An Interview with Elyse Kahler

Next we’re checking in with Dr. Elyse Kahler, Adjunct Assistant Professor of Composition. Dr. Kahler has just finished her first year here at UTA, where she teaches music theory, orchestration, and composition lessons. At the beginning of the campus closure, she decamped from Arlington to her parents’ home in Amarillo, and she gives us a peek into what it’s like to balance work and life there.

What do you do when you wake up?

Drink a glass of water. Then I do a morning workout, followed by a quick mile walk around the block, and then breakfast. I am a big breakfast eater!

What is your exercise routine like, and when do you do it?

I’ve been using the app FitOn. It’s free (!!) and offers weekly plans. You can choose what kinds of workouts you like to do and how many times a week. I do some kind of circuit or HIIT workout four times a week. On off days I do yoga for active recovery.

Are there any foods you eat every day?

I’m a (mostly) plant-based eater. I eat beans and greens every day. I also usually eat salsa every day, not for any particular health reason – I just love it.

When do you usually start working?

9:00.

What types of work do you do each day?

Composing has been rough this first year of teaching, so that’s definitely on the priority list for this summer. That has to be done first thing before any other work, because I’ve found that morning is when my creativity is running the best. Later in the day I might choose from working on course prep or a research article.

Are you a single-tasker or a multi-tasker?

If I’m composing, then that’s all I’m doing. If I’m working on course prep or writing, I might have some ambient sounds on and I might veer off track to respond to emails.

Are there any habits you’ve developed for productivity?

The Pomodoro method: set the alarm for 25 minutes and focus on what you’re doing, then take a five-minute break.

What do you do on a work break, and for how long do you typically take a break?

Make a new cup of tea, text a friend, or play Yahtzee with my dad.

What kinds of chores or household responsibilities are you in charge of?

While I’m staying with my parents, I do a lot of kitchen work, helping make and clean up meals. I also help with laundry, gardening, and general tidying.

How do you set goals?

I set big goals on a seasonal basis (beginning of winter/summer break and the fall/spring semesters). I divide my goals into a variety of categories – my professional/work goals, health goals, what I want to knit/crochet this season, what I want to read, etc. I also like to work with a weekly to-do list. Google Calendar doubles as both my calendar and my to-do list. I use the task function to put the things I need to accomplish that week directly into my calendar in the time slot where I plan to accomplish that task.

When do you take stock of whether you’ve achieved your goals?

This is a weakness of mine; in past I would only do it when setting new goals and would sometimes realize I didn’t complete a project. Now, I’ve committed to using a habit-tacker app that prompts me to check in with my seasonal goals every Sunday.

Do you participate in any working groups, or have regular meetings over the summer?

No, but this sounds cool and I’d like to find/form a group.

Do you usually work every day, or do you take one or both weekend days off?

I always take Sundays off from school work, housework, everything. I’ve found that a dedicated day off recharges me so that when Monday morning comes around, I’m ready and energized to get back to work!

Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for more habits and routines!