TopMusic Piano Podcast
The TopMusic Piano Podcast is a weekly show that provides piano teachers with inspiration and ideas for teaching piano in a way that engages and motivates students. Hosted by Dr. Rachel Ehring, a pianist and teacher, the podcast features interviews with guests from the music education industry and shares tips and advice for running a dream piano studio.
Episodes
135: Method Book Reviews with Phoenix Vera
The right method book can shape a student's entire first year at the piano. Today, I'm chatting with Phoenix Vera, known as The Tattooed Piano Teacher on YouTube. We compare popular beginner methods, from Piano Adventures and Piano Safari to Piano Pronto and Wonder Keys. Phoenix also shares how she chooses books for new students and a creative way to bring beginner technique to life.Phoenix shared
134: The Painted Pianos with Elizabeth Zajac
A single bad memory from a recital can shape how a student feels about performing for years. Today, I'm chatting with Elizabeth Zajac, a Utah piano teacher known for her elaborate recital themes and hand-painted pianos. We talk about the recital that changed her whole approach, how she restores and repairs the old pianos she paints, and the creative touches that make her recitals memorable for the
133: Simply Music at Dancing Keys with Giana Nguyen
The way we're taught to learn music shapes how freely we play it for the rest of our lives. In this episode, I'm chatting with Giana Nguyen, owner of Dancing Keys Music Studio in Irvine, about how she went from a classically trained, page-dependent pianist to a devoted teacher of the playing-based Simply Music method. We talk about her own skepticism turning into 13 years of belief in the program,
132: Piano Ninjas, Dog Music, Memberships, and More with Lisa Spector
Sometimes the biggest breakthroughs in a career come from the moments we never planned for. Today, I'm chatting with Lisa Spector, a Juilliard-trained pianist whose career has taken her from concert stages to composing calming music for anxious dogs to building a global membership for adult pianists. We talk about her journey from over-practicer to practice strategist, the hand injury that changed
131: Applying Bartel’s Taxonomy to Piano Lessons with Christina Liu
Every student is motivated by something different, and figuring out what makes each one tick can transform how they engage with lessons. Today, I'm chatting with Dr. Christina Liu, Associate Professor of Music at Bethel College, about Bartle's Taxonomy, a framework for player personality types she discovered through her love of gamification. We talk about the four types Bartle identified, how Chri
130: Creative Composition Ideas with Emily Dehut
Creativity doesn't have to be complicated to make a real difference in how students connect with music. In this episode, I'm chatting with Emily Dehut, a piano teacher from Howe, Texas who built her studio from scratch to 40 students in under a year. We talk about her favorite creative teaching tools, from an animal-themed system for learning keyboard letters to her own songwriting resources and D
129: Changing the Landscape of Piano Repertoire with Wynn-Anne Rossi
The landscape of piano repertoire looks nothing like it did 50 years ago, and Wynn-Anne Rossi helped shape that change. Today, I'm chatting with Wynn-Anne, an acclaimed composer with over 175 publications who has spent decades helping young musicians find their own creative voice. We talk about how she got her start composing as a toddler, how the industry has evolved since the 1980s, and how she
128: Back-to-School Favorites with Natalie Weber
A good theme can turn an entire year of piano lessons into an adventure your students can't wait to come back to. Today I'm chatting with Natalie Weber, who has run her Kansas piano studio since 1998 and shares teaching ideas on MusicMattersBlog.com. We talk through her favorite back-to-school ideas, from practice incentive themes and rhythm activities to sight reading apps and recital games. Nata
127: How to Include Composition in Lessons with Amy Ferguson
Composing isn't just for the musically gifted few, it's a skill every piano student can build with the right guidance. Today, I'm chatting with Amy Ferguson, a piano teacher of over 30 years who calls herself a lifelong composer. She shares her own creative process, why she believes composing belongs in every studio, and practical activities you can try with students at any level. Amy also offers
126: When the Rest is the Work
After spending a few days at a retreat with fellow piano teachers, I came home with a completely different perspective on what it means to rest. In this episode, I'm reflecting on why rest isn't just about slowing down, but about making space for creativity, meaningful connection, and the kind of balance that helps us become better teachers and healthier people.
Rachel shared how a recent teacher
125: Successful In-Home Teaching with Michael Richey
Teaching piano in students' homes isn't a model we hear about very often, but it can be an incredibly successful way to build a studio. In this episode, Michael Richey shares how he grew a thriving multi-teacher travel studio, the business systems that keep it running smoothly, and why in-home teaching can be a premium service that benefits both families and teachers.Michael shared how building a
124: What is the Right Way to Teach Group Piano?
After last week's conversation about transitioning to group teaching, I wanted to continue the discussion by exploring what group piano can actually look like. In this episode, I’m sharing the different group teaching models I've experienced, from preschool classes and piano labs to buddy lessons and multi-level groups, and why the best approach is the one that fits your students, your space, and
123: Making the Pivot to Group Teaching with Mandy Goldbach
When I first heard about group teaching, I wondered how it could possibly provide the same individual attention as private lessons. In this episode, Mandy Goldbach shares how she successfully transitioned her studio to a small-group model, why it has transformed both her students' learning and her business, and what teachers should know before making the switch themselves.Mandy shared a brief over
122: The Kindred Piano Method with Andrea Humphrey
Every piano method reflects the values behind the person who created it. Today, I'm chatting with Andrea Humphrey to explore the story behind the Kindred Piano Method, a series that blends solid piano pedagogy with music from underrepresented composers and cultures, helping teachers create more inclusive and meaningful learning experiences for every student.
Andrea shared how 30 years of teaching
121: Using Memory Champion Techniques for Note Reading with Rowina Seidler
Helping students become confident note readers is one of the biggest challenges in piano teaching. In this episode, I'm talking with Rowina Seidler about how memory champion techniques inspired the creation of Noteology®, an innovative app that combines storytelling, visual memory, and keyboard geography to help students learn note reading in a completely different way.
Rowina shared how her own s
120: What Happens When Piano Teachers Meet In Person
What happens when piano teachers meet in person? In this episode, I reflect on our first-ever TopMusic Local coffee meetup and share why face-to-face connections can be so valuable for teachers. From meaningful conversations to new friendships and fresh ideas, this experience was a powerful reminder that teaching doesn't have to be a lonely profession.
Rachel shared highlights from the first-ever
119: If You Hate Invoicing, Listen to This
If there’s one part of running a studio that many teachers dread, it’s invoicing and payment collection. Today, I'm sharing some of the systems I’m putting in place this summer to make life easier, from SOPs and policy communication to automated billing and scheduling. My goal is simple: create systems that help future me spend less time on admin and more time focusing on students and teaching.
Ra
118: Running a Vibrant Teaching Business with Leah Drake
Growing a music studio requires more than great teaching. It also takes systems, leadership, and a willingness to adapt as your business evolves. In this episode, I'm chatting with Leah Drake to talk about building a thriving group piano program, using technology to streamline operations, and creating a studio that supports both meaningful musical experiences and sustainable growth.
Leah shared ho
117: It Might Be Time to Get Some Help with Adella Carlson
Running a music studio involves far more than teaching lessons, and sometimes the administrative side of the business can become overwhelming. In this episode, I'm chatting with Adella Carlson about virtual assistants, delegation, automation, and the systems that help music teachers spend less time on admin and more time doing the work they love.
Adella shared how burnout led her to create a virtu
116: What If You’ve Missed the Whole Point of Teaching
Sometimes I wonder if we get so focused on goals, repertoire, and achievement that we miss the bigger picture of why we teach music in the first place. In this episode, we're talking about what it means to create truly musical students, why collaborative experiences matter, and how the journey of learning may be more important than any destination we imagine for our students.
Rachel challenged tea
115: Sight-Reading and Collaborative Skills for Young Learners with Jenna Braaksma
Helping students become confident sight readers and collaborative musicians starts much earlier than many teachers realize. In this episode, Dr. Jenna Braaksma shares practical strategies for developing sight-reading and collaborative skills in young learners through games, improvisation, duets, and ensemble experiences that build listening, communication, and musical awareness from the very first
114: How to Implement Asynchronous Lessons with Jaclyn Mrozek
Makeup lessons are one of the most debated topics in piano teaching, and finding a system that actually works can feel overwhelming. Today, we welcome bacl Jaclyn Mrozek on the show to talk about her approach to asynchronous lessons, how she replaces traditional makeup lessons, and why this flexible system can save time while still providing value for students and families.
Jaclyn shared how she n
113: The CEO Mindset for Music Teachers with Nathalie Simper
So many music teachers are incredibly skilled at what they do, but feel unprepared for everything that comes with running a studio. In this episode, w’re talking with Nathalie Simper about developing a CEO mindset as a music teacher, and how confidence, systems, and entrepreneurship can help you build a studio that truly supports your life.
Nathalie shared how musicians follow a traditional path b
112: Preschool Teaching and TopMusicLive with Laura Kahar
Teaching preschool students can feel both magical and intimidating, especially if you’re used to more structured, one-on-one lessons. In this episode, we're chatting with Laura Kahar to talk about teaching under fives, creating playful learning environments, and what it really looks like to build strong musical foundations from the very beginning. We also dive into the energy and impact of TopMusi
111: Empowering Piano Parents with Leslie Merritt
What if supporting your students didn’t rely on more practice—but on what happens at home? In this episode, Leslie Merritt shares how parents can play a powerful role in their child’s musical development through simple, consistent listening habits. Her approach removes pressure, builds confidence, and helps students connect more deeply with music in a natural and enjoyable way.
Leslie explains tha
110: How I’m Simplifying With Systems
As the school year starts to wrap up and recital season approaches, I’ve been thinking a lot about the systems that keep everything running behind the scenes. In this episode, I’m sharing a behind-the-scenes look at the tools, processes, and small tweaks that help me simplify my workload, reduce stress, and keep our conservatory running as smoothly as possible.
Rachel shared how she rebuilt her co
109: Policies to Support the Life You Want with Victoria Clark
So many piano teachers start out with policies that feel flexible and generous, only to realize later that those same policies can lead to stress, burnout, and constant decision fatigue. In this episode, we're chatting with Victoria Clark to talk about monthly tuition, makeup lessons, and the kinds of studio policies that actually support the life you want to live. This conversation is practical,
108: Solo or Collaborative… Which Would You Choose?
As I wrap up this series on performance anxiety, I wanted to spend one more episode talking about something that has shaped my own performing life in a big way: collaborative piano. In this episode, I'm reflecting on the differences between solo and collaborative performing, what accompanying has taught me as a musician and teacher, and why it might be worth exploring if you’ve never considered it
107: Ensemble Playing from Lesson One with Kay Lowry
Making music with others can transform how students experience learning the piano. Today, we're chatting with Kay Lowry about why ensemble playing should start from the very first lesson, and how collaborative music-making helps students build rhythm, listening skills, confidence, and a deeper sense of joy in their musical journey.
Kay shared how she has spent more than 40 years teaching music to
106: Overcoming Performing Anxiety with Anastasia Cunningham
Performance anxiety is something many musicians quietly struggle with, even teachers who spend their days guiding students through music. In this episode, I'm chatting with Anastasia Cunningham about her journey from analytical chemist to piano teacher, and how she gradually worked through years of performance anxiety to become a more confident and resilient musician.
Anastasia shared how she bega
105: Creating the Life You Want as a Musician with Sarah Whitney
So many of us were trained to follow a very specific path as musicians, but what happens when that path doesn’t quite lead to the life we imagined? Today, we’re chatting with violinist and Career & Leadership Coach for Musicians Sarah Whitney to talk about designing a career with clarity, confidence, and creative fulfillment. We explore mindset, leadership, burnout, and what it really takes to
104: Laying Strong Foundations at the Beginning of Your Career with Emma Fernandez
It’s easy to think you need decades of experience before you have something meaningful to offer as a piano teacher, but today’s guest proves otherwise. In this episode, I’m chatting with Emma Fernandez, an undergraduate piano major who is already running a thriving studio and building strong professional foundations. We talk about networking, professional organizations, social media growth, and wh
103: The Piano Teacher Friends I Can’t Live Without
Teaching piano can be one of the most rewarding careers, but it can also feel surprisingly lonely. In this episode, I’m sharing why the piano teacher friends in my life have become absolutely essential to my work and well-being. I'll talk about community, collaboration, competition, and five practical ways you can start building meaningful connections with other teachers.
Rachel acknowledged the v
102: Growing an Online Presence as a Musician with Anni Kallioniemi
Building an online presence can feel overwhelming for musicians, especially when we’re already balancing performing, teaching, and life. In this episode, we're chatting with cellist and social media strategist Anni Kallioniemi to talk about visibility, authenticity, and how musicians can grow an online presence without losing themselves in the process. We explore practical strategies for Instagram
101: Real Talk About Performance Anxiety
Performance anxiety is something I’ve struggled with for years, despite playing hundreds of times as a collaborative pianist. In this solo episode, I'm openning up about my personal journey with stage fright, how it shows up unexpectedly, and what strategies have helped me manage it. I’m sharing real talk about nerves, preparation, and tips you can use for yourself and your students.
Rachel shared
100: The Teacher Who Shaped Me as a Pianist with Dr. Un-Young Whang
Reaching episode 100 feels surreal, and I couldn’t imagine marking this milestone with anyone else. For this very special episode, I’m joined by the teacher who shaped me as a pianist, Dr. Un-Young Whang, whose guidance, artistry, and mentorship have had a lasting impact on my life and career. This conversation is a full-circle moment as we reflect on teaching, perseverance, and the joy of music a
099: Reflections on 99 Episodes of the TopMusic Piano Podcast
As I approach episode 100, I wanted to pause and reflect on what the first 99 episodes of this podcast have meant to me. In this solo episode, I'm going to share memories from my own early piano lessons, the lessons I’ve learned from incredible guests, and how hosting this podcast has shaped me as a teacher and leader. It’s a look back filled with gratitude, growth, and excitement for what’s comin
098: Behind the Scenes with Wedding Pianist James Roscoe
Many pianists tell me they’d love to play more weddings but feel unsure about where to start. In this episode, we're having a chat with James Roscoe, a full-time wedding pianist based in the UK, who takes us behind the scenes of building a thriving wedding music business. We talk about repertoire, marketing, Instagram, working with venues, pricing, and what it really takes to succeed as a wedding
097: When Technique Goes Wrong (and How to Fix It) with Stephanie Archer
Dr. Stephanie Archer brings a thoughtful and experience-driven perspective to piano technique and pedagogy. Drawing from her work as a university professor, private teacher, and researcher in injury prevention, she shares practical strategies for teaching healthy movement from the very first lesson. In this episode, Stephanie explores beginner technique, arm weight, warmups, and how thoughtful tea
096: 10 of My Favorite Things from 2025
As I wrap up 2025, I’ve been reflecting on the moments, conversations, and discoveries that made this year so meaningful. In this episode, I’m sharing 10 of my favorite things, from standout podcast interviews and inspiring books to teaching resources, conservatory highlights, and the incredible connections I’ve made along the way. It’s a look back at what brought joy, growth, and encouragement to
095: The Intersection of Piano and Organ with Kelsey Berg
Kelsey Berg brings a fascinating perspective to the worlds of piano and organ. With roles spanning church music, university teaching, and private instruction, she shares how her unexpected transition from piano to organ opened a new musical path. In this episode, she explores the key differences between the instruments, the challenges of technique and registration, the realities of practicing with
094: From Piano Teacher to Novelist with Jerald Simon
Jerald Simon’s creativity knows no bounds—from composing hundreds of piano pieces to writing motivational poetry and now fiction. In this episode, he shares how his debut novel The Musical Realm brings music to life through an imaginative fantasy world. Jerald also offers valuable insights into self-publishing, branding, and marketing for teachers and creatives who want to share their work with th
093: Debunking the Myths About Group Lessons with Jessica Homewood
Jessica Homewood has transformed how piano teachers think about group lessons. From managing 60 private students to creating efficient, engaging group programs, Jess now helps teachers scale their studios while maintaining quality instruction. In this episode, she shares how group lessons benefit both teachers and students, common myths that hold teachers back, and practical advice for creating a
092: Systems Behind the Scenes with Cheyenne Olson
Behind every smooth-running music studio are systems that make daily operations effortless. In this episode, Cheyenne Olson of Cheyenne’s Piano Studio in Layton, Utah, shares how she keeps her business organized, from student registration and lesson planning to billing and communication. Cheyenne walks us through the tools and systems she uses, including Google Drive, Canva, and ChatGPT, to simpli
091: Teaching Technique and Collaboration with Scarlette Kerr
Scarlette Kerr brings both warmth and wisdom to her piano teaching philosophy. Drawing from her experiences as a collaborative pianist and educator, Scarlette shares how connection, movement, and mindful technique shape her approach. In this episode, she discusses the benefits of group learning, ways to foster healthy technique from the very beginning, and how empathy and flexibility can help ever
090: What If You Build It and They Don’t Come? Marketing Tips That Actually Work
Marketing can feel uncomfortable for teachers who just want to focus on their craft, but what if sharing your passion was the most effective form of marketing? In this solo episode, we're going to explore what happens when “building it” isn’t enough and how to attract the right students through authenticity, generosity, and human connection. These five practical tips will help you promote your stu
089: What Happened on Day 30 of Being Consistent
Consistency is something we preach to our students but often struggle with ourselves. In this solo episode, I'm sharing with you what happened when I challenged myself to post on Instagram every day for 30 days and how the lessons I learned apply far beyond social media. From managing expectations to celebrating small wins, this episode is a reminder that steady effort can lead to surprising resul
088: The Best Piano Apps for Students and Teachers with Sarah Molenaar
Sarah Molenaar has built a teaching career that blends tradition with innovation. Based in Ottawa, she balances a thriving studio, published resources, and a passion for helping both students and teachers succeed. In this episode, Sarah shares her top piano apps, from Note Rush to ForScore, and explains how technology, games, and organization strategies can transform lessons into engaging, effecti
087: Using AI Ethically and Effectively with Omar Roy
Omar Roy brings a thoughtful and balanced perspective to the intersection of piano pedagogy and artificial intelligence. As a professor, clinician, and leader in music education, Omar has been helping teachers navigate the challenges and opportunities of AI. In this episode, he shares practical ways piano teachers can use AI for scheduling and communication, principles for ethical use, and why hum
086: What Happens When You Double Your Rates with Eric Branner
Eric Branner’s story bridges music, entrepreneurship, and education with lessons every teacher can learn from. As a guitarist, founder of Fons, and now host of The Four 40 podcast, Eric shares how doubling his rates transformed his studio, why professionalism matters, and how mindset shapes success. In this episode, he encourages teachers to embrace curiosity, charge their worth, and create thrivi
085: 5 Things Saving My Sanity in a Busy Season
Busy seasons can quickly push us to the edge, especially when teaching, scheduling, and family responsibilities collide. In this solo episode, I'm going to share five simple but powerful practices that are helping me stay grounded, from leaning on ChatGPT for tricky tasks to creating calming rituals in my workspace. These ideas may inspire you to find your own ways of keeping balance when life fee
084: Creating Well-Rounded Piano Students with Grant Kondo
Grant Kondo believes in saying “yes” to every student’s musical journey. From his early experiences in Hawaii to his current studio in San Jose, Grant has combined classical foundations with modern creativity to inspire well-rounded musicians. In this episode, he shares how improvisation, arranging, and flexible teaching approaches can help students of all ages connect deeply with music, while his
083: The Joy of Jazz Piano with Jeremy Siskind
Jeremy Siskind’s journey bridges the worlds of jazz performance, education, and digital innovation. As a pianist, author, and educator, Jeremy has developed groundbreaking resources for students while inspiring thousands through his books, teaching, and YouTube channel. In this episode, he shares how improvisation can be taught step by step, why ensemble playing is crucial, and how his work contin
082: Introducing the Athena Narrow Keys Piano with Linda Gould
Linda Gould has spent decades proving that small hands don’t have to limit big musical dreams. From overcoming a hand injury to co-founding Narrow Key Pianos, Linda has championed the design and launch of Athena, the first portable digital narrow keys piano. In this episode, she shares how this groundbreaking instrument helps pianists of all ages play with greater freedom, confidence, and joy.Lind
081: Catching Up With the Cotswold Pianist Lydia Tomita
Lydia Tomita’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and community. From her early days as a pianist in northern England to becoming the founder of a thriving teaching network in the Cotswolds, Lydia has combined her love of music with an entrepreneurial spirit. In this episode, she shares how she built a multi-teacher studio, balances gigs with teaching, and inspires students of all ages to emb
080: Creating a Safe Space for Students with Kenneth Thompson
Kenneth Thompson brings a wealth of insight into what makes music lessons truly transformative. Drawing from his experiences as a performer, educator, and founder of Musical Arts Centers of San Antonio, Inc. (MACSA), Ken shares how lesson atmosphere shapes the student experience. In this episode, he unpacks the five pillars of effective teaching, the balance between trust and intensity, and the po
079: My Favorite Things From the NCKP Conference
After attending the NCKP conference, I’m excited to share some of my favorite takeaways from this fantastic week. From one-question interviews with fellow teachers to insightful conference sessions, I learned so much that I’m eager to share with you. In this episode, you’ll hear short clips of teachers from around the world sharing their advice, favorite method books, and thoughts on practicing. P
078: Practice Incentives and Resources with Bridey Gibson
Bridey Gibson from Pianosaurus Rex is on a mission to make music lessons more fun through creative practice incentives and engaging resources. Based in Christchurch, New Zealand, she has grown her small studio into a thriving business by blending play-based learning with structured practice challenges. Bridey explains how incentives like the musical Monster Mania and simple practice charts keep st
077: Parent, Teacher, Student: The Practice Triangle with Holly Hornyan
Building a solid practice routine and involving parents in the process are key to student success, as Holly Hornyan, founder of Clever Keys Music Lessons, knows all too well. In this episode, Holly shares her insights on how to help students develop good practice habits and how to communicate effectively with parents to support their child's musical growth. Whether it's through setting realistic g
076: Leading Your Business and Teaching from Your Authentic Self with Kristina Lee
Leading a business and teaching from a place of authenticity can be challenging, but it’s exactly what Kristina Lee embraces in her work. As the founder of Live Love Piano, Kristina combines her background in performance, intercultural studies, and decades of teaching experience to create an online space for adult learners. In this episode, she shares how authenticity plays a crucial role in both
075: Empowering Creative Students with Elaina Burns
Elaina Burns, founder of Resonance: Mind-Body-Music, blends yoga and piano to help students build awareness and overcome performance anxiety. With a focus on mindfulness and body alignment, she shares how she empowers students to become independent learners while fostering a love for music. Elaina’s approach goes beyond technique, encouraging creativity and emotional expression in every lesson, cr
074: What Should I Play for Church?
Growing up playing in church services gave me much of my early performance experience, and it’s a topic I’ve never explored on the podcast until now. In this solo episode, I’m sharing my journey with sacred music, from childhood church performances to my studies in Sacred Music. I’ll be talking about my favorite hymn arrangers, like Lloyd Larson and Mark Hayes, and will offer suggestions for piani
073: From Dueling Pianist to Studio Owner with Whitney Maxwell
From dueling pianist to studio owner, Whitney Maxwell shares her remarkable journey of pivoting during the pandemic to open Bloom Music Studio in 2021. In this episode, she talks about how her studio grew rapidly after being featured in the Des Moines Register and how she’s created a welcoming, community-driven environment for students. Whitney also explains her unique lab-based teaching model, wh
072: A Classical Pianist Learns about Jazz with Quentin Walston
As a classical pianist, I’ve always felt a bit intimidated by jazz. But in this conversation with jazz pianist and educator Quentin Walston, I step out of my comfort zone and dive into the world of jazz improvisation. Quentin shares his journey from self-taught pianist to the founder of This Is Jazz, a company dedicated to making jazz more accessible to teachers and students. He also discusses his
071: Piano-Related Injuries with Celeste Watson
In this conversation with Celeste Watson, we explore the challenges of piano-related injuries and how musicians can retrain their bodies for pain-free playing. Celeste shares her personal experience overcoming a playing-related injury caused by hypermobility, offering valuable insights into injury prevention and rehabilitation. With a focus on proper alignment, kinesthetic awareness, and mindful t
070: Cultivating a Positive Studio Culture with Jessie Hill
How do we create a studio environment where students support each other instead of competing? In this episode, we're having a chat with Jessie Hill about building a culture of encouragement—one where students cheer each other on, give thoughtful feedback, and learn that kindness and music go hand in hand. Jessie shares how she uses simple strategies like compliment cards, intentional praise, and r
069: The Note Reading Struggle is Real
Lately, I’ve been having a lot of conversations with other teachers about something we’re all seeing—students who can play pretty well but still guess at basic notes. In this solo episode, I’m diving into why note reading continues to be such a challenge, even for students who seem to be progressing. I’ll talk about how method books might be part of the problem, why students get overwhelmed, and w
068: Piano Behind Bars with Florence Phillips
What happens when you bring piano lessons into a prison? Florence Phillips shares how a personal connection to the justice system led her to start a music program inside a Pennsylvania prison. With no template and plenty of obstacles, she built something powerful from scratch. Florence opens up about the messy first class, the transformation that followed, and the impact music had on her students
067: How to Stop “Shoulding” with Rhonda Rizzo
What if the key to reconnecting with your creativity wasn’t more discipline—but less pressure? In this episode, pianist and writer Rhonda Rizzo invites us to let go of perfectionism and the constant stream of “shoulds” that often weigh down music teachers and performers. She shares how returning to beloved repertoire, collaborating with composers, and giving herself permission to simply play helpe
066: Uplevel Your Studio Brand with Sara Campbell
Branding isn’t just about pretty colors and a polished logo—it’s about knowing who you serve and how you want to be known. Sara Campbell dives deep into what studio branding really means for independent music teachers and how it shapes the students you attract. From defining your ideal client to writing authentic website copy and using real studio photos, Sara shares practical strategies that help
065: Update on My 2025 Goals
In this solo episode, I’m doing a mid-year check-in on the seven things I said I’d take into 2025. From reading more eBooks and simplifying my systems, to experimenting with AI, setting better boundaries, and staying connected with fellow teachers, I’m sharing what’s working, what still needs work, and how I’m navigating it all. If you’ve set goals this year and are feeling behind or unsure, you’r
064: Very Piano with Megan Desmarais
Great teaching doesn’t just happen—it’s intentionally nurtured, modeled, and passed on. In this episode, I’m joined by Megan Desmarais, who shares how she balances running a large, thriving piano studio with mentoring college pedagogy students through hands-on teaching experience. Megan talks about her group/private hybrid model, how she customizes lessons for every student, and why she’s passiona
063: Designing Your Studio Brand with Erica Neubauer
Today, we are joined by brand and web designer Erica Neubauer shares practical advice for piano teachers looking to create a polished, professional studio brand. With over 15 years of experience, Erica breaks down what makes a strong brand—from knowing your story and defining your niche to choosing fonts, colors, and a logo that truly represent you. She explains why consistency matters, how to avo
062: Inspiring Creativity with Juan Cabeza
In today’s episode, Spanish pianist and teacher Juan Cabeza shares how his traditional classical training led him on a journey to redefine piano education through creativity. From discovering the power of pattern-based teaching and improvisation to building a vibrant community of teachers in Madrid, Juan offers a fresh perspective on holistic music learning. He discusses the value of ensemble play
061: Finding Your Creative Voice with Leila Viss
In this inspiring episode, Leila Viss shares how nearly 40 years of piano teaching, church musicianship, and personal resilience have shaped her creative voice. She opens up about her journey through trauma, healing, and the power of expressive arts—introducing tools like her Cupcake Improv Pack and the Creativity Pyramid. From hands-on group pedagogy at MTNA to guiding students from improvisation
060: Successful Online Teaching with Megan Maxwell and Lani Lammoglia
In today’s episode, we’re chatting with Megan Maxwell and Lani Lammoglia from Little Chords to discuss the world of successful online teaching. With their vast experience in early childhood music education, Megan and Lani share insights on blending digital and physical learning formats to engage young students effectively. They delve into their tech setup, the challenges they faced transitioning o
059: How to Feed a Piano Teacher with Sarah Kenner
Finding time to cook can be a challenge for busy music teachers, but Sarah Kenner has made it her mission to help. As a professional violinist and the creator of The Hungry Musician, she shares practical tips for meal planning, simple recipes, and ways to make cooking more manageable for musicians. In this episode, Sarah discusses how to balance a busy teaching and performing schedule with healthy
058: What Piano Teachers Need to Know About Accompanying with Cori Belle
In this episode, Cori Belle shares her journey from high school accompanist to accomplished collaborative pianist. She talks about how strong solo skills, sight-reading, and learning by doing shaped her accompanying career. Cori offers practical advice for piano teachers who want to prepare their students for accompanying roles, including the importance of listening, balance, and rhythm. She also
057: Performing in the Context of YouTube with Annique Göttler
Performing on YouTube presents unique challenges and opportunities, and Annique Göttler has embraced both as a classical pianist and content creator. In this episode, she shares how she balances traditional concert performances with digital content creation, the lessons she’s learned from growing her YouTube channel, and how storytelling and audience engagement play a crucial role in modern musici
056: Unlocking Musicality in Piano Students
Musicality is what transforms notes on a page into expressive, engaging performances, yet many music students struggle to develop it naturally. In this solo episode, we're diving into practical strategies for helping students unlock musical expression from the very beginning. From following dynamic markings to using storytelling, visualization, and phrasing techniques, I'm going to share simple ye
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