TopMusic Piano Podcast

Hosted by Tim Topham

EducationInterviews guests

Website RSS feed

Episodes

118

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

About the show

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.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 12, 202654 min

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 how her studio has grown to serve more than 120 students.She explained why group piano classes are the foundation of her teaching model.The benefits of recreational music-making for students of all ages.How group lessons build community and student engagement.The importance of creating a welcoming studio culture.How strong systems support sustainable studio growth.Leah shared how technology helps streamline communication and organization.She highlighted the value of using digital tools to support student practice.How hiring a virtual assistant created more time for leadership tasks.Leah shared what she learned from hiring her first teacher.The importance of documenting systems before expanding a team.How moving into a commercial space supported the studio’s growth.She emphasized balancing educational excellence with business sustainability.Leah encouraged teachers to build systems that support their long-term vision. Links Mentioned Leah's website:www.vibrantvalleymusicstudio.comLeah's Facebook Page:Vibrant Valley Music StudioLeah's Instagram Page:@vibrantvalleymusicstudioLeah's YouTube Page:www.youtube.com/@vibrantvalleymusicstudioFind out more about TopMusic Spotlight Session here Today's Guest Leah Drake is the owner of Vibrant Valley Music Studio in San Jose, California, with over 120 students and multiple teachers. Her studio focuses on recreational music-making for all ages and primarily offers group piano classes. The studio also offers Music Together® classes for preschoolers, supporting early childhood development through joyful music-making and family involvement. Leah’s piano-teaching approach blends strong pedagogical foundations with thoughtful use of technology, allowing her to streamline learning, enhance communication, and create an organized, welcoming studio environment. Her group piano classes are designed for ages 4+ using same-level and multi-level programs. Most of her teaching material comes from Piano Safari and Piano Pyramid. Leah is particularly passionate about building systems that support both educational excellence and sustainable business growth. In the last 2 years, Leah added Practice Space to her studio's resources, hired both a virtual assistant and her first teacher, and she also signed her first commercial lease. Even now, Leah is planning more growth in the next exciting chapter for her business. 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.comVisit her Instagram page: @rachelehringVisit her YouTube channel: @dreamlavendermusic6694Visit 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 5, 202637 min

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 virtual assistant business for musicians.How virtual assistants support the administrative side of music businesses.The importance of delegating tasks that do not directly generate income.She described how virtual assistants can help with social media and website management.How inbox and calendar management reduce daily stress for business owners.Why strong systems create more time for teaching, performing, and practicing.The value of having a trusted partner behind the scenes.Adella described how delegation can reduce burnout and improve work-life balance.Why musicians often become the bottleneck in their own businesses.The importance of charging rates that reflect your true value.How repeatable systems reduce decision fatigue and mental load.Adella encouraged teachers to automate billing and payment collection whenever possible.She shared how SOPs help streamline recurring studio tasks and events. Links Mentioned Find out more about TopMusic Local Music Teacher Meetup with Rachel EhringAdella's website:www.adellacarlsonstudios.comAdella's Instagram Page:@themusiciansassistant &@adellacarlsonstudiosAdella's TikTok Page:www.tiktok.com/@adellacarlson Today's Guest Clarinetist Adella Carlson is the founder of The Musician’s Assistant, a virtual assistant service that supports entrepreneurial musicians and arts organizations building sustainable, long-term careers in classical music. Through her work, Adella serves as an operations and administrative partner for music businesses, helping clients streamline systems, manage projects, increase revenue, and create space for more meaningful artistic work of their own. Alongside her work in arts administration, Adella maintains an active performing career as a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral clarinetist throughout North Carolina. She is a founding member of the Chaos Incarné Clarinet Trio and a section player in the Piedmont Wind Symphony, as well as subbing regularly with various regional orchestras. Adella holds a Master of Music in Clarinet Performance from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and a Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance from Eastern Connecticut State University, where she graduated summa cum laude from the University Honors Program. Her primary clarinet teachers are Chris Howard, Andy Hudson, and Anthony Taylor. 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.comVisit her Instagram page: @rachelehringVisit her YouTube channel: @dreamlavendermusic6694Visit 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

May 29, 202617 min

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 teachers to rethink what success in music lessons really means.She used the metaphor of a bus journey to illustrate different teaching approaches.Why the journey of learning is more important than a final destination.How creative activities build deeper musicianship.The value of movement, exploration, and play in lessons was emphasized.Rachel explained how collaborative activities strengthen multiple musical skills at once.How conducting, echo games, and singing support overall musicianship.She encouraged teachers to use duet playing as more than just a performance activity.How collaborative skills open lifelong musical opportunities for students.Rachel reminded teachers that the goal is to create lifelong music makers who find joy in music. Links Mentioned TMPP 115: Sight-Reading and Collaborative Skills for Young Learners with Jenna BraaksmaFree Resource:A Piano Teacher's Guide to Collaboration 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.comVisit her Instagram page: @rachelehringVisit her YouTube channel: @dreamlavendermusic6694Visit 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

May 22, 202637 min

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 lesson. Jenna explained how previewing patterns and hand positions improves sight reading.The value of recognizing intervals, chord shapes, and progressions quickly.How strong sight readers connect visual, auditory, and physical responses together.Why scales and arpeggios support faster pattern recognition.The benefits of sight-reading games for developing keyboard awareness.How scrolling sight-reading apps help students keep their eyes moving forward.Jenna recommended rhythm and sight-reading apps for different skill levels.Why collaborative piano helps students build listening and communication skills.The value of collaborative experiences for reducing isolation in piano study.How teacher-student duets build ensemble awareness from the first lesson.Jenna shared collaborative activities that work within one-on-one lessons.The benefits of call-and-response games and improvisation activities.Why collaborative and solo piano skills should be developed together.How pairing students for duets builds accountability and teamwork.How studio classes can encourage collaborative learning.Why duet repertoire should be slightly easier than solo repertoire.Jenna recommended beginner-friendly duet books and trio repertoire.The value of starting collaborative piano experiences at a young age. Links Mentioned Get your TopMusicLive 2026 On Demand Pass here.Rosamund Conrad's BooksRayan's Duet BookFairyland in TrebleCelebrated Piano Duets by Robert D. VandallMasterwork Classics DuetsTunes for My Piano Trio 1A Tableau Of Piano Trios for Piano, Violin & Violincello Today's Guest Dr. Jenna Braaksma is Assistant Professor of Collaborative Piano and Piano Pedagogy at the University of Northern Colorado, where she teaches collaborative piano, class piano, and piano pedagogy courses. She also advises graduate assistants and serves as a collaborative pianist for faculty and guest artist performances. A dedicated educator, Dr. Braaksma brings a wealth of experience from applied studios, secondary schools, and higher education institutions. Prior to working at UNC, Dr. Braaksma served as Class Piano Coordinator and Instructor in the Piano Pedagogy Laboratory Program at the University of Michigan. She has also held faculty positions at Buena Vista University and Dordt University. An active collaborative pianist, adjudicator, and researcher, Dr. Braaksma regularly presents at regional, state, and national conferences. Her research focuses on collaborative piano pedagogy, functional piano skills for music educators, and visuo-motor coordination in sight-reading development. Her work has appeared in American Music Teacher, the MTNA e-journal, Iowa Music Educator Magazine, ArkMEA e-journal, and National Center for Keyboard Pedagogy Conference Proceedings. Dr. Braaksma holds a PhD in Music Education with an emphasis in Piano Pedagogy from Florida State University, dual master’s degrees from the University of Missouri, and a Bachelor of Music from Iowa State University. 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.comVisit her Instagram page: @rachelehringVisit her YouTube channel: @dreamlavendermusic6694Visit 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

May 15, 202629 min

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 no longer offers traditional makeup lessons in her studio.She explained how she builds missed lessons into her annual tuition structure.How asynchronous lessons replace live makeup lessons during unexpected disruptions.She highlighted how asynchronous lessons save time for both teachers and families.Jaclyn described how she uses a mix of videos, checklists, and resources for lessons.How younger students can use generalized, bulk lesson content.The importance of keeping asynchronous lessons simple and flexible.Jaclyn described how she builds a reusable library of lesson content over time.How using YouTube unlisted links simplifies video sharing.She emphasized adapting lessons for individual student needs when necessary.She encouraged teachers to focus on value rather than strict one-to-one lesson time. Links Mentioned Get your TopMusicLive 2026 On Demand Pass here.Jaclyn's website:The Scrappy Piano TeacherJaclyn's podcast:The Scrappy Piano Teacher PodcastJaclyn's Instagram page:@jaclynmrozek_pianoJaclyn's Facebook page:www.facebook.com/ScrappyPianoTeacher Today's Guest Jaclyn Mrozek is a piano teacher, studio owner, and host of The Scrappy Piano Teacher podcast. She supports independent music teachers with practical business resources, creative teaching materials, workshops, masterminds, and cohorts designed to help them solve studio problems and build sustainable teaching businesses. 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.comVisit her Instagram page: @rachelehringVisit her YouTube channel: @dreamlavendermusic6694Visit 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

May 8, 202634 min

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 but feel unprepared for real-world careers.How shifting from “musician” to “music entrepreneur” changed her perspective.She introduced the CEO mindset framework: confidence, entrepreneurship, and opportunity.The importance of confidence in both teaching skills and personal identity.How entrepreneurship skills are essential for running a studio.Nathalie explained how viewing your studio as a business supports long-term success.She encouraged teachers to seek out business skills even if they feel unfamiliar.How opportunity comes from staying open to growth and new directions.Nathalie shared how early teaching setups often lack structure and systems.Why systems should be implemented even with just a few students.How disorganized systems can lead to burnout as studios grow.She described how automation and recurring payments simplify studio management.Nathalie emphasized that saving time on admin creates more space for teaching.She encouraged teachers to set boundaries that support their energy and wellbeing.How rates should reflect both income needs and value provided.She encouraged teachers to design studios that align with their desired lifestyle. Links Mentioned Get your TopMusicLive 2026 On Demand Pass here.Lessons: A Modern Guide to the Business of Teaching Music by Eric Branner Guest Links Nathalie's podcast:The Limitless Musician PodcastNathalie's Instagram page:@thelimitlessmusicianFreebies for Music Teachers:www.kecreative.com/freebiesThe Musician’s Real-World Survival Guide (Free Resource) Today's Guest Nathalie Simper is a flutist, private studio owner, and music entrepreneur in North Georgia. She got the music performance degrees and did all the “right things” to build a music career, but still struggled to fill in what wasn’t taught in music school. After learning things through trial and error, she finally decided to invest in the perspective of being a music entrepreneur instead of “just a musician.” Fast forward a few years, and Nathalie has embraced the non-musical things about being a classical musician, using her own failures and successes to support her fellow music entrepreneurs through The Limitless Musician! 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.comVisit her Instagram page: @rachelehringVisit her YouTube channel: @dreamlavendermusic6694Visit 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

May 1, 202637 min

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 TopMusicLive and why events like this matter so much for teachers. Laura shared how teaching young children transformed her understanding of music learning.She explained how small group learning helps preschoolers learn from each other.The importance of creating a playful and pressure-free learning environment.How young children respond naturally to music as a first language.Laura emphasized that teaching under fives is about immersion rather than instruction.Why teachers should follow the child’s lead instead of rigid lesson plans.Laura encouraged teachers to embrace flexibility and improvisation in lessons.She introduced her HEPO framework: hear it, experience it, play it, own it.How movement and rhythm should come before playing the piano.She described how short, varied activities support young learners’ attention spans.Laura explained how progress with young children happens gradually and unexpectedly.She emphasized focusing on growth moments rather than measurable outcomes.Laura reflected on the energy and connection experienced at TopMusicLive.How the event provided reassurance and reduced feelings of isolation.She highlighted the value of community and collaboration for piano teachers.She encouraged teachers to attend conferences for inspiration, learning, and connection. Links Mentioned Laura's Instagram page:@pocketmusicmamaLaura's website:www.musicnme.com.auGet your TopMusicLive 2026 On Demand Pass here. Today's Guest Laura Kahar doesn’t just teach music. She redefines how it’s experienced. Founder of 'Music N Me' in Sydney, Australia, she brings over 20 years of music education to designing creative, connected music learning ecosystems. She trains educators globally and consults across studios and early childhood centres, shifting how music is taught and creating learning that truly connects. When not immersed in music education, you’ll find her chasing waves around the world and adventuring through life with her son. 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.comVisit her Instagram page: @rachelehringVisit her YouTube channel: @dreamlavendermusic6694Visit 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

April 24, 202629 min

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 that consistent listening at home builds a child’s musical foundation.She introduces “music immersion” as a simple alternative to theory-heavy learning.Parents are encouraged to use daily listening instead of structured teaching at home.Leslie highlights that familiarity with music improves lesson engagement and confidence.She explains that children learn music naturally through repeated exposure.The “press play” habit is presented as an easy, low-pressure routine for families.Leslie emphasizes that parents do not need musical training to support their child.She discusses how music can help regulate emotions and create calm at home.Exposure to a wide variety of composers strengthens musical awareness.Leslie reinforces that empowering parents leads to more consistent student progress. Links Mentioned Leslie's Instagram page:@composerstudyclubGet your TopMusicLive 2026 On Demand Pass here. Today's Guest Leslie Merritt is a dedicated music educator and the founder of the Composer Study Club, a program designed to help parents integrate classical music into their children's daily lives with ease. With over 20 years of teaching experience and as a mother of three, Merritt developed her "easy music at home" method to bridge the gap between academic music theory and joyful, low-stress family learning. Her philosophy centers on the belief that music is a foundational tool for developmental readiness—helping children build critical listening skills and emotional regulation through consistent exposure rather than memorization. Through her digital community, she advocates for a balanced approach to music history, frequently highlighting the contributions of often-overlooked women composers alongside historical masters to show that "music is for everyone". Her mission is to empower parents, regardless of their own musical background, to create calmer, more connected homes through curated playlists and simple "press-play" habits. 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.comVisit her Instagram page: @rachelehringVisit her YouTube channel: @dreamlavendermusic6694Visit 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

April 17, 202622 min

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 conservatory systems from scratch after COVID.She explained how using a studio management platform simplified scheduling and billing.How automated payments reduced admin work and avoided awkward payment conversations.Rachel described how she uses a simple interest form as her main website call to action.Why a low-commitment form helped increase inquiries and new student signups.How a Google registration form streamlines onboarding for new students.How linking a welcome packet ensures families understand policies before registering.Rachel explained how requiring policy agreement avoids confusion later.She outlined how she organizes multiple recitals to manage a large studio.Why simple recital systems help create a positive and low-stress experience for families. Links Mentioned TMPP 109: Policies to Support the Life You Want with Victoria ClarkTMPP 040: Dynamic Doodle Co with Megan SchraerFind out more about Fons here.Recital Compliment Cards from Dynamic Doodle CoStudio Welcome Packet Template by Holly Hornyan of Clever Keys Music Lessons 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.comVisit her Instagram page: @rachelehringVisit her YouTube channel: @dreamlavendermusic6694Visit 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

April 10, 202641 min

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, honest, and full of ideas that may just shift how you think about running your studio. Victoria shared how she moved from pharmaceutical market research into full-time piano teaching.Why losing her mother pushed her to build a career around what she truly loved.The importance of running a studio like a business, not just a passion project.She explained how clear policies protect a teacher’s time, energy, and income.Why monthly tuition creates more stability for both teachers and families.How monthly billing helps smooth income across school breaks and summer holidays.How automated monthly payments reduce admin and mental load.The value of presenting tuition as a yearly commitment rather than a per-lesson transaction.Victoria shared why she no longer offers makeup lessons in her studio.She explained how makeup lessons become unsustainable as a studio grows.The importance of applying policies consistently and fairly across all families.Why studio policies only work when teachers confidently uphold them.Victoria encouraged teachers to create policies that support both their teaching and personal life. Links Mentioned Get your LAST MINUTE ticket for TopMusicLive 2026 here.Victoria's website:www.victoriaclarkpiano.comVictoria's Instagram page:@victoriaclarkpianoVictoria's Facebook page:Victoria Clark PianoDownload your Free Studio Policy Template hereCheckout the Monthly Billing Transition Toolkit here Today's Guest Victoria Clark is a piano teacher based on the south coast of England, where she runs a thriving private studio from her home, teaching students of all ages from beginner to intermediate level. Having started teaching piano part time in 2007 alongside a career in pharmaceutical market research, she switched to teaching full time in 2019 and hasn't looked back since. Her studio has been full for a number of years, with a waiting list of students eager to join. Alongside her teaching, Victoria is passionate about helping other music teachers build studios that work properly for their lives: with clear policies, confident billing, and healthy boundaries. She creates practical resources for teachers, including digital resources, student piano planners with dedicated designs for both adults and children , and supports teachers directly through one-to-one mentoring. 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.comVisit her Instagram page: @rachelehringVisit her YouTube channel: @dreamlavendermusic6694Visit 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

Is this your show?

Claim this listing to keep it up to date, reach guests who want to pitch you, and manage bookings with Guestify.

Claim this listing