TopMusic Piano Podcast

Hosted by Tim Topham

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127

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Aug 2026

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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. Your host, Dr. Rachel Ehring, is a pianist, teacher, music administrator, and lover of piano-teaching gadgets. Rachel holds a DMA in Collaborative Piano from the University of Colorado Boulder and an MM in Accompanying from the University of Kansas. Join Rachel as she interviews guests from the music education industry and shares tips and advice to help you run your dream piano studio.

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August 21, 202640 min

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. Natalie shares a ton of practical, ready-to-borrow ideas for your own studio this year. Natalie shared how she's taught piano in Kansas since 1998. How MusicMattersBlog.com began in 2005 to house her teaching resources. How she gathers student and parent input each summer to design her yearly theme. The importance of themes being age-inclusive, measurable, student-driven, and musical. She shared how this year's theme takes students through every key via the circle of fifths. How rewards stay music-focused, from sheet music to a recording studio tour. She described choreographing rhythm cup routines to songs like "What Makes You Beautiful." She shared Composer Trading, a Pit-inspired game where students collect composer card sets. How listening worksheets guide both peer performances and at-home practice. She described her Piano Expeditions camps, each centered on one composer's major work. How one student used that feedback to chase 100% on every piece. The value of branching into new keys with resources like Juan Cabeza's Piano Notebook. Why she's adding Latin duets ahead of a guest ensemble visit from Paraguay. She described building audience interaction into recitals through trivia and code-cracking games. Links Mentioned Natalie's website: musicmattersblog.com Natalie's Facebook page: Natalie Wickham Weber Today’s Guest Natalie Weber, has operated a piano studio in Kansas since 1998. She teaches all ages in private and group lessons and runs the popular MusicMattersBlog.com, which is devoted to inspiring creativity in music education. When she’s not teaching, Natalie loves spending time with her family, including her two granddaughters! About Rachel Ehring Dr. Rachel Ehring is a pianist, teacher, music administrator, and lover of piano teaching gadgets. She holds a DMA in Collaborative Piano from the University of Colorado Boulder and a MM in Accompanying from the University of Kansas. She currently serves as Director at St. John’s Conservatory of the Arts in Orange County, CA. Previously, she held positions at Concordia University Irvine and Henderson State University. Rachel is passionate about empowering music teachers to create engaging and exciting lessons for students of all ages. When she isn’t playing the piano, you might find Rachel reading books with her son or walking her beagle Frieda. Visit her website at RachelEhring.com Visit her Instagram page: @rachelehring Visit her YouTube channel: @dreamlavendermusic6694 Visit her Etsy shop at Dream Lavender Music Thank you for tuning in! Consider implementing the ideas from this podcast by writing several actionable steps for your teaching practice if it’s inspired you. If you enjoyed today’s show, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, which helps other teachers find our show. Stay updated by subscribing to this show , and get automatic delivery to your device every time a new episode goes live! We publish on Fridays weekly. TopMusicPro 14-Day Free Trial Heard about TopMusicPro Membership? As a valued podcast listener, I’d like to offer you a special chance to try our community free for 14 days. You can access a treasure trove of teaching resources, professional development courses, and creative lesson ideas. Click the link below to access your exclusive 14-day free trial for our Studio Membership. TOPMUSICPRO MEMBERSHIP 14-DAY FREE TRIAL

August 14, 202646 min

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 a free printable to help students write their very first piece. Amy shared how she won a Kawai piano through Pianist Magazine's composer competition. She described herself as a lifelong composer, tracing it back to a childhood tape recorder. Her compositional style favors patterns, simple notation, and a big sound. She emphasized storytelling as key to helping students connect emotionally with music. She named Danny Elfman's Nightmare Before Christmas score as a major influence. Amy outlined three reasons composing matters: theory, ownership, and true artistry. She noted that composing confidence carries over into students' other repertoire. She shared an activity where students traded favorite-things cards and composed for each other. Some holiday prompts, like Halloween for minor keys and Mother's/Father's Day gifts. Amy walked through her free "Big Question" printable for a student's first notated piece. She highlighted her Escape Series, teaching navigation terms like repeat signs and codas. Amy encouraged teachers to keep composing open-ended and rule-free. Links Mentioned Amy's website: https: www.amyfergusonstudio.com Amy's YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@AmyFergusonStudioMusic Amy's Facebook page: Amy Ferguson Studio Find out more about Four Chord Composing Course here. Today's Guest With enthusiasm and endless passion for music, Amy Ferguson has spent her lifetime sharing and creating music on the piano. She received her first piano as a Christmas gift from her parents when she was 1 year old and as a young child she loved to record herself making up songs into a little tape recorder. She’s been happily composing music ever since! Amy studied piano under the direction of Mrs. Elaine Beckstrand and Dr. Yu-Jane Yang. In college she studied Piano Performance, Piano Pedagogy, and Secondary Music Education. She received a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education with high honors from Weber State University. She has had over 30 years of piano teaching experience and is an active member of the Utah Music Teachers Association, Music Teachers National Association, and National Federation of Music Clubs. Amy is an experienced accompanist, composer, and arranger, and enjoys sharing these skills with others. She composes and arranges piano repertoire for her students and has recently had the opportunity to write school spirit songs for several new local public schools. Her compositions have received both state and national recognition. November was the state-winning entry in the 2022 UMTA Composition Competition, and Relámpago won the 2026 Pianist Magazine National Composition Competition. Purchasing digital studio licenses of her music is now available at her online shop AmyFergusonStudio.Com. As a teacher, Amy has the special ability to customize lessons and musical experiences to each unique individual, guiding her students to be successful at not only playing the piano, but developing a love and enjoyment of the piano. Amy is married to her high school sweetheart, who is an incredible jazz pianist, and together they are parents to four amazing kids. Amy also enjoys gardening, raising chickens, outdoor walks, sewing, homemaking, botanical gardens, studying the gospel, yoga, embroidery, national parks, and listening to classical music loudly in the car. About Rachel Ehring Dr. Rachel Ehring is a pianist, teacher, music administrator, and lover of piano teaching gadgets. She holds a DMA in Collaborative Piano from the University of Colorado Boulder and a MM in Accompanying from the University of Kansas. She currently serves as Director at St. John’s Conservatory of the Arts in Orange County, CA. Previously, she held positions at Concordia University Irvine and Henderson State University. Rachel is passionate about empowering music teachers to create engaging and exciting lessons for students of all ages. When she isn’t playing the piano, you might find Rachel reading books with her son or walking her beagle Frieda. Visit her website at RachelEhring.com Visit her Instagram page: @rachelehring Visit her YouTube channel: @dreamlavendermusic6694 Visit her Etsy shop at Dream Lavender Music Thank you for tuning in! Consider implementing the ideas from this podcast by writing several actionable steps for your teaching practice if it’s inspired you. If you enjoyed today’s show, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, which helps other teachers find our show. Stay updated by subscribing to this show , and get automatic delivery to your device every time a new episode goes live! We publish on Fridays weekly. TopMusicPro 14-Day Free Trial Heard about TopMusicPro Membership? As a valued podcast listener, I’d like to offer you a special chance to try our community free for 14 days. You can access a treasure trove of teaching resources, professional development courses, and creative lesson ideas. Click the link below to access your exclusive 14-day free trial for our Studio Membership. TOPMUSICPRO MEMBERSHIP 14-DAY FREE TRIAL

August 7, 202615 min

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 retreat reshaped her understanding of rest. She explained why rest is essential for preventing burnout and sustaining a teaching career. Rachel highlighted how creative projects can restore energy instead of draining it. Why meaningful connections with fellow teachers provide a different kind of rest. How supportive communities help teachers navigate common challenges. She encouraged teachers to identify the people who genuinely recharge and encourage them. The importance of setting healthy boundaries without feeling guilty. How making intentional changes can create more balance in both work and life. Why giving yourself permission to pause leads to better teaching and greater wellbeing. Links Mentioned Search podcast episodes here: topmusic.co/podcastsearch About Rachel Ehring Dr. Rachel Ehring is a pianist, teacher, music administrator, and lover of piano teaching gadgets. She holds a DMA in Collaborative Piano from the University of Colorado Boulder and a MM in Accompanying from the University of Kansas. She currently serves as Director at St. John’s Conservatory of the Arts in Orange County, CA. Previously, she held positions at Concordia University Irvine and Henderson State University. Rachel is passionate about empowering music teachers to create engaging and exciting lessons for students of all ages. When she isn’t playing the piano, you might find Rachel reading books with her son or walking her beagle Frieda. Visit her website at RachelEhring.com Visit her Instagram page: @rachelehring Visit her YouTube channel: @dreamlavendermusic6694 Visit her Etsy shop at Dream Lavender Music Thank you for tuning in! Consider implementing the ideas from this podcast by writing several actionable steps for your teaching practice if it’s inspired you. If you enjoyed today’s show, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, which helps other teachers find our show. Stay updated by subscribing to this show , and get automatic delivery to your device every time a new episode goes live! We publish on Fridays weekly. TopMusicPro 14-Day Free Trial Heard about TopMusicPro Membership? As a valued podcast listener, I’d like to offer you a special chance to try our community free for 14 days. You can access a treasure trove of teaching resources, professional development courses, and creative lesson ideas. Click the link below to access your exclusive 14-day free trial for our Studio Membership. TOPMUSICPRO MEMBERSHIP 14-DAY FREE TRIAL

July 31, 202647 min

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 travel-based piano studio created a thriving multi-teacher business. He explained the benefits of bringing lessons directly into students' homes. The importance of creating efficient teaching routes to maximize time. How strong studio policies support both teachers and families. Why charging premium rates reflects the value of in-home lessons. How hiring teachers with the right mindset is essential for long-term success. Michael shared how clear communication keeps a multi-teacher studio running smoothly. How technology simplifies scheduling, billing, and teacher management. The value of recitals in building community across a travel studio. Why teachers should treat their studio as a professional business. How sustainable systems help prevent burnout while supporting growth. Michael encouraged teachers to regularly review and improve their studio policies. Why travel teaching can provide flexibility, convenience, and exceptional service for families. Links Mentioned Michael's website: www.tnmusicacademy.com Fons Today's Guest Michael Richey is the founder of Tennessee Music Academy, a multi-teacher travel studio in the Nashville, TN area. His teaching is inspired by the many years of studying the Alexander Technique, Dalcroze Eurhythmics, and piano pedagogy. Michael is an avid businessman—always looking to streamline, simplify, and innovate. He is passionate about helping teachers generate fair, livable income for a sustainable career in music teaching. Michael serves as Vice-President for Programs in the local MTA and Treasurer of the local NFMC Senior Music Club and Festival. He has recently been featured on The Fourforty (440) Podcast with Eric Branner. Michael has also guest lectured many times at universities on business practices of independent teaching studios and policy writing. About Rachel Ehring Dr. Rachel Ehring is a pianist, teacher, music administrator, and lover of piano teaching gadgets. She holds a DMA in Collaborative Piano from the University of Colorado Boulder and a MM in Accompanying from the University of Kansas. She currently serves as Director at St. John’s Conservatory of the Arts in Orange County, CA. Previously, she held positions at Concordia University Irvine and Henderson State University. Rachel is passionate about empowering music teachers to create engaging and exciting lessons for students of all ages. When she isn’t playing the piano, you might find Rachel reading books with her son or walking her beagle Frieda. Visit her website at RachelEhring.com Visit her Instagram page: @rachelehring Visit her YouTube channel: @dreamlavendermusic6694 Visit her Etsy shop at Dream Lavender Music Thank you for tuning in! Consider implementing the ideas from this podcast by writing several actionable steps for your teaching practice if it’s inspired you. If you enjoyed today’s show, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, which helps other teachers find our show. Stay updated by subscribing to this show , and get automatic delivery to your device every time a new episode goes live! We publish on Fridays weekly. TopMusicPro 14-Day Free Trial Heard about TopMusicPro Membership? As a valued podcast listener, I’d like to offer you a special chance to try our community free for 14 days. You can access a treasure trove of teaching resources, professional development courses, and creative lesson ideas. Click the link below to access your exclusive 14-day free trial for our Studio Membership. TOPMUSICPRO MEMBERSHIP 14-DAY FREE TRIAL

July 24, 202618 min

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 your teaching style. Rachel explored several approaches to teaching group piano lessons. She shared how her view of group teaching has changed over the years. She explained how college piano labs differ from modern group studios. The value of adapting group lessons to your own teaching space. How preschool group classes build strong musical foundations. She explained how play-based activities support young beginners. How multi-level group lessons can combine individual and collaborative learning. The benefits of buddy lessons for selected students. Rachel encouraged teachers to add performance classes or practice labs to their studios. Links Mentioned TMPP Episode 045: Preschool Piano for Better Business with Amy Elmore TMPP Episode 047: A Review of Preschool Piano Methods with Abigail Proffitt TMPP Episode 093: Debunking the Myths About Group Lessons with Jessica Homewood TMPP Episode 112: Preschool Teaching and TopMusicLive with Laura Kahar TMPP Episode 123: Making the Pivot to Group Teaching with Mandy Goldbach About Rachel Ehring Dr. Rachel Ehring is a pianist, teacher, music administrator, and lover of piano teaching gadgets. She holds a DMA in Collaborative Piano from the University of Colorado Boulder and a MM in Accompanying from the University of Kansas. She currently serves as Director at St. John’s Conservatory of the Arts in Orange County, CA. Previously, she held positions at Concordia University Irvine and Henderson State University. Rachel is passionate about empowering music teachers to create engaging and exciting lessons for students of all ages. When she isn’t playing the piano, you might find Rachel reading books with her son or walking her beagle Frieda. Visit her website at RachelEhring.com Visit her Instagram page: @rachelehring Visit her YouTube channel: @dreamlavendermusic6694 Visit her Etsy shop at Dream Lavender Music Thank you for tuning in! Consider implementing the ideas from this podcast by writing several actionable steps for your teaching practice if it’s inspired you. If you enjoyed today’s show, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, which helps other teachers find our show. Stay updated by subscribing to this show , and get automatic delivery to your device every time a new episode goes live! We publish on Fridays weekly. TopMusicPro 14-Day Free Trial Heard about TopMusicPro Membership? As a valued podcast listener, I’d like to offer you a special chance to try our community free for 14 days. You can access a treasure trove of teaching resources, professional development courses, and creative lesson ideas. Click the link below to access your exclusive 14-day free trial for our Studio Membership. TOPMUSICPRO MEMBERSHIP 14-DAY FREE TRIAL

July 17, 202634 min

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 overview about her music teaching studio. How teaching the same private lesson repeatedly inspired her to explore group teaching. She explained how group lessons brought more energy and variety to her teaching. How multi-level groups allow students to progress at their own pace. The benefits of using keyboards and headphones for individualized instruction. Why ensemble activities build confidence and strengthen social connections. How group lessons help reduce performance anxiety through regular peer performances. Mandy described how students learn valuable independent practice skills during lessons. The importance of balancing structured teaching with flexible learning. She explained why group lessons appeal to today's busy families. How group teaching increased both student engagement and retention. She shared how investing in keyboards quickly paid for itself through studio growth. How group teaching created opportunities to grow her business sustainably. She encouraged teachers to experiment with partner or group learning before making a full transition. Links Mentioned Mandy's Website: Crescendo Studio SC Mandy's Instagram page: @crescendostudiosc Mandy's Facebook page: Crescendo Music Studio SC Studio Equipment Recommendations Keyboard, music stand, pedal: amzn.to/4oYcoRn Keyboard stand: amzn.to/4eVWhPs Adjustable piano bench: amzn.to/4gXIhqW Step stools: amzn.to/4v7Tvwu Headphones: amzn.to/4gBtjqP Male to female headphone adapter: amzn.to/4wmHK6n Today's Guest For nearly two decades, Mandy Goldbach has been equipping musicians of all ages with the skills and confidence to make music a meaningful part of their lives. After relocating from Charlotte, North Carolina, to Greenville, South Carolina, in 2018, Mandy continued building a thriving music studio while serving in worship ministry with her husband and raising their two children. In 2024, she reimagined her studio by transitioning from traditional private lessons to a small-group piano model—a move that has fueled more than 400% growth in just two years. Today, Mandy is a Steinway Educational Partner and an active member of the Music Teachers National Association, South Carolina Music Teachers Association, and Greenville Music Teachers Association, where she serves as Social Media Chair and Co-Chair of Outreach. She loves helping her students discover fresh, engaging ways to learn music while being an active part of the music teacher community. About Rachel Ehring Dr. Rachel Ehring is a pianist, teacher, music administrator, and lover of piano teaching gadgets. She holds a DMA in Collaborative Piano from the University of Colorado Boulder and a MM in Accompanying from the University of Kansas. She currently serves as Director at St. John’s Conservatory of the Arts in Orange County, CA. Previously, she held positions at Concordia University Irvine and Henderson State University. Rachel is passionate about empowering music teachers to create engaging and exciting lessons for students of all ages. When she isn’t playing the piano, you might find Rachel reading books with her son or walking her beagle Frieda. Visit her website at RachelEhring.com Visit her Instagram page: @rachelehring Visit her YouTube channel: @dreamlavendermusic6694 Visit her Etsy shop at Dream Lavender Music Thank you for tuning in! Consider implementing the ideas from this podcast by writing several actionable steps for your teaching practice if it’s inspired you. If you enjoyed today’s show, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, which helps other teachers find our show. Stay updated by subscribing to this show , and get automatic delivery to your device every time a new episode goes live! We publish on Fridays weekly. TopMusicPro 14-Day Free Trial Heard about TopMusicPro Membership? As a valued podcast listener, I’d like to offer you a special chance to try our community free for 14 days. You can access a treasure trove of teaching resources, professional development courses, and creative lesson ideas. Click the link below to access your exclusive 14-day free trial for our Studio Membership. TOPMUSICPRO MEMBERSHIP 14-DAY FREE TRIAL

July 10, 202633 min

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 shaped the Kindred Piano Method. She explained how the events of 2020 inspired her to rethink traditional method books. Andrea described why representation in music education matters for every student. How one student's experience sparked the creation of an entirely new method. Andrea explained how family songs became the starting point for building the repertoire. The importance of including music from diverse cultures and traditions. Andrea discussed combining traditional pedagogy with inclusive musical experiences. She shared how landmark notes and sight reading are introduced early in the method. Why the lesson books include integrated theory instead of separate workbooks. Andrea reflected on the four-year journey of writing, designing, and publishing the series. How conferences and teacher feedback continue to shape the future of the method. Andrea shared her vision of collaborating with composers from around the world. Links Mentioned Andrea's website: Kindred Piano Method Andrea's Instagram page: @kindredpiano Today's Guest Andrea Humphrey (she/her) is the author of the Kindred Piano Method series and has been a piano instructor for over 25 years. After earning a music therapy degree from the University of Minnesota, she began teaching advanced keyboards and music theory at a technical college while opening a private piano studio for younger students. Her musical world expanded years later during an extended assignment in India with her husband and children, where she continued her work as both an instructor and pianist. It became one of the highlights of her career as a music educator, deepening her belief in the value of making music education diverse and available to all. Today, through the Kindred Piano Method, Andrea connects piano students with traditionally underrepresented composers and gives instructors an inclusive, instructor-friendly method they can confidently send into any student's home. About Rachel Ehring Dr. Rachel Ehring is a pianist, teacher, music administrator, and lover of piano teaching gadgets. She holds a DMA in Collaborative Piano from the University of Colorado Boulder and a MM in Accompanying from the University of Kansas. She currently serves as Director at St. John’s Conservatory of the Arts in Orange County, CA. Previously, she held positions at Concordia University Irvine and Henderson State University. Rachel is passionate about empowering music teachers to create engaging and exciting lessons for students of all ages. When she isn’t playing the piano, you might find Rachel reading books with her son or walking her beagle Frieda. Visit her website at RachelEhring.com Visit her Instagram page: @rachelehring Visit her YouTube channel: @dreamlavendermusic6694 Visit her Etsy shop at Dream Lavender Music Thank you for tuning in! Consider implementing the ideas from this podcast by writing several actionable steps for your teaching practice if it’s inspired you. If you enjoyed today’s show, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, which helps other teachers find our show. Stay updated by subscribing to this show , and get automatic delivery to your device every time a new episode goes live! We publish on Fridays weekly. TopMusicPro 14-Day Free Trial Heard about TopMusicPro Membership? As a valued podcast listener, I’d like to offer you a special chance to try our community free for 14 days. You can access a treasure trove of teaching resources, professional development courses, and creative lesson ideas. Click the link below to access your exclusive 14-day free trial for our Studio Membership. TOPMUSICPRO MEMBERSHIP 14-DAY FREE TRIAL

July 3, 202639 min

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 struggles with note reading inspired her to create Noteology®. She explained how memory champion techniques can accelerate note recognition. Why traditional note mnemonics can slow down the reading process. She highlighted the value of creating memorable stories to teach note names. Rowina explained how visual imagery helps students retain musical information. She shared how memory palace techniques create stronger long-term recall. Rowina described how the app connects note reading with keyboard geography. How students gradually remove visual supports as confidence grows. The importance of learning intervals alongside note recognition. Why guided instruction is more effective than independent reading of the stories. How a short daily review helps transfer learning into long-term memory. Rowina shared how the app supports children, teens, and adult beginners alike. Rowina encouraged teachers to explore creative approaches that make note reading more engaging and memorable. Links Mentioned Rowina's website: noteology.app Rowina's Facebook page: Noteology App Today's Guest Rowina Seidler is a London-based educator with a longstanding fascination with pedagogy. A lifelong piano enthusiast, she created the Noteology® app after discovering a way to teach her children 29 notes in 5 days using the techniques of memory champions. About Rachel Ehring Dr. Rachel Ehring is a pianist, teacher, music administrator, and lover of piano teaching gadgets. She holds a DMA in Collaborative Piano from the University of Colorado Boulder and a MM in Accompanying from the University of Kansas. She currently serves as Director at St. John’s Conservatory of the Arts in Orange County, CA. Previously, she held positions at Concordia University Irvine and Henderson State University. Rachel is passionate about empowering music teachers to create engaging and exciting lessons for students of all ages. When she isn’t playing the piano, you might find Rachel reading books with her son or walking her beagle Frieda. Visit her website at RachelEhring.com Visit her Instagram page: @rachelehring Visit her YouTube channel: @dreamlavendermusic6694 Visit her Etsy shop at Dream Lavender Music Thank you for tuning in! Consider implementing the ideas from this podcast by writing several actionable steps for your teaching practice if it’s inspired you. If you enjoyed today’s show, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, which helps other teachers find our show. Stay updated by subscribing to this show , and get automatic delivery to your device every time a new episode goes live! We publish on Fridays weekly. TopMusicPro 14-Day Free Trial Heard about TopMusicPro Membership? As a valued podcast listener, I’d like to offer you a special chance to try our community free for 14 days. You can access a treasure trove of teaching resources, professional development courses, and creative lesson ideas. Click the link below to access your exclusive 14-day free trial for our Studio Membership. TOPMUSICPRO MEMBERSHIP 14-DAY FREE TRIAL

June 26, 202613 min

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 TopMusic Local coffee meetup in Orange County, CA. The value of meeting fellow piano teachers in person to build meaningful professional connections. How small gatherings can create deeper conversations and stronger relationships. Rachel introduced several local teachers and the unique strengths they bring to their studios. Why piano teachers often understand each other’s challenges and successes. The importance of finding and embracing what makes your teaching approach different. How comparing yourself to other teachers can distract from your unique strengths and studio vision. Rachel encouraged teachers to view fellow piano teachers as colleagues rather than competitors. The benefits of connecting with local teachers for support and professional growth. Links Mentioned Find out more about TopMusic Local Music Teacher Meetup here Find out more about the 12-Week Studio Transformation (12WST) here. TMPP 028: Music and Magic Journals with Tweena Vuong About Rachel Ehring Dr. Rachel Ehring is a pianist, teacher, music administrator, and lover of piano teaching gadgets. She holds a DMA in Collaborative Piano from the University of Colorado Boulder and a MM in Accompanying from the University of Kansas. She currently serves as Director at St. John’s Conservatory of the Arts in Orange County, CA. Previously, she held positions at Concordia University Irvine and Henderson State University. Rachel is passionate about empowering music teachers to create engaging and exciting lessons for students of all ages. When she isn’t playing the piano, you might find Rachel reading books with her son or walking her beagle Frieda. Visit her website at RachelEhring.com Visit her Instagram page: @rachelehring Visit her YouTube channel: @dreamlavendermusic6694 Visit her Etsy shop at Dream Lavender Music Thank you for tuning in! Consider implementing the ideas from this podcast by writing several actionable steps for your teaching practice if it’s inspired you. If you enjoyed today’s show, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, which helps other teachers find our show. Stay updated by subscribing to this show , and get automatic delivery to your device every time a new episode goes live! We publish on Fridays weekly. TopMusicPro 14-Day Free Trial Heard about TopMusicPro Membership? As a valued podcast listener, I’d like to offer you a special chance to try our community free for 14 days. You can access a treasure trove of teaching resources, professional development courses, and creative lesson ideas. Click the link below to access your exclusive 14-day free trial for our Studio Membership. TOPMUSICPRO MEMBERSHIP 14-DAY FREE TRIAL

June 19, 202617 min

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. Rachel encouraged teachers to identify one business task causing the most stress in their studio. She shared why systems do not come naturally to her but still make a huge difference. Rachel explained how creating SOPs can save time and reduce mental load. She described organizing recurring studio tasks into a central reference document. The importance of making life easier for your future self. She shared plans to create a video explaining tuition and makeup lesson policies. Why clear communication can reduce confusion and repetitive parent questions. The value of using studio management software for billing and scheduling. How automated payments help prevent missed invoices and lost income. She encouraged teachers to invest in systems that create a more sustainable business. Links Mentioned YouTube Video: Should your music teacher give makeup lessons? Join the Spotlight Session with David Cutler here Find out more about TopMusic Local Music Teacher Meetup with Rachel Ehring Find out more about the 12-Week Studio Transformation (12WST) here. Find out more about Fons here About Rachel Ehring Dr. Rachel Ehring is a pianist, teacher, music administrator, and lover of piano teaching gadgets. She holds a DMA in Collaborative Piano from the University of Colorado Boulder and a MM in Accompanying from the University of Kansas. She currently serves as Director at St. John’s Conservatory of the Arts in Orange County, CA. Previously, she held positions at Concordia University Irvine and Henderson State University. Rachel is passionate about empowering music teachers to create engaging and exciting lessons for students of all ages. When she isn’t playing the piano, you might find Rachel reading books with her son or walking her beagle Frieda. Visit her website at RachelEhring.com Visit her Instagram page: @rachelehring Visit her YouTube channel: @dreamlavendermusic6694 Visit her Etsy shop at Dream Lavender Music Thank you for tuning in! Consider implementing the ideas from this podcast by writing several actionable steps for your teaching practice if it’s inspired you. If you enjoyed today’s show, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, which helps other teachers find our show. Stay updated by subscribing to this show , and get automatic delivery to your device every time a new episode goes live! We publish on Fridays weekly. TopMusicPro 14-Day Free Trial Heard about TopMusicPro Membership? As a valued podcast listener, I’d like to offer you a special chance to try our community free for 14 days. You can access a treasure trove of teaching resources, professional development courses, and creative lesson ideas. Click the link below to access your exclusive 14-day free trial for our Studio Membership. TOPMUSICPRO MEMBERSHIP 14-DAY FREE TRIAL

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