TopMusic Piano Podcast

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...

Elaina Burns, founder of Resonance: Mind-Body-Music, blends yoga and piano to help students build awareness and overcome performance anxiety. With a focus on mindfulness and body alignment, she shares how she empowers students to become independent learners while fostering a love for music. Elaina’s approach goes beyond technique, encouraging creativity and emotional expression in every lesson, creating a supportive and dynamic environment for growth. Elaina shared her diverse career as a pianist, organist, and music educator. How yoga has influenced her approach to teaching piano, focusing on mindfulness and alignment. Integrating yoga exercises with piano lessons, helping students to develop awareness. The importance of mindfulness in teaching, especially when preparing students for performance. Strategies for helping students overcome performance anxiety. Her practice of using a metronome to gradually increase tempo. Elaina recommended using listening lessons, where students listen to recordings and analyze different elements of music. Using vision boards to help students visualize long-term goals and map out their musical journey. Her innovative methods for engaging students. How she uses fun tools like lollipop drums and large music staffs to make lessons exciting. Links Mentioned Elaina's website: ElainaBurns.com Today's Guest Elaina Burns is an active pianist, chamber musician, and nationally certified teacher based in Pearl River, New York. Burns is a pianist for Parlando, a professional chamber orchestra in New York City, and she performs regularly with Spanish dancer and teaching artist, Anna de la Paz. Burns is founder and director of Resonance: Mind-Body-Music, a piano studio dedicated to the creative and healing arts, where she encourages students to develop mind-body awareness in order to improve their artistry, musicianship, and overall well being. She is always eager to discuss pedagogy, wellness, and all aspects of music. Burns holds a doctoral degree in piano performance and pedagogy from the University of Oklahoma. Notable performances include Beethoven’s Choral Fantasy and Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue. Please visit www.elainaburns.com to learn more. 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...

Growing up playing in church services gave me much of my early performance experience, and it’s a topic I’ve never explored on the podcast until now. In this solo episode, I’m sharing my journey with sacred music, from childhood church performances to my studies in Sacred Music. I’ll be talking about my favorite hymn arrangers, like Lloyd Larson and Mark Hayes, and will offer suggestions for pianists of all levels looking to incorporate sacred music into their repertoire. Whether you're teaching students to play in church or looking to expand your own playing, I hope you’ll find some useful resources in this episode. Rachel shared her experience playing sacred music in church from a young age. She explained how her Sacred Music degree shaped her understanding of church music and performance. Her early experiences playing hymns and offertories during church services. She shared her favorite hymn arrangers, like Marilynn Ham, Dino, and Mark Hayes. Rachel highlighted Lloyd Larson as her favorite arranger for accessible yet beautiful hymns. She recommended Dennis Alexander’s sacred music for intermediate students. She mentioned Roger House’s pieces as accessible yet technical arrangements. She introduced Larry Shackley’s Sacred Rhapsody for advanced pianists. Rachel shared Michael Larkin’s All Creatures of Our God and King with hymns and original pieces. She encouraged listeners to share their favorite sacred music suggestions. Links Mentioned Rachel's Favorite Sacred Piano Books Amanda Tero Music Susan Staples Bell Music for Worship Mark Hayes' Hymn Harmonizations Michael Larkin's All Creatures of Our God and King Marilynn Ham Books TopMusic Piano Podcast 010: From Concept to Composition with Susan Staples Bell Download the latest TopMusic Magazine edition here. About Rachel Ehring Dr. Rachel Ehring is a pianist, teacher, music administrator, and lover of piano teaching gadgets. She holds a DMA in Collaborative Piano from the University of Colorado Boulder and a MM in Accompanying from the University of Kansas. She currently serves as Director at St. John’s Conservatory of the Arts in Orange County, CA. Previously, she held positions at Concordia University Irvine and Henderson State University. Rachel is passionate about empowering music teachers to create engaging and exciting lessons for students of all ages. When she isn’t playing the piano, you might find Rachel reading books with her son or walking her beagle Frieda. Visit her website at RachelEhring.com Visit her Instagram page: 

From dueling pianist to studio owner, Whitney Maxwell shares her remarkable journey of pivoting during the pandemic to open Bloom Music Studio in 2021. In this episode, she talks about how her studio grew rapidly after being featured in the Des Moines Register and how she’s created a welcoming, community-driven environment for students. Whitney also explains her unique lab-based teaching model, which fosters independent learning and helps students progress faster than in traditional private lessons. Whitney shared how she opened Bloom Music Studio in 2021 during the pandemic. Her transition from a corporate job to full-time teaching after growing her piano studio. She discussed her experience of being featured in the Des Moines Register, which led to a dramatic increase in students. How her studio offers piano lessons for all ages and is considering expanding to other instruments. The importance of infusing personality into her studio's website to attract the right families. The benefits of a lab-based teaching structure, encouraging independent learning for students. How group lessons allow students to progress faster than in private lessons. Advice on managing a teaching team and the benefits of co-teaching in creating community. Her passion for creating a strong teacher-student bond through activities and worksheets. She recommended that teachers find the pulse of their local community to align their studio’s offerings with what students truly want. Links Mentioned Whitney's website: Bloom Music Studio Whitney's Instagram page: @bloommusicstudio Whitney's TikTok page: bloommusicstudio Today’s Guest Whitney Maxwell grew up reading beautiful classical music, studying for 10 years under a Juilliard and Harvard trained teacher and concert pianist. She loved her piano teacher and she loved her lessons. But after some time in corporate America, Whitney somehow ended up traveling the world as a full time dueling piano player. She has been teaching since 2001, and has extensive experience in a variety of curriculums, teaching methods and lesson styles. 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...

As a classical pianist, I’ve always felt a bit intimidated by jazz. But in this conversation with jazz pianist and educator Quentin Walston, I step out of my comfort zone and dive into the world of jazz improvisation. Quentin shares his journey from self-taught pianist to the founder of This Is Jazz, a company dedicated to making jazz more accessible to teachers and students. He also discusses his book How to Teach Jazz and Improvisation, offering valuable insights on how educators can confidently introduce jazz concepts and improvisation to students, even beginners. Quentin shared his journey from self-taught pianist to jazz educator to promote jazz education. His early classical piano lessons and how his love for improvisation led him to jazz. Discussion of his book, How to Teach Jazz and Improvisation, designed for teachers to confidently teach jazz. How the book includes simple compositions for students to improvise and play jazz right away. Tips for teaching swing, articulation, and improvisation to beginners. He stressed that starting with easy exercises helps students build confidence in improvisation. Advice for classical pianists looking to explore jazz, focusing on rhythm and swing feel. He explained that improvisation is a skill that can be learned gradually over time. Quentin mentioned that even adult learners can start improvising within a few months. He recommended his courses on jazz theory and history, along with his album Retro Future for inspiration. Links Mentioned Quentin's website: This Is Jazz Quentin's Instagram page: @quentinwalston Quentin's YouTube channel: This Is Jazz Today's Guest Quentin Walston is an active pianist, educator, and founder of This Is Jazz, a company dedicated to jazz education and appreciation. He brings jazz into classrooms and lessons nationwide by equipping educators through his book How to Teach Jazz & Improvisation. A Virginia Commission for the Arts "Teaching Artist" and Maryland State Arts Council "Touring Artist," he draws on over a decade of professional teaching and performing experience to his work. He performs with his jazz trio and as a solo pianist, blending memorable melodies and striking rhythms with adventurous improvisations. His album Retro Future features original works inspired by masters from Thelonious Monk to Jason Moran. Through workshops and seminars for all ages covering jazz, composition, and music history, Quentin brings passionate expertise to jazz performance and education in any setting, classroom or concert hall. 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 

In this conversation with Celeste Watson, we explore the challenges of piano-related injuries and how musicians can retrain their bodies for pain-free playing. Celeste shares her personal experience overcoming a playing-related injury caused by hypermobility, offering valuable insights into injury prevention and rehabilitation. With a focus on proper alignment, kinesthetic awareness, and mindful technique, she provides practical advice for teachers working with both children and adults, as well as transfer students struggling with tension and poor technique. Whether you're a teacher or a pianist, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge on building a healthy, sustainable practice. Celeste works with musicians recovering from injuries, offering rehab and teaching services. She shared about her diverse studio, including private lessons and early childhood music education. The importance of proper alignment to prevent injuries. She discussed overcoming a playing-related injury due to hypermobility. Celeste shared her retraining experience at the Lister-Sink Institute. How movement from the elbow, not the shoulder, aids in proper technique. The role of proprioception in injury prevention. Some challenges in retraining older transfer students with bad habits. Celeste discussed teaching young students by focusing on center finger coordination. She recommended resources like books and professional guidance for injury prevention. Links Mentioned Celeste's website: Watson Music Paula Dreyer's Little Gems for Piano Keyboard Games by Marilyn Lowe (Music Moves for Piano) Lister-Sink Method Book: What Every Pianist Needs to Know About the Body Today's Guest Celeste Watson has a passion for helping others enjoy music by playing the piano with exciting musically and scientifically-informed technique. After experiencing several playing-related injuries and an intensive period of retraining and rehabilitation, Celeste returned to an active schedule of playing, teaching, and speaking. Playing the piano continues to challenge and grow her both as an artist and as a human being, and she works to help each of her students experience that same joy and growth. 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: 

How do we create a studio environment where students support each other instead of competing? In this episode, we're having a chat with Jessie Hill about building a culture of encouragement—one where students cheer each other on, give thoughtful feedback, and learn that kindness and music go hand in hand. Jessie shares how she uses simple strategies like compliment cards, intentional praise, and reflective group discussions to make her studio a place where students feel seen and valued. We also talk about her creative resources for teaching note reading and rhythm, and how she balances strong pedagogy with a whole lot of heart. Jessie shared a brief overview of her music studio from her home in Tennessee. Her note-reading approach using nine landmark notes and intervallic reading, instead of mnemonics. She emphasized teaching note reading as a long-term process, aiming for accuracy over speed. Using worksheets and visual aids to help students find notes using known landmarks and intervals. The importance of cultivating a supportive studio culture was a key theme of the conversation. Studio culture as how students and teachers think about and interact with one another. Why comparison is human nature, but teachers can model encouragement over competition. A recital idea where students write compliment cards to one another to celebrate their strengths. Gving specific praise rather than vague compliments to foster genuine encouragement. The idea of using the poem “Am I a Builder?” as a studio theme to encourage kindness and support. The importance of intentionality in preventing negativity and promoting positive interactions. Her creative teaching resources, like Interval Wars and Rhythm Tumble. Practical studio organization tips. Links Mentioned Jessie's website: Hill Piano Studio Jessie's Instagram page: @hillpianostudio TopMusic Piano Podcast Episode 069: The Note Reading Struggle is Real Today's Guest Jessie Hill is a dedicated piano teacher based in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, where she teaches from her welcoming home studio. As a mother of four daughters, Jessie understands the challenges families face when choosing extracurricular activities, and she’s passionate about making music education a lasting and meaningful choice. With a firm belief that piano is a lifelong skill that grows with you, she inspires students of all ages to discover joy, confidence, and lasting progress through music. Jessie’s teaching philosophy emphasizes strong foundational skills in music reading, rhythm, and technique, supported by a thoughtfully chosen method book series. She also enriches her students' experience through recitals, group lessons, and festival opportunities, creating a vibrant and supportive learning environment for every child. 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...

Lately, I’ve been having a lot of conversations with other teachers about something we’re all seeing—students who can play pretty well but still guess at basic notes. In this solo episode, I’m diving into why note reading continues to be such a challenge, even for students who seem to be progressing. I’ll talk about how method books might be part of the problem, why students get overwhelmed, and what we can do to slow things down and build stronger foundations. I’m also sharing practical tools and a sneak peek at the sight reading framework I’ve been developing to help students become confident, fluent readers. Rachel shared that note reading struggles came up during a conversation with her teaching team. The importance of not rushing through method books as a common teaching pitfall. Why some students rely on hand positions and interval cues instead of truly reading notes. How the layout of certain method books, like Faber, might unintentionally contribute to the problem. She suggested separating elements like rhythm and pitch during lessons to reduce overwhelm. Recommended hands-on tools like Easy Notes tiles and magnetic whiteboards for reinforcement. How anchor notes like middle C, treble G, and bass F can serve as visual reference points. Her success using Flashnote Derby with limited note sets to build confidence. Rachel introduced her view of sight reading as advanced note reading, built on strong fundamentals. She previewed a new seven-part sight reading framework she’s developing for pianists. Links Mentioned Podcast Freebie: 5 Simple Ways to Improve Sight-Reading Immediately 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...

What happens when you bring piano lessons into a prison? Florence Phillips shares how a personal connection to the justice system led her to start a music program inside a Pennsylvania prison. With no template and plenty of obstacles, she built something powerful from scratch. Florence opens up about the messy first class, the transformation that followed, and the impact music had on her students and on herself. This is an episode about resilience, creativity, and what it really means to teach with purpose. Florence shared an overview of her multi-teacher piano studio. How a loved one’s incarceration opened her eyes to life inside prison. She discovered that there were no music programs post-COVID at a nearby facility. The logistical challenge of not being allowed to bring anything inside—not even a pen or notebook. How she prepared by sending lesson plans in advance and staying flexible. She shared about her first class feeling chaotic, with mixed levels and little structure. How she almost quit, but support from colleagues pushed her to try again. How her second class improved after she set clear goals and expectations. Structuring a routine with solo sharing, group work, and one-on-one help. How clapping and celebration slowly became natural for the group. Florence shared that the music gave the men something to look forward to and feel proud of. She reflected that teaching in prison changed her deeply. Links Mentioned Florence's website: Florence Phillips Music Florence's Instagram page: @florence_phillips_music Florence's Facebook page: Florence Phillips Music Today's Guest Florence Phillips is a pianist and educator based in Chester County, Pennsylvania. She founded her private studio in 2020 and works with a diverse range of students—from young beginners to advanced adults—providing a welcoming, creative, and supportive environment for musical growth. A native of West Chester, Florence is passionate about enriching her community through music. She holds both a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in Piano Pedagogy, the former from West Chester University, where she currently serves as an adjunct professor in the Wells School of Music. In addition to her university work, she teaches group piano classes at SCI Phoenix and remains active as a church musician. With over a decade of performance experience, Florence has appeared as a soloist, collaborative pianist, and orchestral performer. Her repertoire includes virtuosic works such as Balakirev’s Islamey, Ravel’s Ondine, and Saint-Saëns’ Piano Concerto No. 2 in G Minor, which she performed with the WCU Symphony Orchestra. Outside of her musical pursuits, Florence enjoys spending time with her large extended family, exploring her hometown, and traveling with her daughter. 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.