The TopCast: The Official Music Teachers' Podcast

Understanding the minds of neurodivergent students can completely transform how we approach teaching. In this episode, we’re diving into one of the most misunderstood diagnoses: dyslexia. This week, I’m sharing a powerful webinar replay from Dr. Olivia Colomaio, a dyslexic pianist and educator who brings both personal experience and deep research to the table. She breaks down how dyslexia affects music learning, highlights the strengths of dyslexic students, and gives you practical strategies to build a more inclusive studio environment. Tim introduced the episode as part of the month-long focus on neurodivergent teaching strategies.Olivia shared her personal journey as a dyslexic pianist and educator.She explained how dyslexia affects music reading and decoding rhythms.Common traits like visual overstimulation and anxiety in dyslexic learners.The value of recognizing dyslexic students’ strengths like pattern recognition and spatial reasoning.How dyslexic students often use the right brain for reading and thinking in pictures.She shared her experience preparing for a concerto competitionStrategies that helped her memorize music.Key strengths of dyslexic learners including compensatory ingenuity and intrinsic motivation.Classroom accommodations: multisensory methods, score modifications, and visual aids.Examples of color-coded notation and score adjustments that help students understand rhythms and notes.The importance of creating safe, patient, and inclusive studio environments was discussed.She advised giving students time to process and using affirming language to build confidence.Understanding the “why” behind teaching strategies for better retention among dyslexic learners.Full Q&A segment of the webinar with Tara Wright. Links Mentioned Get your SUPER EARLY BIRD tickets for TopMusicLive 2026 here.Find out more about Unfazed: Teaching Neurodivergent Students Course here.Check out all TopMusic Courses here.Join our Lite Plan here to watch the webinar. Today’s Guest Olivia Grace Colomaio (Bradstreet) is a pianist, accompanist, teacher, and doctoral candidate in Piano Pedagogy at the University of South Carolina. She teaches lessons in piano, accompanying, composition, and music theory, and she loves teaching students of all ages, interests, experience levels, and backgrounds! Originally from Bath, NY, she earned her master’s in piano pedagogy and performance from Campbellsville University (Campbellsville, KY), and her bachelor’s degree in piano performance from Roberts Wesleyan University (Rochester, NY). Her research focuses on discovering and providing resources for students with dyslexia and other forms of neurodivergence. Olivia currently resides in Lexington, South Carolina. 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 Mondays 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...

One of the most powerful webinars we’ve ever run at TopMusic was a session with educator Selena Pistoresi, focused on how to support neurodivergent students. The response from teachers around the world was incredible, so I’m sharing a replay of that webinar here on the podcast. Selena offers practical, compassionate advice that challenges some of the traditional ways we approach behavior, motivation, and lesson structure. And it’s all grounded in a deep respect for the unique ways our students experience the world. Tim introduced the Spotlight theme for February: teaching neurodivergent students.The importance of shifting language and mindset when supporting neurodivergent students.The value of understanding student behavior as communication was highlighted.Selena outlined the difference between compliance and true learning.She encouraged teachers to move away from reward systems toward intrinsic motivation.Practical strategies for flexible lesson plans and routines were shared.The importance of regulating the teacher's own nervous system was discussed.Selena offered examples of co-regulation techniques to support student needs.She recommended viewing meltdowns and shutdowns as opportunities for support.Suggestions for adapting teaching materials for different sensory and cognitive needs were explored.Teachers were encouraged to create a safe and inclusive learning space. Links Mentioned Get your SUPER EARLY BIRD tickets for TopMusicLive 2026 here.Join our Spotlight Session with Bec Stewart here.Find out more about Unfazed: Teaching Neurodivergent Students Course here.Check out all TopMusic Courses here.Join our Lite Plan here to watch the webinar. Member Links Unfazed: Teaching Neurodivergent Students in 2024 Webinar ReplayUnfazed: Teaching Neurodivergent Students Course Today's Guest Selena Pistoresi has been a piano teacher for over a decade. Selena blogs over at Notablepiano.com and is the author of the Milestone Method. She owns Cultivate Music Studio, a studio in San Jose, California, where she specializes in working with students with special needs. She equips teachers all over the world with the mindset tools and curriculum to teach students with special needs and to help their studios flourish. 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 Mondays 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...

Hey there, and welcome back to a brand-new year of The TopCast! I’m so pumped to kick off 2026 with a very special announcement, one that many of you have been asking me about for years. This episode is all about what's ahead in 2026, from our exciting monthly themes and spotlight guests to the return of something very close to my heart. I won’t spoil the surprise just yet, but let’s just say if you’ve ever wanted to gather in person with like-minded music teachers for a game-changing experience, you’re going to want to hear this. Tim opened the first episode of 2026 by expressing excitement for the year ahead.He celebrated 11 years of podcasting and the upcoming 500th episode milestone.He announced that 2026 marks the 10th anniversary of TopMusicPro.He revealed the return of a live event:TopMusic Live 2026in Sydney this April.Kawai as the main sponsor supporting the in-person event.The venue of the event, which is overlooking Sydney Harbour and includes full catering.Outline of the event format, including keynotes, masterminds, and demo lessons.The focus on implementation sessions to help teachers take action.Tim introduced monthly spotlight themes and guests planned for the first half of 2026.February’s theme is teaching neurodiverse students with Bec Stewart.He shared that he will keynote at IRMTNZ in New Zealand this April. Links Mentioned Get your EARLY BIRD ticket for the TopMusicLive 2026 here.Find out more about Spotlight Session with Rebecca Stewart here. 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 Mondays 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

2025 has been one of the biggest years yet for us here at TopMusic. And I’m thrilled to wrap it all up with you in this final episode of the year. In today's episode, we're diving into the key highlights of everything we’ve accomplished, from new courses and Spotlight Sessions to powerful AI tools and a complete website transformation. You’ll also get a sneak peek into our bold new vision for 2026, including our upcoming Studio Coaching Tier, a refreshed action-focused approach to teacher growth, and the exciting announcement of TopMusicLive 2026 happening in Sydney! Tim shared highlights and accomplishments from TopMusic’s 2025 initiatives.TopMusic released 12 themed digital magazines covering topics like technique and repertoire.Two active podcast shows—TopCast and the TopMusic Piano Podcast with Rachel Ehring.Five new courses were added to TopMusicPro.Released monthly Inspire Packs and Creativity Boost Cards to enhance student engagement.A new Power Hour for UK members was launched, expanding global sessions to four time zones.Significantly improved website speed and dashboard performance for a better user experience.Spotlight Sessions were introduced, featuring live expert Q&As on pedagogy and business.The 12-Week Studio Transformation program continued with two successful cohorts.TopMusic ran its first-ever Composition Competition with student winners featured on the podcast.The organization introduced new AI-powered tools.What's coming ahead in 2026 for TopMusic?Tim announced TopMusic’s new vision and five-pillar strategy.Launching of a new Studio Coaching Tier, offering weekly check-ins and premium support.Official announcement of TopMusicLive 2026 in Sydney, with presale tickets now available attopmusiclive.com. Links Mentioned Find out more about TopMusicLive hereDownload your latest TopMusic Magazine hereJoin the next cohort waitlist of the 12-Week Studio Transformation (12WST)TopMusic Piano Podcast with Rachel EhringLeave a review for our podcasts Courses Mentioned Recruit Right, the Essential Guide to Hiring Teachers CourseJam Sessions CourseCanva for Music Teachers CourseUnlock Your Brand Voice: The Signature Soundbook for Music Teachers CourseChatGPT Made Easy: The Music Teachers’ Guide to AI Course 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 

One of the most exciting things we did this year was launch our first-ever TopMusic Composition Competition — and the response blew me away! In this episode, I’m sharing the replay of our live winner announcement, where I performed each winning piece and celebrated the creativity of our global piano community. You’ll hear from students as young as five years old who submitted original, notated works with impressive musicality. I also talk about how milestones like this competition can motivate students to compose, improvise, and truly engage with the structure of music in a meaningful way. Tim announced the winners of the first-ever TopMusic Composition Competition.The competition featured four categories:Mini Maestros (ages 5–10)Rising Composers (11–14)Creative Visionaries (15–18)Adults Entries were judged based on PDF scores, not video/audio performance. Winners' compositions will be published in the March 2026 issue of TopMusic Sheets. Tim played each winning piece live during the announcement session. Judges praised students’ use of dynamics, structure, creativity, and notation clarity. Honorable mentions were awarded to encourage more creativity and expression. Teachers of winning students were recognized for supporting creative teaching. Tim highlighted the importance of milestones in creative music education. How the competition helped foster confidence and real-world experience for students. Future plans include featuring more composers in the monthly sheet music packs. Tim encouraged more teachers to participate in the next competition round. Links Mentioned Find out more about TopMusicSheets here.Download your latest TopMusic Magazine here. 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 Mondays 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

We’ve all been there—navigating the headache of rescheduled lessons, disappointed parents, and the pressure to make up for every missed session. In this episode, I'm chatting with Jonathan Roberts, director of South Shore Piano School, about why giving make-up lessons may be hurting your studio more than helping. We unpack the emotional and financial cost of flexibility, how to shift toward professional boundaries, and what a sustainable, no-make-up lesson policy actually looks like in practice. Jonathan shared the origins of South Shore Piano School, which now serves over 350 students.He explained why they focus solely on piano lessons to simplify branding, marketing, and SEO.How inconsistent studio policies across schools created confusion and poor teaching cultures.How South Shore Piano School prioritizes teacher well-being, including fair pay and benefits.Why he decided to create a video to clearly and empathetically explain their new no-make-up policy.How the video received overwhelmingly positive responses from parents.The emotional toll make-up lessons take on teachers, from scheduling stress to burnout.The importance of empathy and analogies to help parents understand the teacher’s perspective.How a no-makeup policy actually signals professionalism and earns more respect from families.Jonathan highlighted that options like Zoom lessons, asynchronous reviews, and monthly group make-ups help maintain flexibility without compromising structure.He advised teachers to invest in marketing, especially SEO, to reduce fear around losing students.He encouraged teachers to face the discomfort of policy change as a gateway to healthier, more sustainable studios. Links Mentioned Watch Jonathan's YouTube Video on Makeup LessonsSouth Shore Piano School WebsiteSouth Shore Piano School Facebook PageSouth Shore Piano School Instagram:@sspianoschoolDownload your latest TopMusic Magazine issue here Today's Guest Jonathan Roberts is a pianist, entrepreneur, and content creator who serves as the owner and director of the South Shore Piano School in the Boston area, where he leads a team of 10 teachers serving more than 350 students. A passionate advocate for music educators, Jonathan has built SSPS on a foundation of supporting teachers with fair pay and meaningful work, while fostering a transparent, community-centered approach to music education for students and families. In addition to his leadership at SSPS, he is an examiner and U.S. ambassador for the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) Certificate Program, as well as immediate past-president of the Massachusetts Music Teachers Association. 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 Mondays 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

It was such a pleasure catching up with Katherine Fisher again. In this episode, we revisit her groundbreaking Piano Safari method and explore how it has evolved to meet the needs of today’s students. We're going to dive into beginner piano technique, discuss why rote teaching and intervallic reading are so powerful, and explore creative ways to build technical foundations through movement, rhythm, and imagination. Katherine’s insights are grounded in deep pedagogical research and a passion for helping teachers inspire young pianists. Katherine shared how Piano Safari began with research-based pedagogical practices blended in a creative way.The importance of using rote pieces alongside reading to support beginner students.Why Piano Safari’s unique blend of intervallic reading and rote learning sets it apart from traditional methods.How early use of intervallic reading supports long-term music reading fluency.The value of teaching rhythmic patterns through animal rhythms to build recognition and fluency.How Piano Safari integrates storytelling and play-based learning to reinforce melodic contour.The importance of starting beginners with non-legato to develop a healthy, tension-free technique.The benefits of rote teaching and offered strategies for memorization and creative exploration.She encouraged students to transpose rote pieces early on to develop keyboard awareness and flexibility. Links Mentioned Piano Safari WebsiteTeaching Piano Safari Facebook GroupPiano Safari YouTube channel:www.youtube.com/@pianosafari346TTTV071: Exploring Piano Safari with Dr Julie Knerr and Katherine FisherGet access to Teaching Advancing Pianist Course TopMusicPro Member Links 10% off Piano Safari Today's Guest Katherine Fisher serves on the piano faculty of the Ohio University School of Music in Athens, Ohio where she teaches applied piano and piano pedagogy, coordinates the group piano program, and mentors graduate teaching assistants. Katherine is internationally recognized in the field of piano pedagogy as a creator of the innovative method Piano Safari. Along with co-author Julie Knerr Hague, she has published well over one hundred books and pedagogical materials. The Piano Safari method and its supplemental teaching material is distributed throughout the world and is used by thousands of piano teachers and students. 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 Mondays 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...

To wrap up our “Streamline Your Studio” month, I’m sharing a special replay of one of my most popular conference presentations from the MTAC Conference. In this session, I'm going to break down practical strategies for saving time, boosting productivity, and running your music teaching business more efficiently. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by admin or just looking to fine-tune your workflow, this episode is full of quick wins you can implement right away to reclaim your time and increase your income. Tim introduced the episode as a replay from his MTAC conference presentation.The session's three core areas: productivity hacks, business time savers, and virtual teams.How to help teachers save time, focus on what matters, and increase income.Calculating effective hourly rates to understand real income after expenses and taxes.How most teachers overestimate their earnings by not factoring in business costs.Strategies for improving effective hourly rate including increasing income and reducing hours.Tim emphasized using software like My Music Staff to automate scheduling and billing tasks.Using cloud storage tools like Dropbox and Google Drive for backups and document sharing.How hiring virtual assistants from countries like the Philippines can be a cost-effective way to reduce admin work. Links Mentioned Find out more about our Lite Membership here.Download your latest issue of TopMusic Magazine here. Member Links Business Systems & Productivity for the 21st Century Today’s Sponsor Opus1 helps music school owners run their schools with ease, confidence, and connection. Created by fellow school owners, our all-in-one platform brings scheduling, billing, communications, and marketing together under one roof. By simplifying admin tasks and improving family engagement, Opus1 empowers music school owners to grow an average of 40% in just 18 months. Join a growing community of schools building stronger businesses — and stronger music programs — with Opus1. Book a Demo of Opus1 here. 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 Mondays 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.

Let’s face it. Talking about pricing can be uncomfortable. That’s why I was to have a chat with Jonathan Kuuskoski, Director of the EXCEL Lab at the University of Michigan, to explore how music teachers can confidently communicate the real value of what they offer. We talked about teaching identities, emotional labor, storytelling, and how to shift conversations with families away from “cost” and toward “transformation.” If you’ve ever felt uneasy about pricing your lessons or explaining your worth, this episode will give you the mindset and the words to make it easier. Jonathan shared a brief overview of his background as the Director of the EXCEL Lab at the University of Michigan.He explained why musicians often struggle with pricing.How building confidence and articulating value are key steps toward charging appropriately.The importance of defining a core philosophy or teaching identity was emphasized.Why teachers should talk less about cost and more about transformation.Jonathan encouraged teachers to shift the conversation from “how much” to “what’s possible.”The benefits of customizing your pitch based on the needs of your ideal clients were discussed.How storytelling helps students and parents understand the real value of music education.How EXCEL at the University of Michigan prepares students for creative careers through coaching.The difference between transactional teaching and building long-term trust.How teachers can present their programs like a unique learning journey, not just a set of lessons.He encouraged educators to reflect on their own success stories as part of their value proposition.The importance of embracing an entrepreneurial mindset in the arts was emphasized.Tips on how teachers can build confidence in pricing and communication. Links Mentioned Jonathan's LinkedIn pageUniversity of Michigan - School of Music Theater and DanceUniversity of Michigan - School of Music Theater and Dance Excel Lab Today’s Guest Jonathan Kuuskoski is Chair of the Department of Entrepreneurship and Leadership and Director of the EXCEL Lab and at University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance, where he leads their comprehensive entrepreneurship, leadership, management and career development programming. Since 2015, EXCEL has helped launch hundreds of student-led arts projects, while incubating dozens of student ventures and delivering personalized training resources to thousands of aspiring performing arts professionals. To-date, the department has delivered more than $1 million in direct student support funding. Jonathan has presented his work widely, including at the Peabody Institute (Johns Hopkins), Yale University, the Bolz Center for Arts Administration (Wisconsin School of Business), New World Symphony, the University of Music and Performing Arts, Vienna (mdw), and the Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music. He has provided commentary on a number of music sector issues for CNN, Forbes, and Inc.com, and his work in the arts entrepreneurship and leadership space has been profiled by CNBC, Crain’s Detroit Business, Symphony Magazine, and other news outlets. His recent publication, “Narrowing the Gap: Implications of Arts Business Training on Artist Labor Market Outcomes” (co-authored with Dr. Christos Makridis, Artivate, Vol. 12), examines the impact of business training on artists’ earnings using U.S. Census Bureau data. Today’s Sponsor a...

Today we’re doing something a little different. This bonus episode features a special chat with Maddy Palare, a passionate teacher and graduate of our 12-Week Studio Transformation Program. Maddy shares how she went from teaching part-time to running a thriving, multi-teacher studio, all while navigating uncertainty, burnout, and business challenges. You'll hear how the program helped her streamline her systems, boost her confidence, and discover powerful tools for growth. Whether you're just starting out or looking for a refresh, Maddy’s journey will inspire you to see what’s possible with the right support. Maddy shared that she disliked piano practice as a child and lacked motivation during lessons.She explained that her early teaching experience with her younger brother was discouraging.How her perspective on teaching shifted after working with her first official student at age 16.How she experienced burnout and a lack of direction before joining the program.She shared why she joined the12WSTto gain business clarity and rebuild her confidence.The operations manual module provided her with structure and long-term studio planning tools.She highlighted how adding a call-to-action on her website increased student inquiries.How the visioning exercise helped her define what she wanted her studio to look and feel like.Impementing new teaching strategies that improved engagement and creativity with students.How her student with autism flourished through personalized and flexible lesson formats.How the program helped her feel more confident in her decisions as a business owner.Maddy recommended the program to teachers seeking clarity, systems, and renewed purpose. Links Mentioned Find out more about the 12wst (12-Week Studio Transformation) here.Maddy's website:Adelaide Music LLCMaddy's Instagram page:@adelaidemusicllcMaddy's Facebook page:Adelaide Music LLC  Today’s Guest Madelyn Palare is a 25-year-old piano teacher and the founder of Adelaide Music LLC. Teaching since age 16, she’s working to actively build a studio culture in her area where students become holistic, lifelong musicians—developing musicianship with confidence and joy. Madelyn also enjoys creating playful, well-designed resources for other teachers to keep learning engaging for students of all ages. She lives just north of Los Angeles with her husband, you can often find her spending time with her friends and eating sushi. 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 Mondays 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...

We know how hard it can be to cut through the noise when it comes to studio marketing. That’s why I’m thrilled to bring you this special replay from our sister show, the TopMusic Piano Podcast, hosted by Dr. Rachel Ehring. In this episode, she sits down with Kelly Riordan of Outside the Bachs to unpack a practical, no-fluff 3-step approach to marketing your music studio. From crafting a profitable lesson package to building authentic community relationships, Kelly shares advice that’s grounded in experience and designed to help you grow your studio in sustainable and meaningful ways. Kelly shared a brief overview of her studio as the CEO and Co-Founder of Outside the Bachs.She shared her 3-step framework for growing a studio.Importance of setting a flat monthly tuition to simplify operations and build confidence with clients.Organic marketing strategies like school outreach and community connections.How authentic relationships with music teachers can lead to more consistent student referrals.She shared her experience of building a studio from scratch after relocatingShe highlighted the value of in-person networking.The difference between a free trial lesson and a consultation.The importance of authentic social media content. Links Mentioned Outside The Bachs WebsiteOutside The Bachs YouTube PageKelly Riordan’s TikTok PageKelly Riordan’s Instagram: @kellyriordanmusicianFacebook Group: Private Music Instructors, Piano Lesson Teachers, and Music Studio Owners Today’s Guest Kelly Riordan is the CEO and Co-Founder of Outside the Bachs, LLC – a program designed to give musicians the skills to create their own private music studios and deliver the highest quality instruction to their students. Her work has brought her to the forefront in music business education. In addition to hosting The Outside the Bachs Podcast, Riordan presents regularly at conferences and universities, with recent appearances at The NAMM Show and The Ultimate Music Business Summit, in addition to lectures at the University of Tennessee, Miami University, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and University of North Carolina School of the Arts. Kelly Riordan holds a Master of Music (MM) in Performance and Literature from the Hugh Hodgson School of Music at the University of Georgia and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Music from the Peck School of the Arts at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Today’s Sponsor Opus1 helps music school owners run their schools with ease, confidence, and connection. Created by fellow school owners, our all-in-one platform brings scheduling, billing, communications, and marketing together under one roof. By simplifying admin tasks and improving family engagement, Opus1 empowers music school owners to grow an average of 40% in just 18 months. Join a growing community of schools building stronger...

How do you go from total financial loss to building one of the biggest privately owned music schools in the country? Our guest today, David Martin, shares his incredible journey from teaching in his parents’ basement to serving 1,000 students weekly and eventually selling the business. This episode is packed with insights on marketing, team building, and how to grow your studio with purpose. We also touch on tools like Opus1 that are helping today’s school owners simplify operations and scale more sustainably. David shared how he went bankrupt in 2009 and rebuilt from scratch by teaching piano in his parents’ basement.He explained how early mistakes in pricing and business structure led to major financial challenges.The value of resilience and staying focused during adversity was a key theme.How he gradually scaled his business to 1,000 students across multiple locations.How strategic hiring helped him build a strong leadership team and scale with confidence.Marketing strategies like bold messaging and leveraging Google Ads were highlighted.The importance of clarity in branding and knowing your “why.”David described the process of preparing for a successful business exit and sale.How he now coaches other school owners to grow and avoid the mistakes he made.Tim and David emphasized the power of systems and automation in building sustainable music schools. Links Mentioned David Martin's LinkedIn PageExplore The Performing Arts School Entrepreneur Podcast with David Martin Today’s Guest David Martin is an entrepreneur and business coach who built one of the largest privately owned music schools in the country. Starting in his parents’ basement with no business background, he scaled to 1,000 weekly students across multiple locations before successfully selling the company. Today, he helps music school owners accelerate growth, improve marketing performance, and prepare for profitable exits. Today’s Sponsor Opus1 helps music school owners run their schools with ease, confidence, and connection. Created by fellow school owners, our all-in-one platform brings scheduling, billing, communications, and marketing together under one roof. By simplifying admin tasks and improving family engagement, Opus1 empowers music school owners to grow an average of 40% in just 18 months. Join a growing community of schools building stronger businesses — and stronger music programs — with Opus1. Book a Demo of Opus1 here. 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 Mondays weekly. TopMusicPro 14-Day Free...

This week, we're wrapping up our technology month with something really special, a replay from one of our Spotlight Sessions inside TopMusicPro, featuring the brilliant Katie Argyle from Midnight Music. Katie’s deep knowledge of music ed tech tools always blows me away. In this episode, she walks us through powerful AI tools for music teachers, including practice apps, notation scanners, and backing track software. Whether you're curious about rhythm generators or want to strip vocals from a pop track, Katie delivers practical ways to use AI to streamline your teaching and spark creativity in your studio. Tim shared that this episode is a replay from a Spotlight Session inside TopMusicPro. Katie highlighted the role of AI in music education and why it's not entirely new. She explained how Rhythm Randomizer can create infinite rhythm exercises for free. The benefits of Sight Reading Factory for customized sight reading were demonstrated. Katie showcased Moises, an AI tool that separates tracks into stems for backing practice. She shared how teachers can mute instruments, identify key and tempo, and export audio. Ultimate Vocal Remover was presented as a free alternative for basic stem separation. She explored AI-powered feedback tools like PracticeFirst and MakeMusic Cloud. Katie showed how AI improves music scanning and notation using digital PDF conversion. Links Mentioned TopCast 437: Unpacking AI for Music Teachers with Tara Wright Download your latest TopMusic Magazine here TopMusicPro Members Link Watch the Spotlight Session Replay – The Music Teacher’s Guide to AI With Katie Argyle Today's Guest Katie Argyle is a music technology in education trainer, consultant, blogger and podcaster who is passionate about helping music teachers through her business Midnight Music. She runs hands-on workshops, presents regularly at conferences in Australia and internationally and offers online training and support to music teachers all over the world. Katie’s workshops and courses focus on incorporating technology into the music curriculum and practical tips for resource creation and productivity. Katie has been a Keynote speaker at the Australian Society for Music Education National Conference, the Music Education New Zealand National Conference and the ACT Music Educators Network Conference. In 2016, Katie launched the Midnight Music Membership Community which has become a go-to hub for hundreds of music teachers who are seeking technology-focussed professional development. She regularly presents regular live online webinars which have been attended by thousands of music teachers. Katie is the host of the Music Tech Teacher podcast which has more than 150 episodes and runs the Midnight Music Youtube channel. 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 Mondays weekly. TopMusicPro 14-Day Free Trial Heard about TopMusicPro Membership? As a valued podcast listener, I’d like to

Today, we're diving into the world of AI for music teachers with none other than Tara Wright, our resident expert on all things tech and teaching. In this episode, we unpack what AI really is (and isn't), how it shows up in everyday studio tools, and how music teachers can use it to supercharge creativity, lesson planning, communication, and marketing. Tara also gives us a behind-the-scenes look at her new course, ChatGPT Made Easy, and the custom chatbots she's built to make AI accessible and practical for every studio. Tara explained that AI is not just chatbots, it powers many tools teachers already use. She described how AI systems learn from data and improve over time. How AI tools like notation software and backing tracks use AI under the hood. Tara highlighted that while AI can assist, it can’t replace the emotional connection of real teaching. The value of AI as a creativity partner was discussed, from songwriting to arranging. Examples of AI tools like Suno and how they can inspire student projects. How ChatGPT helps her respond to parent emails with professionalism and clarity. The importance of training ChatGPT to sound like you through tone and branding was emphasized. Tara demonstrated how AI can analyze studio data and summarize trends. She explained how AI helps with marketing tasks like writing captions and emails. How teachers can use AI to explain tricky concepts or offer analogies tailored to different learners. How AI helps personalize lessons for neurodiverse or non-visual learners. TopMusic’s custom AI chatbots like Paige, Studio Maestro, Chester and Cleo. Tara outlined the ChatGPT Made Easy course, which teaches teachers to use AI effectively. Links Mentioned 5 ChatGPT Prompts for Music Teachers in 2025 Practice Hacks for Musicians Course by Noa Kageyama TopMusic Guitar Podcast #054: 5 Ways to Use ChatGPT in Your Business TopMusic Courses Today's Guest Tara Wright is an Education and Operations Director, Creative Strategist, and Music Educator who helps music educators transform their teaching studios and businesses through innovative strategies, clear processes, and actionable tools. Known for her no-fluff advice, Tara blends creative thinking with real-world solutions to make complex systems simple and effective. With over 20 years of teaching experience and 10+ years in operations management, Tara brings expertise in branding, copywriting, and process improvement to the music industry. She has overseen the creation of impactful content, from managing digital media platforms to developing professional training materials. Tara’s work inspires music educators to build thriving studios while balancing creativity with practicality. When not optimizing workflows or mentoring teams, Tara raises ostriches, Great Danes, and other two- and four-legged friends on her farm near St. Louis. You’ll often find her taking her Jeep off-road or exploring a new hobby because learning is her ultimate joy. Tara’s advice is grounded in experience and designed to inspire action. Whether it’s simplifying studio operations, enhancing marketing strategies, or sparking creativity, Tara’s solutions resonate with educators ready to grow. Thank you for tuning in!...

There’s no shortage of amazing apps and tech tools for music teachers—but which one would you keep if you had to give up all the rest? For this fun and collaborative episode, I asked a group of creative, tech-savvy teachers from around the world to share their number one, can’t-live-without music teaching tool. You’ll hear their real-life tips, use cases, and why these tools are making a difference in their studios. Tim introduced October's tech focus across TopMusic, including blogs and magazine issues. The value of practical, studio-tested tools was emphasized through real teacher examples. Bec Stewart recommended Tonality for understanding chords and transposition. Samantha Coates praised Vivid Practice for organizing digital student notes and resources. Rebecca Singerman-Knight shared how she uses iReal Pro for backing tracks and improvisation. Amy Chaplin explained how Spotify supports chord chart work and jam sessions. Jennifer Fox recommended Practice Space for streamlined assignments and student motivation. Laura Kahar highlighted the power of the simple Voice Memos app for student reflection. Noreen Wenjen discussed how the Apogee HypeMic improves sound for online lessons. Tim encouraged listeners to try these tools and discover what could become their new favorite. The importance of experimentation, simplicity, and creativity in tech adoption was reinforced. Links Mentioned Download your TopMusic Magazine here. 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 Mondays 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

What makes a student stay with you for years, not just because of progress, but because they truly love your studio? In today’s chat, I’m joined by Anamarie Sabbagh, who’s built a thriving teaching business grounded in joy, connection, and community. We talk about how she creates a studio culture that students and families want to be part of for the long haul and the little things that make a big difference. Anamarie shared how her multicultural background helped shape a welcoming, inclusive studio environment. She explained the importance of building community and connection beyond just teaching piano. The value of play-based learning and engaging activities was emphasized for young beginners. How her studio culture focuses on joy, consistency, and nurturing long-term relationships. The strategies she uses to support both students and parents through musical development. She highlighted how small details—like communication, scheduling, and celebrations—build loyalty. The importance of teacher authenticity and showing up as your full self in the studio was discussed. Anamarie shared how she incorporates flexibility and structure to meet each family’s needs. Presenting at international events and how that affirmed the value of her studio model. How cultivating a supportive studio culture has led to strong word-of-mouth and long-term retention. Links Mentioned Anamarie's website: Keys To Success Music Anamarie's Instagram page: @latinafabulous Keys to Success Music Instagram page: @keys.to.success.music Keys to Success Music Facebook page: Keys To Success Music Today’s Guest Anamarie is a classically trained opera singer, doctoral candidate, published author, international speaker, and MBA holder in International Business with a diverse range of experiences that have shaped her approach to education. With fluency in multiple languages and extensive travel experience, she brings a unique perspective to teaching and learning. Outside of the classroom, Anamarie enjoys reading, singing, and spending time at the beach. She is also an interpreter of tarot cards, which helps her tap into the intuitive side of life and connect with others on a deeper level. Anamarie's journey to becoming a studio owner and teacher was unexpected, but her love for kids, music, and humanity has been a constant driving force. She has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of music education, particularly neuromusical education, which empowers children to develop self-awareness, critical thinking, and trust in their intuition. As a dedicated educator, Anamarie is committed to bringing this magic to young minds and helping them discover the full potential of music as a tool for personal growth and self-expression. 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 Mondays weekly. TopMusicPro 14-Day Free Trial Heard about TopMusicPro Membership? As a valued podcast listener, I’d like to offer you a special...

Back in 2014, I set up a mic, hit record, and created my very first online course to help teachers feel confident teaching pop music. That course became PianoFlix, and it was the beginning of everything that would eventually grow into the TopMusicPro community. In this solo episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes to share how it all started, why it still matters today, and what makes this course one of my proudest creations. Tim reflected on the early days of creating his first online course to help teachers teach pop music. He explained how teacher feedback sparked the idea for what became PianoFlix. The importance of teaching pop music as a gateway to deeper engagement and theory understanding. How the success of PianoFlix Course led to the creation of TopMusicPro. Tim shared the original sales ad and Module 1 from the PianoFlix Course. How the course was intentionally designed to be evergreen and still relevant today. How attitudes toward pop music in piano education have shifted significantly since 2015. The value of practical, pedagogically-sound pop instruction was reinforced throughout. Tim outlined all 8 modules of the PianoFlix course, including rearranging and lead sheet strategies. Links Mentioned Watch the PianoFlix sales ad in YouTube here Purchase the PianoFlix Course here Find out more about TopMusic Courses Download your latest TopMusic Magazine here Today’s Sponsor RSL Awards is leading the next generation of creativity. We are an international Awarding Organisation, creating qualifications in music, performing arts, and creative industries subjects. Our vision is to help teachers and students within the creative arts sector through a range of innovative, relevant, and rewarding resources and qualifications. This includes our flagship Rockschool graded resources for piano. The new edition of Rockschool Piano offers a holistic approach to piano education, shaped around the needs of today’s musicians. Exploring five centuries of music, from classical to classic rock, this genre-spanning syllabus features an expansive mix of popular Hit Tunes, bespoke Rockschool Originals, and brand-new suites of technical study, all packed with class-leading technology. Find out more about RSL Awards here. RSL Online Shop Pre-Order the New Rockschool Piano Syllabus 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 Mondays weekly. TopMusicPro 14-Day Free Trial Heard about TopMusicPro Membership? As a valued podcast...

When students show up without their books or in a mood, do you ever feel your lesson plan slipping through your fingers? That’s exactly why I created the 30-Day Back Pocket Sprint to help you build a reliable toolkit of creative activities you can use anytime. In this solo episode, I’m sharing all the details: how it works, what you'll learn, and how it will give you confidence, flexibility, and fun in every lesson. Whether you’re already a TopMusicPro member or just looking for a boost, this sprint is for you. Tim explained how unexpected lesson moments can be better managed with creative tools. The value of a flexible teaching toolkit as a way to stay confident and effective. Tim introduced the 30-Day Back Pocket Sprint starting September 29 until October 27. How the sprint helps teachers build a library of creative activities to use on the fly. How five mini-tasks per week lead to over 20 practical teaching tools by the end. Why novelty in lessons improves student focus, retention, and motivation. How remixing repertoire and adding pop progressions can energize regular lesson routines. The benefits of joining weekly Zoom calls and the optional Facebook group were discussed. Tim emphasized that the sprint is open to both TopMusicPro members and non-members. The importance of building sustainable creative habits through small daily actions was reinforced. Links Mentioned Join Our 30-Day Back Pocket Sprint. Visit topmusic.co/sprint. Today’s Sponsor RSL Awards is leading the next generation of creativity. We are an international Awarding Organisation, creating qualifications in music, performing arts, and creative industries subjects. Our vision is to help teachers and students within the creative arts sector through a range of innovative, relevant, and rewarding resources and qualifications. This includes our flagship Rockschool graded resources for piano. The new edition of Rockschool Piano offers a holistic approach to piano education, shaped around the needs of today’s musicians. Exploring five centuries of music, from classical to classic rock, this genre-spanning syllabus features an expansive mix of popular Hit Tunes, bespoke Rockschool Originals, and brand-new suites of technical study, all packed with class-leading technology. Find out more about RSL Awards here. RSL Online Shop Pre-Order the New Rockschool Piano Syllabus 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 Mondays weekly. TopMusicPro 14-Day Free Trial Heard about TopMusicPro Membership? As a valued podcast listener, I’d like to offer you a special...

Teens can be some of the most rewarding and challenging students we teach. In this replay of our member-exclusive Spotlight Session, Turning Meh into Motivation: 5 Tips for Teaching Teens, Andrea Dow from Teach Piano Today shares practical strategies to help you connect with and inspire your teen students. From fostering creativity and confidence to embracing pop culture and structured choice, Andrea offers ideas that can make a real difference in your teaching. The value of a reliable teen toolkit to confidently navigate mood swings, low motivation, and inconsistent practice. How to reframe practice as “creation” to shift teens’ mindset from chore to self-expression. The importance of offering structured choices to foster motivation without sacrificing progress. Why balancing freedom and guidance in lessons helps teens feel seen, capable, and respected. How pop tutorials and TikToks can become teaching tools, not distractions, by focusing on transferrable skills. The role of identity formation in teen motivation, and how music supports emotional development. How to build musical confidence so teens proudly identify as piano players within their peer groups. Why lightness and humor matter, including how simple games can boost connection and retention. The importance of small, steady wins over dramatic breakthroughs in building long-term success. Andrea encouraged teachers to be curators, not dictators, guiding teens with intention and empathy. Links Mentioned TopCast 407: The Power of Storytelling with Andrea Dow from Teach Piano Today TopCast 431: My Favourite Framework for Piano Teachers: 4 Chord Composing Four Chord Composing Course Buy the course for only $49 using the coupon code CHORDS100 Download your latest TopMusic Magazine here Today’s Guest Andrea Dow, together with her husband Trevor, are the composers, authors, and educators behind TeachPianoToday.com and WunderKeys. Their collaborative work has transformed piano education, providing teachers with imaginative resources that engage students of all ages. From quirky piano books to game-based learning materials, Andrea and Trevor’s creations inspire piano teachers worldwide to bring creativity and joy into their lessons. Over the years, they have published 207 piano books, each designed to motivate students and make learning music fun. Andrea and Trevor live on Vancouver Island off the west coast of British Columbia, Canada. When not composing or creating, Andrea and Trevor balance family life with two teenage daughters, and spend most of their time at the hockey rink or track. Today’s Sponsor RSL Awards is leading the next generation of creativity. We are an international Awarding Organisation, creating qualifications in music, performing arts, and creative industries...

If you've ever felt unsure about how to teach chords or help your students create music from scratch, this episode is for you. Today, I’m sharing a deep dive into my all-time favourite course, 4 Chord Composing. I’ll walk you through why this framework works so well, how it connects theory and creativity, and how you can use it even if you’ve never composed a thing in your life. You’ll also hear from other teachers who’ve used this approach to transform their students' confidence and engagement. Tim reflected on how most teachers weren't taught chords or lead sheets in their own lessons. He explained how a chord-based approach improves sight reading, creativity, and understanding. The benefits of teaching harmony through popular styles were emphasized. Tim introduced his favorite course: 4 Chord Composing Course, offering a 10-week plan for introducing students to composing using just four chords. He highlighted how the framework builds theory, form, and improvisation skills naturally. How it simplifies teaching composition and makes learning feel intuitive. The course videos show Tim teaching a real student, making the approach easy to follow. Tim shared feedback from teachers who have used the course with great success and student engagement. Links Mentioned Four Chord Composing Course Buy the course for only $49 using the coupon code CHORDS100 Blog: The Power of 4 Chord Composing TopMusicPro Courses TopMusic Competition Composition 2025 Today’s Sponsor RSL Awards is leading the next generation of creativity. We are an international Awarding Organisation, creating qualifications in music, performing arts, and creative industries subjects. Our vision is to help teachers and students within the creative arts sector through a range of innovative, relevant, and rewarding resources and qualifications. This includes our flagship Rockschool graded resources for piano. The new edition of Rockschool Piano offers a holistic approach to piano education, shaped around the needs of today’s musicians. Exploring five centuries of music, from classical to classic rock, this genre-spanning syllabus features an expansive mix of popular Hit Tunes, bespoke Rockschool Originals, and brand-new suites of technical study, all packed with class-leading technology. Find out more about RSL Awards here. RSL Online Shop Pre-Order the New Rockschool Piano Syllabus 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