TopMusic Piano Podcast

Performance anxiety is something I’ve struggled with for years, despite playing hundreds of times as a collaborative pianist. In this solo episode, I'm openning up about my personal journey with stage fright, how it shows up unexpectedly, and what strategies have helped me manage it. I’m sharing real talk about nerves, preparation, and tips you can use for yourself and your students. Rachel shared her personal experience with stage fright and performance anxiety.How frequent performances as a collaborative pianist shaped her confidence.She highlighted how anxiety can still appear suddenly, even after years of experience.How her anxiety is often triggered by feeling she needs to prove herself.The challenges of performing in unfamiliar venues or with new audiences.The importance of acknowledging nerves without shame.The impact of being judged, especially during grad school performances.Rachel explained how breathing and physical awareness help calm anxiety.She encouraged focusing on musical phrasing to direct energy away from fear.She recommended mock performances and rehearsing in the performance space.The importance of a mindful, slower starting tempo.Rachel suggested normalizing mistakes to reduce fear of imperfection.The value of teachers performing for and with their students.She encouraged teachers to challenge themselves to perform, even in low-stress settings. Links Mentioned Get your SUPER EARLY BIRD tickets for TopMusicLive 2026 here.TMPP 100: The Teacher Who Shaped Me as a Pianist with Dr. Un-Young WhangTMPP 038: Tips to Perform with Confidence 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...

Reaching episode 100 feels surreal, and I couldn’t imagine marking this milestone with anyone else. For this very special episode, I’m joined by the teacher who shaped me as a pianist, Dr. Un-Young Whang, whose guidance, artistry, and mentorship have had a lasting impact on my life and career. This conversation is a full-circle moment as we reflect on teaching, perseverance, and the joy of music across generations. Rachel shared why episode 100 felt deeply personal and meaningful.She reflected on how her own piano journey began with curiosity rather than clarity.Dr. Un-Young shared how her early performing career began at a remarkably young age.How discipline and structure supported her development as a concert pianist.The importance of imagination in musical interpretation.Why storytelling and character shape expressive playing.The value of perseverance through challenge and transition.Dr. Un-Young shared how studying abroad shaped her resilience and independence.How learning from multiple master teachers broadened her artistic voice.Rachel reflected on how mentorship builds confidence beyond technical skill.Dr. Un-Young discussed the responsibility teachers have to nurture the whole person.She highlighted how teaching and performing inform each other in powerful ways.The importance of joy, warmth, and humor in lessons was reinforced.Why long-term consistency matters more than short-term results.Rachel reflected on how her teacher’s influence continues to guide her leadership today.Dr. Un-Young emphasized that music education is an act of service and generosity. Links Mentioned Get your SUPER EARLY BIRD tickets for TopMusicLive 2026 here. Today's Guest Dr. Un-Young Whang was born in Seoul, Korea, and began concertizing at 10 years of age as a soloist with Seoul Symphony Orchestra. At 14, she won the Presidential Award for Excellence in piano and received a grant from the Korean government to study abroad. She was accepted as a scholarship student in the Pre-College Division at The Juilliard School in New York, where she earned Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees in piano performance. She continued her studies under Dr. Robert Pace at Teachers College, Columbia University, earning Master of Education and Doctor of Education degrees. Her principal piano teachers were Ania Dorfmann, William Masselos and Ann Schein. She is recently retired from the faculty of Moody Bible Institute where she taught for 35 years. In addition, she was given opportunities by her generous teachers to study with Lillian Kallir, Aube Tzerko, Hebert Stessin, and Leon Fleisher during the summers while she was at Juilliard. 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: 

As I approach episode 100, I wanted to pause and reflect on what the first 99 episodes of this podcast have meant to me. In this solo episode, I'm going to share memories from my own early piano lessons, the lessons I’ve learned from incredible guests, and how hosting this podcast has shaped me as a teacher and leader. It’s a look back filled with gratitude, growth, and excitement for what’s coming next. Rachel shared why episode 99 felt like the right moment to pause before episode 100.How her early piano lessons began with confusion and the need to start simpler.The importance of meeting students where they are rather than pushing ahead too fast.Rachel shared how enjoyment and exploration at the piano fueled her long-term growth.She reflected on the teachers and incentives that shaped her love for music.How saying yes to hosting the podcast came with excitement and imposter syndrome.She highlighted how curiosity has driven meaningful conversations with guests.Rachel shared how the podcast has made her a better teacher and conservatory leader.She reflected on standout guest episodes that reshaped her thinking on teaching and careers.Rachel expressed gratitude to listeners, guests, Tim Topham, and the TopMusic team as she looks ahead to episode 100. Links Mentioned TopCast 448: Well… This Is Happening!TMPP 001: Using Stories in Beginner Piano LessonsTMPP 002: How to Have Conversations With Parents of Neurodiverse Students with Tara MockTMPP 031: The Power of Music with Robin SpielbergTMPP 049: Growing Creative Cultivation Studio with Shannon SaraviaTMPP 057: Performing in the Context of YouTube with Annique GöttlerTMPP 082: Introducing the Athena Narrow Keys Piano with Linda GouldTMPP 086: What Happens When You Double Your Rates with Eric Branner 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: 

Many pianists tell me they’d love to play more weddings but feel unsure about where to start. In this episode, we're having a chat with James Roscoe, a full-time wedding pianist based in the UK, who takes us behind the scenes of building a thriving wedding music business. We talk about repertoire, marketing, Instagram, working with venues, pricing, and what it really takes to succeed as a wedding pianist.James shared how he transitioned from general performing into weddings as a focused niche.He explained how playing for friends and family weddings helped him gain early experience.He shared why weddings now make up 90–95% of his performance work.How Instagram became a major source of inquiries for wedding bookings.The importance of treating Instagram like a visual portfolio for couples.How posting short performance clips helps couples imagine their own wedding day.Why behind-the-scenes stories build trust and connection with potential clients.James discussed how SEO and a well-optimized website drive direct inquiries.He highlighted how word-of-mouth referrals grow naturally over time.Why strong relationships with wedding venues lead to consistent referrals.He explained how playing at venue open days introduces him to many couples at once.James discussed how reading, lead sheets, and improvisation all support wedding work.James explained why aesthetics matter and how his white baby grand shell elevates the setup.The importance of bringing backup gear to every wedding.He explained how he prices by sections of the day rather than by the hour.James emphasized setting clear expectations with couples around repertoire and requests.He encouraged pianists to start small, build repertoire, and gather testimonials early.Links MentionedJames wesbite:www.jamesroscoe.co.ukJames Instagram page:@jamesroscoepianoJames Facebook page:James Roscoe: Wedding PianistToday's Guest James Roscoe is a professional wedding pianist based in the Midlands, UK. He specialises in performing beautiful instrumental arrangements of classic and contemporary pop and rock...

Dr. Stephanie Archer brings a thoughtful and experience-driven perspective to piano technique and pedagogy. Drawing from her work as a university professor, private teacher, and researcher in injury prevention, she shares practical strategies for teaching healthy movement from the very first lesson. In this episode, Stephanie explores beginner technique, arm weight, warmups, and how thoughtful teaching choices can support both musical growth and long-term physical well-being.Stephanie shared a brief overview of her background and her music teaching studio.She shared how a playing-related injury reshaped her approach to piano technique.Why technique issues often develop gradually rather than from a single event.The importance of teaching healthy movement from the very first lesson.Why beginner technique plays a major role in preventing injury later on.The value of delaying five-finger position for very young students.How one-finger playing supports arm weight and reduces tension.Stephanie explained why non-legato playing helps establish healthy motion before legato.She shared how imagery and hands-on guidance support relaxed technique in young learners.Why arm weight is often misunderstood or overlooked in early teaching.Common technique mistakes caused by focusing only on finger numbers.Strategies for helping students feel arm release away from the piano first.She explained how adult beginners often carry more tension than children.The importance of warming up to prepare the body for playing.Why scales and technical exercises matter only when played with awareness.Stephanie shared how Hanon and scales can support healthy playing when used intentionally.Why curved-finger language can sometimes create unnecessary tension.The importance of an engaged hand bridge rather than forced finger shape.Links MentionedStephanie's website:Stephanie Archer PianoStephanie's Instagram page:@stephaniethepianoteacherTopCast...

As I wrap up 2025, I’ve been reflecting on the moments, conversations, and discoveries that made this year so meaningful. In this episode, I’m sharing 10 of my favorite things, from standout podcast interviews and inspiring books to teaching resources, conservatory highlights, and the incredible connections I’ve made along the way. It’s a look back at what brought joy, growth, and encouragement to my teaching life this year, and I can’t wait to celebrate it all with you.Rachel shared a look back at her favorite moments and discoveries from 2025.She highlighted episode 68 with Florence Phillips as one of the most inspiring interviews of the year.Connecting with more than 40 podcast guests and learn from their experiences.Rachel shared her admiration for a TopCast episode with David Martin.She highlighted the new podcast The Four 40 with Eric Branner.Her favorite book of the year was Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina Garten.Rachel celebrated Nicola Canton’s new piano method Piano Paint Box.She shared her gratitude for rebuilding a strong, reliable teaching team at her conservatory after a challenging previous year.The value of attending NCKP and connecting with piano teachers from around the world.Podcast Links MentionedTopCast 417: Being a SAVVY Music Teacher with David CutlerTopCast 439: From Bankruptcy to 1000 Students with David MartinTopMusic Piano Podcast 068: Piano Behind Bars with Florence PhillipsTopMusic Piano Podcast 086: What Happens When You Double Your Rates with Eric BrannerEric’s Podcast:The Fourforty (440) with Eric BrannerBook Links MentionedBe Ready When the Luck Happens: A Memoir by Ina GartenThe Savvy Musician 2.0 by David Cutlera...

Kelsey Berg brings a fascinating perspective to the worlds of piano and organ. With roles spanning church music, university teaching, and private instruction, she shares how her unexpected transition from piano to organ opened a new musical path. In this episode, she explores the key differences between the instruments, the challenges of technique and registration, the realities of practicing without an organ at home, and how injury-preventive training shaped her approach to healthy playing.Kelsey shared a brief overview of her background as multifaceted organist and music teacher.How she switched from playing the piano after unexpectedly taking a church organ job.She explained why the myth “piano players can automatically play organ” is false.Kelsey how the organ’s sound production differs from the piano.How organ musicality relies on timing, articulation, phrasing, and managing silence rather than varying touch like on the piano.Why practicing organ music at the piano improves musical shaping.The challenge of accessing instruments, since organists depend on churches for practice time.How to approach churches or universities politely to request practice access.She explained why the organ is not a dying art.Kelsey highlighted that there are more organ jobs than organists.She encouraged pianists to consider the field for stable employment.How studying injury-preventive technique at the Lister-Sink Institute transformed her playing and resolved pain from overuse.Common technique misconceptions, including misunderstanding anatomy and finger independence.Links MentionedKelsey's Instagram page:@kelseymbergKelsey's Facebook profile:Kelsey BergKelsey's YouTube page:www.youtube.com/@kelseyberg3278Today's Guest Praised by Cleveland Classical for her “subtlety, depth, and affect” in performance, Kelsey Berg is a multifaceted organist, music theorist, and teacher. She currently serves as the Assistant Organist-Choirmaster at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Akron, OH. Kelsey is also a Guest Lecturer in Organ at the Cleveland Institute of Music (CIM), where she teaches secondary organ lessons to both graduate and undergraduate students, as well as applied organ at Case Western Reserve University as part of the Joint Music Program. Kelsey maintains a private piano and organ studio, with students of all levels. Kelsey recently graduated with a Doctor of...

Jerald Simon’s creativity knows no bounds—from composing hundreds of piano pieces to writing motivational poetry and now fiction. In this episode, he shares how his debut novel The Musical Realm brings music to life through an imaginative fantasy world. Jerald also offers valuable insights into self-publishing, branding, and marketing for teachers and creatives who want to share their work with the world.Jerald shared his journey from piano teacher and composer to author and entrepreneur.How his company, Music Motivation®, helps students learn theory, improvisation, and composition through a practical, creative approach.He shared about his new book, The Musical Realm, as his first full-length fictional novel.He discussed his creative process, explaining how he outlines all five books in advance.The challenges and rewards of self-publishing, including handling editing and cover design.The importance of marketing and retaining rights as an independent author.Jerald discussed his marketing strategies, including sending out 500–1,000 review copies, using press releases, and building grassroots engagement before paid ads.How branding, consistency, and niche focus help authors and teachers stand out.He encouraged teachers and creators to “think like a business”.Exclusive Offer for Podcast ListenersEnjoy 15% off any purchase fromMusic Motivation®for life using the discount codeTOPMUSIC, which can be used multiple times on any product.Links MentionedJerald's website:Music Motivation®Jerald's YouTube channel:YouTube.com/jeraldsimonJerald's book:The Musical Realm (Amazon link)Today's Guest Jerald Simon is the founder of Music Motivation® and focuses on helping piano students and piano teachers learn music theory, improvisation, and composition. He refers to these areas as: Theory Therapy, Innovative Improvisation, and Creative Composition. Simon is an author and composer and has written 29 music books featuring almost 400 original compositions, 14 albums, three motivational poetry books featuring over 400 original poems, and is the creator of the best-selling Cool Songs Series, the best-selling Essential Piano Exercises Series and Essential Piano Lessons for piano students and also Essential Piano Teachers for piano teachers.About Rachel EhringDr. 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...

Jessica Homewood has transformed how piano teachers think about group lessons. From managing 60 private students to creating efficient, engaging group programs, Jess now helps teachers scale their studios while maintaining quality instruction. In this episode, she shares how group lessons benefit both teachers and students, common myths that hold teachers back, and practical advice for creating a thriving, collaborative learning environment.Jess shared how she rebuilt her piano studio multiple times after moving across the U.S.How burnout from teaching 60 private students led her to explore group lessons.The early challenges of group teaching and how flexibility and patience helped her adapt.How becoming a beginner again as a teacher was key to her success in group instruction.Her group formats, including multi-level classes with headphones and guided rotation models.How teaching in groups helped students develop problem-solving skills and self-directed learning.Jess discussed the financial and time-saving benefits of group lessons for teachers.How she cut her teaching hours by half while doubling her income and improving work-life balance.She highlighted how group lessons made piano lessons more affordable and accessible for families.The costs and setup challenges of transitioning to groups, including sourcing quality keyboards.She advised teachers to keep lesson plans simple to allow space for flexibility and connection.Why students in groups learn effective practice habits and become more confident players.She explained how community and peer interaction improve retention and motivation.Jess emphasized that marketing and communication are vital when introducing group lessons to parents.Links MentionedJess's website:Not Your Mother's Piano StudioJess's Instagram page:@notyourmotherspianostudioRelated Episode:TopCast 350: Simplify and Streamline with Jess Homewood from Not Your Mother’s Piano StudioToday's Guest Jess Homewood is the creator of *The Group Conversion Collective*, a program that guides piano teachers in transitioning from 1:1 lessons to group lessons, scaling income and winning back their time. She has also created *The No Printout Playbook*...

Behind every smooth-running music studio are systems that make daily operations effortless. In this episode, Cheyenne Olson of Cheyenne’s Piano Studio in Layton, Utah, shares how she keeps her business organized, from student registration and lesson planning to billing and communication. Cheyenne walks us through the tools and systems she uses, including Google Drive, Canva, and ChatGPT, to simplify studio management and support her students’ progress.Cheyenne shared a brief overview of her background and piano studio in Layton, Utah.How new students typically find her studio through word of mouth, local Facebook mom groups, and her Google Maps business listing.Encouraging parents to leave Google reviews that help her studio appear in local search results.How she uses her website’s registration form to manage new inquiries.The importance of communication during onboarding.How she uses ChatGPT as a digital assistant to record student progress.Her studio follows a tuition-based payment structure with consistent monthly payments.She explained why she no longer offers makeup lessons.She highlighted her teaching philosophy of letting students learn the songs they love.How maintaining clear systems and consistent communication has helped her studio.Links MentionedCheyenne's website:Cheyenne's Piano StudioCheyenne's Instagram:@cheyennespianostudioCheyenne's Facebook page:Cheyenne's Piano StudioToday's Guest Cheyenne Olson is the owner of Cheyenne’s Piano Studio in Layton, Utah. She’s been teaching piano for over ten years and specializes in helping kids, teens, and adults learn to play with confidence and joy- focusing on what she’s most passionate about: teaching students how to play the songs they love.About Rachel EhringDr. 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

Scarlette Kerr brings both warmth and wisdom to her piano teaching philosophy. Drawing from her experiences as a collaborative pianist and educator, Scarlette shares how connection, movement, and mindful technique shape her approach. In this episode, she discusses the benefits of group learning, ways to foster healthy technique from the very beginning, and how empathy and flexibility can help every student thrive both musically and personally.Scarlette shared how she built her private studio, Music at 906, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.How teaching group lessons gives her and her students mental breaks and shared energy.Her background as a collaborative pianist and how it shaped her teaching approach.She highlighted how collaboration teaches connection, teamwork, and musical unity.How her students perform collaboratively with drums, bass, and even family members in recitals.Why these experiences reduce performance anxiety and make learning more joyful.Her approach to teaching technique through audiation and large body movement.How she uses singing, chanting, and movement to internalize rhythm and phrasing.Why teachers should avoid pushing technical skills too soon and instead focus on body awareness.How to prevent maladaptive habits, such as shoulder tension when playing large intervals.Strategies for retraining transfer students with open dialogue and gentle comparison between old and new techniques.The importance of developing both physical and mental health in piano practice.How flexible expectations and consistent encouragement help students enjoy lifelong playing.Links MentionedScarlette's website:Musicat906.comScarlette's Instagram page:@musicat906Today's Guest Scarlette Kerr lives in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, where she runs her private piano studio, Music at 906, and occasionally works as a collaborative pianist. She has given presentations at state, national, and international levels pertaining to audiation and technical development in piano students. She is the 2025 recipient of the North Carolina Music Teachers Association’s Independent Music Teachers Scholarship and the 2020 recipient of the Music Studio Startup Grant Competition. Scarlette received her Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance with an Emphasis in Accompanying from James Madison University, and her Master of Music in Piano Performance and Pedagogy with an Emphasis in Injury-Preventive Keyboard Technique from Salem College and has certifications from the Music Teachers National Association, The Gordon Institute for Music Learning, and The Lister-Sink...

Marketing can feel uncomfortable for teachers who just want to focus on their craft, but what if sharing your passion was the most effective form of marketing? In this solo episode, we're going to explore what happens when “building it” isn’t enough and how to attract the right students through authenticity, generosity, and human connection. These five practical tips will help you promote your studio, digital resources, or creative projects with confidence and purpose.Rachel shared how consistency and marketing go hand in hand for long-term growth.Why “virality isn’t a strategy—it’s an outcome of consistency.”The importance of focusing on what you can control, like showing up and posting regularly.She encouraged teachers to rethink marketing as sharing value, not just selling.Why marketing isn’t “salesy” when your offer truly helps people.Rachel shared five actionable marketing ideas for piano teachers.Examples of small ways to surprise and delight students, like fun questions, short performances, or quick videos for parents.How good marketing is about helping people feel seen, valued, and inspired.She encouraged teachers to try one new marketing approach that feels authentic and service-oriented.Links MentionedFree Thanksgiving Sound Effect StoryAbout Rachel EhringDr. 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 MusicThank 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...

Consistency is something we preach to our students but often struggle with ourselves. In this solo episode, I'm sharing with you what happened when I challenged myself to post on Instagram every day for 30 days and how the lessons I learned apply far beyond social media. From managing expectations to celebrating small wins, this episode is a reminder that steady effort can lead to surprising results, even when you least expect them.Rachel shared how consistency has been an ongoing struggle in her personal and professional life.The importance of showing up regularly, even when results aren’t immediate.How small, steady actions often produce the biggest impact over time.She explained the value of setting realistic goals to avoid burnout and frustration.How accountability helps motivation, both for teachers and students.How she set a challenge to post daily Instagram reels for 30 days to test consistency.Why batching and scheduling content made the challenge more manageable.Rachel discussed how early results were discouraging, but persistence paid off.She highlighted that success doesn’t always appear in the form we expect.She encouraged teachers to choose one small daily action, professional or personal, and commit for 30 days.About Rachel EhringDr. 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 MusicThank 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 a...

Sarah Molenaar has built a teaching career that blends tradition with innovation. Based in Ottawa, she balances a thriving studio, published resources, and a passion for helping both students and teachers succeed. In this episode, Sarah shares her top piano apps, from Note Rush to ForScore, and explains how technology, games, and organization strategies can transform lessons into engaging, effective experiences for every age.Sarah shared her journey from music education studies to full-time teaching in Ottawa, Canada.How she balances teaching 25–30 students weekly with writing and arranging.The importance of mentoring new teachers by offering resources and guidance.Sarah shared how she uses apps for short off-the-bench activities with children under 14.Why apps like Note Rush make note reading fun and addictive for students.The value of Rhythm Swing for drilling rhythm patterns with engaging backing tracks.The benefits of using Boom Cards for practice, though setup can be a challenge for families.Sarah described the value of MusiClock for improvisation and scale practice with backing tracks.She highlighted Tenuto and Music Tutor as excellent apps for teens and adults.Sarah shared why teachers starting with apps should prioritize Note Rush and ForScore.How ForScore allows annotation during lessons and easy sharing of notes with students.She highlighted advanced apps like PolyNome for polyrhythms and IMSLP for accessing scores.How organizing resources, from apps to physical games, helps students stay motivated.Links MentionedSarah's website: www.sarahmolenaar.comSarah's free resources: www.sarahmolenaar.com/freebiesSarah's Facebook page: Sarah Molenaar, pianistSarah's Instagram page: @sarahmolenaar and @pianostudioevolutionSarah's Youtube ChannelToday's Guest Sarah Molenaar is a pianist, teacher, and author. She has performed solo recitals, released several albums—including Hommage à Chopin,...

Omar Roy brings a thoughtful and balanced perspective to the intersection of piano pedagogy and artificial intelligence. As a professor, clinician, and leader in music education, Omar has been helping teachers navigate the challenges and opportunities of AI. In this episode, he shares practical ways piano teachers can use AI for scheduling and communication, principles for ethical use, and why human creativity remains irreplaceable in both teaching and learning.Omar shared his background as a piano professor and pedagogy coordinator at the University of South Carolina.How AI has been present in daily life for decades, from predictive text to Netflix suggestions.The importance of distinguishing generative AI like ChatGPT from earlier forms of AI.Ethical concerns around AI, including plagiarism, environmental impact, and job displacement.Why teachers should verify AI outputs, as hallucinations and false citations still occur.How piano teachers can use AI for administrative tasks like scheduling, emails, and social media.Use of AI in brainstorming, refining ideas, and drafting documents, while stressing human revision.Omar explained principles of good prompting: specificity, clarity, rewording, and revising responses.How AI can act as a research assistant, uncovering resources teachers may not know exist.The importance of citing AI use and avoiding misrepresentation of AI-generated work.Why students and teachers must be taught ethical guidelines for AI use in academic and music settings.The risks of overreliance on technology, including reduced attention spans and weaker writing skills.The benefits of piano study as a counterbalance, fostering discipline, creativity, and accountability.He encouraged teachers to embrace AI as a tool while maintaining human creativity and personal connection at the center.Today's Guest Omar Roy currently serves as Assistant Professor of Piano and Piano Pedagogy and Coordinator of Group Piano in the School of Music at the University of South Carolina. A strong supporter of independent music teachers, Dr. Roy is in demand as a clinician. He frequently presents workshops and guest lectures to music teacher organizations and universities, and is a regular adjudicator for festivals and competitions. His involvement with music teachers organizations has led to leadership positions and presentations at the state and national level, including the National Conference on Keyboard Pedagogy. Dr. Roy is also part of the administrative team for The Art of Piano Pedagogy – a growing Facebook group that acts as a resource and forum of discussion that reaches nearly 23,000 teachers located throughout the world – and its companion site, Sustain.About Rachel EhringDr. Rachel Ehring is a pianist, teacher, music administrator, and lover of piano teaching gadgets. She holds a DMA in...

Eric Branner’s story bridges music, entrepreneurship, and education with lessons every teacher can learn from. As a guitarist, founder of Fons, and now host of The Four 40 podcast, Eric shares how doubling his rates transformed his studio, why professionalism matters, and how mindset shapes success. In this episode, he encourages teachers to embrace curiosity, charge their worth, and create thriving communities that honor the value of music teaching.Eric shared his journey as a third-generation music teacher, guitarist, and entrepreneur.How his first guitar teacher created a joyful learning atmosphere in a car battery warehouse.Why teachers should embrace optimism and the privilege of introducing students to music.He explained how teaching skills prepared him to found and run a successful tech company.The value of music lessons in shaping problem-solving skills for careers beyond the arts.Eric highlighted how group classes create community and enrich the student experience.Why charging fair rates elevates both a teacher’s livelihood and professional respect.He shared his own story of doubling his rates, which increased demand rather than decreasing it.Eric emphasized that charging more allows teachers to also give freely to those in need.How founding Fons automated payments, streamlined billing, and removed awkward money conversations.The importance of treating teaching as a respected profession with clear systems.Why building community, equity, and professionalism strengthens studios long-term.He shared insights from his new podcast, The Fourforty (440).He emphasized that developing as an expressive human gives artists an advantage in any career, even in the age of AI.Links MentionedFons.comFons Family Facebook GroupEric's Instagram page: @ebrannerEric's Podcast: The Fourforty (440) with Eric BrannerToday's Guest Eric Branner is a third-generation music teacher, classical guitarist, and entrepreneur. He founded the studio management platform Fons and now serves as Vice President of Business Development at Peaksware. His career bridges...

Busy seasons can quickly push us to the edge, especially when teaching, scheduling, and family responsibilities collide. In this solo episode, I'm going to share five simple but powerful practices that are helping me stay grounded, from leaning on ChatGPT for tricky tasks to creating calming rituals in my workspace. These ideas may inspire you to find your own ways of keeping balance when life feels overwhelming.Rachel shared that fall scheduling at her conservatory creates a hectic workload with 100+ students and new teachers.How taking on extra accompanying duties adds joy but also reduces administrative time.The importance of ChatGPT for unsticking tasks and writing professional messages quickly.Using ChatGPT to solve technical issues like creating a Google Form grid.How sending voice memos instead of long texts saves time and feels more personal.How creating training videos in Canva systematized teacher onboarding.The benefits of keeping physical copies of important forms at her desk for quick access.She highlighted how Fons simplifies billing and scheduling, reducing daily stress.Rachel explained the value of easy go-to meals, like baked potatoes, for busy weeks.Importance of small rituals, like diffusing essential oils and playing soft jazz, for reducing stress.Rachel encouraged teachers to identify their own “sanity savers” during stressful seasons.About Rachel EhringDr. 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 MusicThank you for tuning in!Consider implementing the ideas from this podcast by writing several actionable steps for your teaching practice

Grant Kondo believes in saying “yes” to every student’s musical journey. From his early experiences in Hawaii to his current studio in San Jose, Grant has combined classical foundations with modern creativity to inspire well-rounded musicians. In this episode, he shares how improvisation, arranging, and flexible teaching approaches can help students of all ages connect deeply with music, while his new book series Skills for the Modern Pianist equips teachers and learners with practical tools for artistry and growth.Grant shared a brief overview of his background and his music studio in San Jose, California.How his early teachers gave him strong sight-reading and classical training.He described the moment in high school when he realized he could not play from a lead sheet.The influence of Forrest Kinney in helping him learn improvisation and arranging.The importance of teaching students all four arts of music: interpretation, improvisation, arranging, and composition.Why his teaching philosophy centers on being a “yes man” who meets students where they are.The value of allowing students to explore different genres like pop, K-pop, classical, and anime.How he tailors method books to fit each student rather than using one program for all.Why he loves teaching adult students who bring diverse goals and musical interests.Why he believes all students should learn both classical and non-classical repertoire.Grant highlighted his new book series Skills for the Modern Pianist.How the books use familiar pieces in multiple variations to teach arranging, improvisation, and theory.Links MentionedGrant Kondo's WebsiteGrant's Books: LifeOffThePage.comGrant's Books "Skills for the Modern Pianist" (US Amazon Link)Grant's Books "Skills for the Modern Pianist" (AU Amazon Link)TopMusic Composition Competition 2025Today’s Guest Grant Kondo, is a pianist, educator, and author of Skills for the Modern Pianist, a three-level...

Jeremy Siskind’s journey bridges the worlds of jazz performance, education, and digital innovation. As a pianist, author, and educator, Jeremy has developed groundbreaking resources for students while inspiring thousands through his books, teaching, and YouTube channel. In this episode, he shares how improvisation can be taught step by step, why ensemble playing is crucial, and how his work continues to expand access to jazz piano for learners everywhere.Jeremy shared about his background and how his piano journey began at a Yamaha Music School.How Yamaha’s holistic training in improvisation and harmony set the stage for his jazz career.The importance of planning routines like improv weeks or warmups to integrate improvisation.The value of treating jazz like learning a language.Why adults struggle with unlearning habits and wanting quick results.How students can start with drone improvisations and clear phrasing.The benefits of practicing blues as a foundation for jazz.Jeremy emphasized why playing in ensembles is essential for growth.He discussed the value of his Jazz Piano Fundamentals series for beginners.How his Solo Standards books provide professional arrangements.He highlighted the benefits of arrangements but stressed improvisation is key.How YouTube expanded Jeremy's teaching reach worldwide.Jeremy outlined upcoming projects including an album, TEDx talk, and songwriting book.Links MentionedJeremy's website: www.jeremysiskind.comJeremy's Jazz Piano Class: jeremysiskind.com/jazzclassJeremy's Instagram Page: @jsiskind2Jeremy's YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/jeremysiskindToday’s Guest Jeremy Siskind is the rare musician whose imaginative albums land on “best of” lists while his ground-breaking instructional books populate “best-seller” lists. A top finisher in national and international jazz piano competitions, Siskind is a two-time laureate of the American Pianists Association and the winner of the Nottingham International Jazz Piano Competition. A sought-after educator, Siskind has published more than 20 instructional books, including Playing Solo Jazz Piano, with an introduction by Fred Hersch, and the ground-breaking Jazz Piano Fundamentals series. As a busy LA-based musician, his...

Linda Gould has spent decades proving that small hands don’t have to limit big musical dreams. From overcoming a hand injury to co-founding Narrow Key Pianos, Linda has championed the design and launch of Athena, the first portable digital narrow keys piano. In this episode, she shares how this groundbreaking instrument helps pianists of all ages play with greater freedom, confidence, and joy.Linda shared her journey from early success as a performer to facing a career-stopping hand injury.How learning left-hand repertoire kept her connected to piano during recovery.How meeting David Steinbuhler, inventor of the narrow key action, transformed her playing.The importance of narrow keys in making once-impossible repertoire accessible for small-handed pianists.The benefits of the first retrofit narrow key action, which reignited her performing career.Why portability became essential after years of moving her acoustic grand piano to concerts.Linda introduced Athena, the first portable digital narrow keys piano, as a milestone for accessibility.How Athena’s narrower octave allows pianists to play large chords and stretches with ease.The value of Athena’s professional features, including weighted action and string resonance.She highlighted how narrow keys reduce fatigue and promote healthier technique for students.Linda explained why students adapt quickly between narrow and standard keys without losing skill.The benefits for teachers who want to offer instruments that fit their students’ hands.Her success stories of both children and professionals who expanded their repertoire on Athena.The long-term vision of narrow keys becoming a standard option for pianists worldwide.Links MentionedLinda's Website: NarrowKeys.comYouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@narrowkeysToday’s Guest Linda Gould is the author of Play Piano Chords Today and has been teaching and performing for 5 decades, debuting at age 11 when she performed a Bach Piano Concerto with the Mount Royal College Orchestra. Linda has B Mus in performance with distinction, and a minor in Math. She is a competition and exam award winner and recently won Tech Teacher of the year. In her late 30s, she met David Steinbuhler, the inventor of the narrow keys piano action. Within two years, Linda was back performing big works with orchestras. This spring she completed a two-piano concert tour with her sister, Sue Gould, performing 11 concerts in 6 days on her new narrow digital piano keys.About Rachel EhringDr....