TopMusic Piano Podcast

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 Mentioned Kelsey's Instagram page:@kelseymbergKelsey's Facebook profile:Kelsey BergKelsey's YouTube page:www.youtube.com/@kelseyberg3278 Today'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 Musical of Arts in Organ Performance from CIM, studying with Professor Todd Wilson. At CIM, she was the 2023 recipient of the Heinrich Scholarship in organ. Kelsey received both a Master of Music in Organ Performance and a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from Mercer University. She also attended Salem College, receiving both a Certificate in Injury Preventive Keyboard Technique and a Master of Music in Piano Performance and Pedagogy with an Emphasis in Injury Preventive Keyboard Technique. At Salem, Kelsey was awarded the Bright and Annie Lee Fitzgerald Sink Award for Excellence in Piano. She has studied organ with Dr. Jack Mitchener and Dr. John Cummins, and has studied piano with Dr. Ian Altman and Dr. Barbara Lister-Sink. Kelsey is a member of the Association of Anglican Musicians, the Society of Women Organists, and is Sub-Dean of the Cleveland Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. 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...

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 Listeners Enjoy 15% off any purchase fromMusic Motivation®for life using the discount codeTOPMUSIC, which can be used multiple times on any product. Links Mentioned Jerald'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 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 a...

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 Mentioned Jess'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 Studio Today'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* series, offering easy, low-prep piano games for teachers and students. A mom of two and studio owner, Jess helps teachers balance a growing studio with family life. She has been featured on popular podcasts and blogs. Discover more of her insights at www.notyourmotherspianostudio.com and @notyourmotherspianostudio on social media. 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: a...

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 Mentioned Cheyenne's website:Cheyenne's Piano StudioCheyenne's Instagram:@cheyennespianostudioCheyenne's  Facebook page:Cheyenne's Piano Studio Today'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 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

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 Mentioned Scarlette's website:Musicat906.comScarlette's Instagram page:@musicat906 Today'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 Institute. 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: 

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 Mentioned Free Thanksgiving Sound Effect Story About Rachel Ehring Dr. Rachel Ehring is a pianist, teacher, music administrator, and lover of piano teaching gadgets. She holds a DMA in Collaborative Piano from the University of Colorado Boulder and a MM in Accompanying from the University of Kansas. She currently serves as Director at St. John’s Conservatory of the Arts in Orange County, CA. Previously, she held positions at Concordia University Irvine and Henderson State University. Rachel is passionate about empowering music teachers to create engaging and exciting lessons for students of all ages. When she isn’t playing the piano, you might find Rachel reading books with her son or walking her beagle Frieda. Visit her website at RachelEhring.comVisit her Instagram page: @rachelehringVisit her YouTube channel: @dreamlavendermusic6694Visit her Etsy shop at Dream Lavender Music Thank you for tuning in! Consider implementing the ideas from this podcast by writing several actionable steps for your teaching practice if it’s inspired you. If you enjoyed today’s show, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, which helps other teachers find our show. Stay updated by subscribing to this show, and get automatic delivery to your device every time a new episode goes live! We publish on Fridays weekly. TopMusicPro 14-Day Free Trial Heard about TopMusicPro Membership? As a valued podcast listener, I’d like to offer you a special chance to try our community free for 14 days. You can access a treasure trove of teaching resources, professional development courses, and creative lesson ideas. Click the link below to access your exclusive 14-day free trial for our Studio Membership. TOPMUSICPRO MEMBERSHIP 14-DAY FREE TRIAL

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 Ehring Dr. Rachel Ehring is a pianist, teacher, music administrator, and lover of piano teaching gadgets. She holds a DMA in Collaborative Piano from the University of Colorado Boulder and a MM in Accompanying from the University of Kansas. She currently serves as Director at St. John’s Conservatory of the Arts in Orange County, CA. Previously, she held positions at Concordia University Irvine and Henderson State University. Rachel is passionate about empowering music teachers to create engaging and exciting lessons for students of all ages. When she isn’t playing the piano, you might find Rachel reading books with her son or walking her beagle Frieda. Visit her website at RachelEhring.com Visit her Instagram page: @rachelehring Visit her YouTube channel: @dreamlavendermusic6694 Visit her Etsy shop at Dream Lavender Music Thank you for tuning in! Consider implementing the ideas from this podcast by writing several actionable steps for your teaching practice if it’s inspired you. If you enjoyed today’s show, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, which helps other teachers find our show. Stay updated by subscribing to this show, and get automatic delivery to your device every time a new episode goes live! We publish on Fridays weekly. TopMusicPro 14-Day Free Trial Heard about TopMusicPro Membership? As a valued podcast listener, I’d like to offer you a special chance to try our community free for 14 days. You can access a treasure trove of teaching resources, professional development courses, and creative lesson ideas. Click the link below to access your exclusive 14-day free trial for our Studio Membership. TOPMUSICPRO MEMBERSHIP 14-DAY FREE TRIAL

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 Mentioned Sarah's website: www.sarahmolenaar.com Sarah's free resources: www.sarahmolenaar.com/freebies Sarah's Facebook page: Sarah Molenaar, pianist Sarah's Instagram page: @sarahmolenaar and @pianostudioevolution Sarah's Youtube Channel Today's Guest Sarah Molenaar is a pianist, teacher, and author. She has performed solo recitals, released several albums—including Hommage à Chopin, Undercurrents, and Carols and Classics—and participated in masterclasses by internationally recognized pianists. Holding advanced performance diplomas and a Bachelor of Music degree, Sarah is a certified teacher recognized for her students’ successes in competitions and exams, as well as her own awards for teaching excellence. She is the author of The Advanced Piano Technique Book (2023), with companion volumes in progress, and has also created arrangements for piano four-hands, including You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch. 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 a...

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 Ehring Dr. Rachel Ehring is a pianist, teacher, music administrator, and lover of piano teaching gadgets. She holds a DMA in Collaborative Piano from the University of Colorado Boulder and a MM in Accompanying from the University of Kansas. She currently serves as Director at St. John’s Conservatory of the Arts in Orange County, CA. Previously, she held positions at Concordia University Irvine and Henderson State University. Rachel is passionate about empowering music teachers to create engaging and exciting lessons for students of all ages. When she isn’t playing the piano, you might find Rachel reading books with her son or walking her beagle Frieda. Visit her website at RachelEhring.com Visit her Instagram page: @rachelehring Visit her YouTube channel: 

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 Mentioned Fons.com Fons Family Facebook Group Eric's Instagram page: @ebranner Eric's Podcast: The Fourforty (440) with Eric Branner Today'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 performing, teaching, and building technology, and he is known for practical workshops, inspiring talks, and a deep commitment to helping educators build thriving careers. Passionate about blending great teaching with smart business practices, Eric empowers musicians to earn more, streamline their businesses, and expand their impact. About Rachel Ehring Dr. Rachel Ehring is a pianist, teacher, music administrator, and lover of piano teaching gadgets. She holds a DMA in Collaborative Piano from the University of Colorado Boulder and a MM in Accompanying from the University of Kansas. She currently serves as Director at St. John’s Conservatory of the Arts in Orange County, CA. Previously, she held positions at Concordia University Irvine and Henderson State University. Rachel is passionate about empowering music teachers to create engaging and exciting lessons for students of all ages. When she isn’t playing the piano, you might find Rachel reading books with her son or walking her beagle Frieda. Visit her website at RachelEhring.com Visit her Instagram page: a...

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 Ehring Dr. Rachel Ehring is a pianist, teacher, music administrator, and lover of piano teaching gadgets. She holds a DMA in Collaborative Piano from the University of Colorado Boulder and a MM in Accompanying from the University of Kansas. She currently serves as Director at St. John’s Conservatory of the Arts in Orange County, CA. Previously, she held positions at Concordia University Irvine and Henderson State University. Rachel is passionate about empowering music teachers to create engaging and exciting lessons for students of all ages. When she isn’t playing the piano, you might find Rachel reading books with her son or walking her beagle Frieda. Visit her website at RachelEhring.com Visit her Instagram page: @rachelehring Visit her YouTube channel: @dreamlavendermusic6694 Visit her Etsy shop at Dream Lavender Music Thank you for tuning in! Consider implementing the ideas from this podcast by writing several actionable steps for your teaching practice if it’s inspired you. If you enjoyed today’s show, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, which helps other teachers find our show. Stay updated by subscribing to this show, and get automatic delivery to your device every time a new episode goes live! We publish on Fridays weekly. TopMusicPro 14-Day Free Trial Heard about TopMusicPro Membership? As a valued podcast listener, I’d like to offer you a special chance to try our community free for 14 days. You can access a treasure trove of teaching resources, professional development courses, and creative lesson ideas. Click the link below to access your exclusive 14-day free trial for our Studio Membership. TOPMUSICPRO MEMBERSHIP 14-DAY FREE TRIAL

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 Mentioned Grant Kondo's Website Grant's Books: LifeOffThePage.com Grant's Books "Skills for the Modern Pianist" (US Amazon Link) Grant's Books "Skills for the Modern Pianist" (AU Amazon Link) TopMusic Composition Competition 2025 Today’s Guest Grant Kondo, is a pianist, educator, and author of Skills for the Modern Pianist, a three-level series designed to bridge classical foundations with improvisation, arranging, and modern genres. Inspired by Forrest Kinney, his innovative approach empowers students and teachers alike to move beyond the page, cultivating creativity, artistry, and a connection to the music they make. Grant runs a private studio in San Jose, CA, USA, and is a trip planning and transportation nerd as he loves anything from planes to trains to cruises! He has served on local, state, and national levels in leadership for Music Teachers National Association (MTNA). 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...

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 Mentioned Jeremy's website: www.jeremysiskind.com Jeremy's Jazz Piano Class: jeremysiskind.com/jazzclass Jeremy's Instagram Page: @jsiskind2 Jeremy's YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/jeremysiskind Today’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 piano playing can be heard on Arturo Sandoval’s most recent recording, My Foolish Heart, his arrangements can be heard on Julia Bullock’s Grammy-winning album, Walking in the Dark, and his compositions appear on nationally recognized repertoire lists, like the famed publication of the National Federation of Music Clubs. Besides Siskind’s own YouTube channel, which boasts over 25,000 subscribers, Siskind is frequently seen teaching on digital platforms like Tonebase, Open Studio, and Piano with Jonny, as well as presenting webinars and in-person lectures for the Frances Clark Institute, the Music Teachers National Association, and the Imagine Solutions Conference. Siskind helps to guide education and pedagogy surrounding improvisation and composition. Siskind spreads peace through music in places like Lebanon, Tunisia, and Thailand with the non-profit organization, Jazz Education Abroad. Jeremy Siskind is a Yamaha Artist. 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...

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 Mentioned Linda's Website: NarrowKeys.com YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@narrowkeys Today’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 Ehring Dr. Rachel Ehring is a pianist, teacher, music administrator, and lover of piano teaching gadgets. She holds a DMA in Collaborative Piano from the University of Colorado Boulder and a MM in Accompanying from the University of Kansas. She currently serves as Director at St. John’s Conservatory of the Arts in Orange County, CA. Previously, she held positions at Concordia University Irvine and Henderson State University. Rachel is passionate about empowering music teachers to create engaging and exciting lessons for students of all ages. When she isn’t playing the piano, you might find Rachel reading books with her son or walking her beagle Frieda. Visit her website at RachelEhring.com Visit her Instagram page: @rachelehring Visit her YouTube channel: 

Lydia Tomita’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and community. From her early days as a pianist in northern England to becoming the founder of a thriving teaching network in the Cotswolds, Lydia has combined her love of music with an entrepreneurial spirit. In this episode, she shares how she built a multi-teacher studio, balances gigs with teaching, and inspires students of all ages to embrace piano learning at every stage of life. Lydia shared how her musical journey began in a musically rich home with supportive parents. She described how playing for fun as a child built her strong sight-reading skills. How moving to the Cotswolds reignited her teaching career and led to new opportunities. How she built her studio gradually and expanding into multiple schools. Managing a team of five teachers across six schools with more than 100 pupils. The benefits and challenges of 20-minute lessons in UK schools. Lydia discussed the transition from solo teacher to studio owner, balancing admin with teaching. How Instagram and her website bring steady inquiries for wedding and event gigs. How her gig playing began with word-of-mouth and has grown into regular weddings and choir accompaniment. She encouraged teachers to step outside their comfort zones and say yes to opportunities. Technology she used like iPads with ForScore and apps like Note Rush to enhance teaching. Links Mentioned Lydia's website: CotswoldPianist.com Lydia's Instagram: @cotswoldpianist and @cotswoldpianostudio Lydia's Youtube Channel: www.youtube.com/@cotswoldpianist TopCast 429: Piano Method Navigator with Anna Beth Rucker Today’s Guest Lydia Tomita is a pianist, teacher and piano studio owner based in the beautiful Cotswolds, UK. Lydia graduated from Royal Holloway, University of London with a BMus, where she specialised in piano performance. In the 20 plus years since then she has had a portfolio career consisting of a mixture of teaching, performing and accompanying. Since moving to The Cotswolds 11 years ago Lydia has become more and more in demand as a teacher. As a result she now runs a team of 5 teachers, teaching over 100 pupils across the Cotswolds, with more to come! She also loves teaching adults and is passionate about the idea that it is never too late to do the things you love, whether you are the pupil or the teacher! She enjoys playing for weddings and events at stunning locations nearby, and regularly accompanies choirs. When she isn't teaching Lydia loves walking in the surrounding countryside with her two not-so-little-anymore children. 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. ...

Kenneth Thompson brings a wealth of insight into what makes music lessons truly transformative. Drawing from his experiences as a performer, educator, and founder of Musical Arts Centers of San Antonio, Inc. (MACSA), Ken shares how lesson atmosphere shapes the student experience. In this episode, he unpacks the five pillars of effective teaching, the balance between trust and intensity, and the powerful role teachers play as guides and leaders in their students’ journeys. Kenneth shared his journey from pianist to founder of Maxa Musical Art Center in San Antonio. The importance of lesson atmosphere—the environment between teacher and student. Why building connection is essential? Kenneth introduced his Five Pillars of Effective Teaching. Pillar 1: Teachers create masterpieces inside of other people. Pillar 2: Responsiveness builds trust—being reliable and listening to students. Pillar 3: Teachers are guides, not heroes—the student is the hero of their story. Pillar 4: Great teachers are leaders who inspire and hold a vision for their students. Pillar 5: Understand the spectrum of demander vs. teacher and balance both roles. He warned against negative atmospheres: undervaluing teaching and “teaching at” rather than “teaching with.” Kenneth highlighted how a school’s “vibe” shapes teaching and learning. Helping teachers transition from a university-level demander mindset to private teaching. Why parents play a big role and sometimes conflict with parents prevents student progress. He encouraged patience, trust, and responsiveness to open up closed-off students. Links Mentioned Musical Arts Centers of San Antonio, Inc. (MACSA) Ken's Instagram Page: @ken.creativecoach Today's Guest Kenneth Thompson is a recipient of the Texas Music Teachers Association’s (TMTA) Pre-Collegiate Teacher of the Year Award, the Lifetime Achievement Award and MACSAthe Leadership in Education Award from Musical Bridges Around the World (MBAW). He received a BM in Piano Performance from the Eastman School of Music where his teachers were Nelita True and Anton Nel. He has been featured in articles about music business and the study of music in USA Today and on MSN.com. Kenneth has performed extensively as a chamber musician and soloist. Feeling a calling to teach, Mr. Thompson turned his attention to the development of pre-college advanced pianists. His piano students have performed more than 120 complete solo recital programs and performed more than 40 times as soloists with orchestra including many performances with the San Antonio Symphony. He has had several students perform in New York at Carnegie Hall and has had two students perform on National Public Radio’s hit show “From the Top”. About Rachel Ehring Dr. Rachel Ehring is a pianist, teacher, music administrator, and lover of piano teaching gadgets. She holds a DMA in Collaborative Piano from the University of Colorado Boulder and a MM in Accompanying from the University of Kansas. She currently serves as Director at St. John’s Conservatory of the Arts in Orange County, CA. Previously, she held positions at Concordia University Irvine and Henderson State University. Rachel is passionate about empowering music teachers to create engaging and exciting lessons for students of all ages. When she isn’t playing the piano, you might find Rachel reading books with her son or walking her beagle Frieda. Visit her website at RachelEhring.com Visit

After attending the NCKP conference, I’m excited to share some of my favorite takeaways from this fantastic week. From one-question interviews with fellow teachers to insightful conference sessions, I learned so much that I’m eager to share with you. In this episode, you’ll hear short clips of teachers from around the world sharing their advice, favorite method books, and thoughts on practicing. Plus, I’ll dive into the new resources I picked up, including a Piano Safari decorating kit, and reflect on some memorable moments that will help shape my teaching moving forward. Rachel shared clips of teachers discussing their practice habits and favorite method books. Some valuable insights she gained from the exhibit hall. Rachel highlighted the conference sessions she attended in NCKP. The networking opportunities at the conference. Best advice for piano teachers and their favorite supplemental repertoire. Importance of attending conferences to stay inspired and connected to a piano teaching community. She encouraged teachers to attend conferences like NCKP to deepen their knowledge and foster valuable connections. About Rachel Ehring Dr. Rachel Ehring is a pianist, teacher, music administrator, and lover of piano teaching gadgets. She holds a DMA in Collaborative Piano from the University of Colorado Boulder and a MM in Accompanying from the University of Kansas. She currently serves as Director at St. John’s Conservatory of the Arts in Orange County, CA. Previously, she held positions at Concordia University Irvine and Henderson State University. Rachel is passionate about empowering music teachers to create engaging and exciting lessons for students of all ages. When she isn’t playing the piano, you might find Rachel reading books with her son or walking her beagle Frieda. Visit her website at RachelEhring.com Visit her Instagram page: @rachelehring Visit her YouTube channel: @dreamlavendermusic6694 Visit her Etsy shop at Dream Lavender Music Thank you for tuning in! Consider implementing the ideas from this podcast by writing several actionable steps for your teaching practice if it’s inspired you. If you enjoyed today’s show, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, which helps other teachers find our show. Stay updated by subscribing to this show, and get automatic delivery to your device every time a new episode goes live! We publish on Fridays weekly. TopMusicPro 14-Day Free Trial Heard about TopMusicPro Membership? As a valued podcast listener, I’d like to offer you a special chance to try our community free for 14 days. You can access a treasure trove of teaching resources, professional development courses, and creative lesson ideas. Click the link below to access your exclusive 14-day free trial for our Studio Membership. TOPMUSICPRO MEMBERSHIP 14-DAY FREE TRIAL

Bridey Gibson from Pianosaurus Rex is on a mission to make music lessons more fun through creative practice incentives and engaging resources. Based in Christchurch, New Zealand, she has grown her small studio into a thriving business by blending play-based learning with structured practice challenges. Bridey explains how incentives like the musical Monster Mania and simple practice charts keep students motivated and excited about their progress. Her passion for making piano education both enjoyable and rewarding shines through in this conversation. Bridey shared a brief overview of her music teaching studio in Christchurch, New Zealand. Her experience with different teaching formats like preschool groups and individual piano lessons. Her favorite teaching format, rotating lessons, which include group workshops and time spent in practice and theory labs. How she uses practice incentives to motivate students. The importance of setting clear goals and tracking progress. Her approach to practice incentives, focusing on achievable rewards like music challenges. She recommended using short-term challenges to maintain student interest and motivation. How to simplify practice incentives, using practice charts for students to track their practice. The benefits of having studio-wide challenges, encouraging students to see each other’s progress. She shared her creative rewards, like food treats or small prizes, to keep students motivated and excited about their practice. Links Mentioned Pianosaurus Rex Website Pianosaurus Rex Instagram Page: @pianosaurusrex Free Resource for Top Music Listeners: Lucky Dice Practice Resource Download your latest issue of TopMusic Magazine here. Today’s Guest Bridey Gibson from Pianosaurus Rex is on a mission to make music lessons even more fun through innovative teaching ideas, play based learning, creative expression, and engaging resources. What began in 2010 as a side hustle teaching piano to a handful of students has grown into a music studio with over fifty pupils, located by the beach in Christchurch, New Zealand. In addition to teaching, Bridey loves creating resources that make music lessons and practice more playful and organized. Outside of the music studio you can find Bridey road tripping with her family, reading science fiction and fantasy, slowly working on creative projects, and learning to surf. About Rachel Ehring Dr. Rachel Ehring is a pianist, teacher, music administrator, and lover of piano teaching gadgets. She holds a DMA in Collaborative Piano from the University of Colorado Boulder and a MM in Accompanying from the University of Kansas. She currently serves as Director at St. John’s Conservatory of the Arts in Orange County, CA. Previously, she held positions at Concordia University Irvine and Henderson State University. Rachel is passionate about empowering music teachers to create engaging and exciting lessons for students of all ages. When she isn’t playing the piano, you might find Rachel reading books with her son or walking her beagle Frieda. Visit her website at RachelEhring.com Visit her Instagram page: 

Building a solid practice routine and involving parents in the process are key to student success, as Holly Hornyan, founder of Clever Keys Music Lessons, knows all too well. In this episode, Holly shares her insights on how to help students develop good practice habits and how to communicate effectively with parents to support their child's musical growth. Whether it's through setting realistic goals, creating a dedicated practice space, or fostering strong parent-teacher relationships, Holly’s approach helps both students and teachers thrive. Holly shared a brief overview of her background and her music teaching studio in Phoenix, Arizona. Establishing a daily practice routine and creating a dedicated practice space at home. Strategies for communicating with parents to ensure effective practice. The significance of having open lines of communication between teachers and parents. Holly recommended using tools like practice trackers and setting realistic practice goals for both students and parents. The role of modeling good practice habits and demonstrating effective practice strategies. Her experience using short-term challenges to motivate students before recitals. A parents' guide to piano practice, which helps parents set up practice routines and stay involved. Importance of seeing parents as allies in the teaching process to support student success. How building strong relationships with parents makes the teaching experience more enjoyable for both the teacher and the student. Links Mentioned Holly's Website: Clever Keys Music Lessons Holly's Instagram Page: @cleverkeysmusiclessons Today’s Guest Holly Hornyan is a passionate piano educator based in Phoenix, Arizona, with over 16 years of teaching experience. After earning her Master of Arts in Teaching Music from the University of Southern California, Holly began her career in K–8 general music and choir before transitioning to what she loves most: teaching beginning students to play piano. She’s also a graduate of The Royal Conservatory of Music’s Teaching Elementary Piano course and has been featured on the Music Studio Startup and Dynamic Piano Teaching podcasts. Holly is known for her practical, parent-friendly approach to music education - helping young students thrive by equipping families with tools for effective, low-stress home practice. She believes that every child is musical and is committed to making piano learning fun, accessible, and confidence-building. About Rachel Ehring Dr. Rachel Ehring is a pianist, teacher, music administrator, and lover of piano teaching gadgets. She holds a DMA in Collaborative Piano from the University of Colorado Boulder and a MM in Accompanying from the University of Kansas. She currently serves as Director at St. John’s Conservatory of the Arts in Orange County, CA. Previously, she held positions at Concordia University Irvine and Henderson State University. Rachel is passionate about empowering music teachers to create engaging and exciting lessons for students of all ages. When she isn’t playing the piano, you might find Rachel reading books with her son or walking her beagle Frieda. Visit her website at RachelEhring.com Visit her Instagram page: @rachelehring Visit her YouTube channel: @dreamlavendermusic6694 Visit...

Leading a business and teaching from a place of authenticity can be challenging, but it’s exactly what Kristina Lee embraces in her work. As the founder of Live Love Piano, Kristina combines her background in performance, intercultural studies, and decades of teaching experience to create an online space for adult learners. In this episode, she shares how authenticity plays a crucial role in both her teaching approach and her business, helping students reconnect with their creativity, build solid technique, and experience the joy of playing piano at any stage of life. Kristina shared a brief overview of her background and her music studio in Bellevue, Washington. Her story of immigrating from Korea and how piano became a way for her to communicate in a new country. Her shift from a performance career to teaching and coaching after a personal loss at age 40. Running both a physical studio and an online space for adult piano learners called Live Love Piano. Belief in teaching from a place of authenticity and embracing life experiences to shape her teaching. Why making space for rest & self-reflection is crucial for finding authenticity in both life & teaching. Using journaling and asking yourself deep questions to reconnect with your authentic self. How she uses a mix of coaching and piano teaching to help students align with their goals. Importance of not letting fear or comparison dictate decisions, especially in business and teaching. She introduced her online course Simple and Beautiful Piano for Adult Beginners. Links Mentioned Kristina's website: Live Love Piano by Kristina Lee Follow Kristina on Instagram: @kristinaleemusic Kristina's Article: How I Traded in my Mercedes for a Hyundai - A Piano Story Visit her YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@kristinaleemusic Today's Guest Kristina Lee is a pianist, educator, and founder of Live Love Piano, where she creates online courses designed especially for adult learners. With a background in performance, intercultural studies, and decades of teaching experience, Kristina brings a soulful and thoughtful approach to music education. She’s passionate about helping students reconnect with their creativity, develop solid technique, and experience the joy of playing piano — no matter their age or background. About Rachel Ehring Dr. Rachel Ehring is a pianist, teacher, music administrator, and lover of piano teaching gadgets. She holds a DMA in Collaborative Piano from the University of Colorado Boulder and a MM in Accompanying from the University of Kansas. She currently serves as Director at St. John’s Conservatory of the Arts in Orange County, CA. Previously, she held positions at Concordia University Irvine and Henderson State University. Rachel is passionate about empowering music teachers to create engaging and exciting lessons for students of all ages. When she isn’t playing the piano, you might find Rachel reading books with her son or walking her beagle Frieda. Visit her website at RachelEhring.com Visit her Instagram page: @rachelehring Visit her YouTube channel: a...