and being the expert in the room. But what if a more effective, sustainable, and empowering approach exists?

At this year’s Virtual PASIC, I’ll present a session titled “Unlocking the Power of Coaching in Education,” inspired by Michael Bungay Stanier’s transformative and best-selling book The Coaching Habit. This clinic introduces a set of simple yet powerful coaching strategies that can help educators make meaningful shifts in their interactions with students and colleagues. The goal? To build trust, strengthen communication, and unlock the potential of those around us, while also reclaiming some of the time, energy, and joy we may have lost along the way.

THE POWER OF QUESTIONS
During the clinic, I’ll introduce seven core coaching questions that can guide any conversation — from a brief hallway chat to a more serious discussion about career plans, motivation, or conflict. Each one is designed to replace the reflex to “fix” with a habit of inquiry. These are not just rhetorical tools, they are conversation game-changers. They provide clarity, provoke reflection, and help others discover solutions on their own. At the heart of these questions are what Stanier calls the Irresistible 1-2-3 Question Combo:

1. Kickstart Question: What’s on your mind?
2. AWE Question: And what else?
3. Focus Question: What’s the real challenge here for you?

This trio of questions is designed to get to the heart of an issue quickly and effectively, without veering into the trap of simply giving advice. Together, they lay the foundation for a coaching approach that shifts the focus from directing others to empowering them.

WHY COACHING?
In rehearsal, we must often be the authority, the guide, the voice of certainty. But outside of rehearsal, especially in one-on-one or small group conversations, the coaching model offers a radically different and impactful approach. It’s rooted in curiosity, patience, and a sincere desire to see others grow on their own terms. It doesn’t mean abandoning leadership; it means shifting how we lead.

In The Coaching Habit, Stanier argues that habitual advice-giving can lead to three common leadership pitfalls:

• Overdependence: When students or colleagues become reliant on you for answers, they miss out on learning how to think independently.
• Overwhelm: If you are constantly solving everyone’s problems, your own work (and well-being) can suffer.
• Disconnection: When you’re stretched too thin, it becomes easy to lose sight of what you truly love about your job.

In contrast, coaching helps develop others’ potential by encouraging them to take ownership of their challenges. It’s not about withholding your expertise; it’s about timing it more thoughtfully and leading with curiosity first.

FROM THEORY TO PRACTICE
To make these concepts practical and relatable, the session will include live examples of “Before Coaching” and “After Coaching” conversations. These will highlight a typical student-faculty conversation, followed by a coaching-style version of the same topic exchange. Through these vignettes, attendees will witness the subtle but powerful ways in which coaching can shift the dynamic, deepen the connection, and ultimately lead to more lasting growth.

TOOLS YOU CAN USE RIGHT AWAY
This clinic is not about learning new scripts or memorizing formulas. It’s about adopting a mindset and acquiring tools that you can bring into your world immediately. Some additional strategies include:

• How to tame your “Advice Monster” — that inner urge to jump in with solutions.
• How to embrace silence, allowing others the space to think and respond.
• How to ask “lazy questions” that drive engagement and responsibility
• How to respond with “I’m curious…” as a lead-in to deeper conversation.

By the end of the session, attendees will leave with a set of coaching tools that are immediately applicable in student conversations, faculty meetings, rehearsals, and even personal relationships.

A SESSION FOR EVERYONE
While this session is rooted in the world of percussion and music education, its principles are universal. Whether you are a seasoned university professor, a high school band director, a studio teacher, or even a student leader, the coaching approach has something to offer. It’s especially timely as educators continue to navigate increasing demands, shifting student needs, and their own desire for balance and fulfillment. This isn’t about becoming a certified coach; it’s about becoming a better communicator, listener, and mentor. It’s about doing more by talking less.

Join me and discover how the simple act of asking better questions can reshape your professional life. Although this is part of the Virtual PASIC series, I will be present and actively engaged during the initial presentation to answer questions, offer clarification, and connect with attendees in real time. Whether you attend live or watch the replay, you’ll gain insights that will help you connect more deeply, lead more effectively, and continue making a meaningful impact through the work you love. I welcome conversations following the session and would love the opportunity to work with individuals or groups interested in applying these coaching principles more deeply. 

(If you’re looking to bring this content into your studio, school, or program, I’d be happy to discuss options for one-on-one or group consulting tailored to your needs.)