The Scrappy Piano Teacher Podcast

In this episode of the Scrappy Piano Teacher Podcast, I’m talking about what “back to basics” actually means for a piano studio that is already full and running.This conversation came from a season where I realized I had said yes to too many things and needed to pause and ask what was still serving me and what wasn’t. Not because anything was failing, but because things had started to feel heavy and unclear.We talk about why studios can feel exhausting even when nothing is technically wrong, why burnout often shows up before performance drops, and why resetting a studio can feel so hard once it’s already in motion. I share insights from education psychology, including why motivation usually comes after action, not before, and how early decisions around schedules, policies, and expectations can quietly lock us into systems that no longer fit. Psychology calls this path dependence.I also walk through four foundational anchors that can help you reset your studio without starting over. This isn’t about tearing everything down or lowering your standards. It’s about clearing out the clutter so the studio you already built can actually support you long term.If you’re feeling behind even when you’re on top of things, constantly tweaking but never settling, or tired in a way that rest alone doesn’t fix, this episode is for you.If you want to go deeper with this work, my Studio Reset Cohort is open for registration through February 6. You can find all the details atscrappypianoteacher.com/resetI’m also hosting a free Scrappy Circle teacher meetup called Let’s Talk Recitals with Janna Williamson on February 13 at noon Eastern. You can RSVP atscrappypianoteacher.com/scrappycircleThanks so much for listening. I’m really glad you’re here.

In this Ask Me Anything episode, I’m answering real questions submitted by music teachers who are navigating real life situations. This is the first AMA episode, and we’re talking about two topics that come up constantly but are rarely explained simply.First, I answer a question from a teacher who unexpectedly needed to move and transition students to online lessons. I share my honest thoughts on choosing an online setup, why simple is often best, and how hybrid approaches using recordings can reduce pressure during live lessons.Next, we dive into taxes. Specifically, where to pay quarterly estimated taxes if you have only ever paid once a year. I am very honest about this being one of my weakest areas, why that is incredibly common among independent music teachers, and why getting teacher specific financial support can make a huge difference.This episode is for teachers who want reassurance, clarity, and practical next steps without feeling judged or overwhelmed.Helpful links mentioned in this episodeStudio Reset CohortRegistration is now openwww.scrappypianoteacher.com/resetJoin my email listwww.scrappypianoteacher.comOnline teaching platformsMuzie.livewww.muzie.liveOnline teaching support and setup helpwww.teachmusic.online/blogTax help and financial support for music teachersTax specific serviceswww.musicstudiostartup.com/services/General financial education for musicianswww.musicianandcompany.comIf you have a question you would love answered in a future Ask Me Anything episode, make sure you are on my email list so you can submit it next time.

In this episode of The Scrappy Piano Teacher Podcast, I’m joined by Amy Chaplin from Piano Pantry to talk about digital organization and why it matters far more than most teachers realize.We discuss how digital clutter quietly drains mental energy, why email overwhelm is so common for music teachers, and how organization systems should support your life rather than add more pressure.This conversation is especially helpful if your inbox feels out of control, your files are scattered everywhere, or you keep telling yourself you’ll “organize it later.”● Why digital organization is not a one time project● How cluttered files and inboxes contribute to burnout● Where to start when everything feels overwhelming● The importance of small, maintainable systems● Accountability and learning alongside other teachers● Using tools like Notion in a flexible, realistic wayOrganize Your Life with NotionFebruary 27, March 6, March 13 @ 12:30-2:30pm EThttps://pianopantry.com/notionwaitOrganize Your Digital Life (Retreat)Summer 2026https://pianopantry.com/digital-organization-retreat/Organize Your Digital Life (Zoom)TBA 2026-2027https://pianopantry.com/organize-your-digital-life/Subscribe to the Scrappy Piano Teacherwww.scrappypianoteacher.com

This is a Scrappy Snippet episode, which means it is short, lightly edited, and very real.In this episode, I scroll through piano teacher Facebook posts and react in real time. I share my honest thoughts on recital themes, piano method book debates, and why questions like Bastien vs Faber vs Alfred are often not the real issue for piano teachers.I talk about how teacher experience matters more than the method book, why the teacher often becomes the method, and how I think about choosing piano methods for young beginners in both private lessons and group piano classes.If you are a piano teacher looking for piano teaching tips, clarity around method books, or reassurance that you are not doing it wrong, this episode is for you.I share practical piano pedagogy insight without telling you what you should do, and I focus on helping you think more clearly and confidently as a music teacher.More Scrappy Snippet episodes and Ask Me Anything episodes are coming.Thanks for listening.Join the email list at www.scrappypianoteacher.com

In this episode, I’m talking about studio analytics and what the numbers in your piano studio are actually telling you.This is not a business heavy episode and it is not about turning teaching into spreadsheets. It is about gaining clarity. Most independent music teachers were trained to teach music, not to analyze how their studio functions as a business. That gap often leads to guessing, frustration, or the feeling that something is off even when you love teaching.I walk through the key areas successful small businesses pay attention to and translate them into piano teacher language. We talk about predictable income, operating costs, student retention patterns, and studio alignment, along with a real example from my own studio that completely changed how I think about growth and sustainability.If you have ever wondered whether your piano studio is actually profitable, why students leave, what numbers matter most, or how to make confident decisions instead of hoping you are doing things right, this episode will help you start seeing your studio more clearly.If you want more support, resources, and honest conversations about teaching and running a sustainable studio, you can join my email list atwww.scrappypianoteacher.comIf you want an easier way to track income, retention, and studio patterns, I personally use MyMusicStaff. You can try it free for 60 days atwww.mymusicstaff.com/scrappypianoteacherIf this episode was helpful, leaving a review or sharing it with another piano teacher helps more independent teachers find clarity and support in their studios.Thanks so much for listening.

Bonus Episode: Celebrating Piano Teachers Around the WorldWe talk all the time about music being universal.But teaching is universal too.This is a special bonus episode of The Scrappy Piano Teacher Podcast, created to help ring in the new year and celebrate independent piano teachers from around the world.I invited teachers from different places to send in a short voice note. Just a quick reflection on teaching, creativity, challenges, and what they’re carrying with them as they look back on 2025 and ahead to 2026.What stood out to me right away was how similar so many of the thoughts were. Different countries. Different studios. And yet the same questions, the same care for students, and the same love for the work.This episode is meant to feel light, encouraging, and connective. It’s a reminder that no matter where you teach, you’re part of something much bigger than your own studio.Teachers featured in this bonus episode:Tim Topham — Melbourne, AustraliaLydia Tomita — Cotswolds, EnglandJuan Cabeza — Madrid, SpainSibusiso Mash Mashiloane — Durban, South AfricaMark Weathers — Alaska, USAShannon Saravia— California, USAElizabeth Swift — Ohio, USAWhether you’re feeling reflective, excited, tired, hopeful, or all of the above, I hope this episode reminds you that you’re not alone in this work.Happy New Year, and thank you for being part of this community.

In this reflective conversation, I sit down with Christina Whitlock to look back on years of piano teaching and talk honestly about how perspective changes over time.We reflect on practice expectations, overscheduled students, burnout, perfectionism, and the quiet pressures piano teachers carry, often without realizing it. This episode is not about fixing anything. It is a thoughtful conversation between two experienced teachers sharing what they have noticed after decades in the studio.If you are a piano teacher who feels tired, reflective, or simply wants to listen in on an honest, unfiltered conversation about teaching music long term, this episode is for you.Topics we discuss include:• What piano teachers tend to feel most tired of over time• Practice struggles and shifting expectations• Overscheduled students and modern studio realities• Giving yourself grace as a teacher• Letting go of perfectionism in lessons and life• Teaching piano with perspective and sustainabilityThis episode is part of The Scrappy Piano Teacher Podcast, a space for real conversations about music teaching, studio life, burnout, and building a sustainable career.

What does it really mean when we say our piano studios are “taking a break”?In this Scrappy Snippet, Jaclyn Mrozek talks through the confusion around winter break, piano practice expectations, and what rest actually looks like for students. December can feel heavy for both teachers and students, and this episode offers a grounded, realistic approach to letting students rest without guilt or pressure.You’ll hear why rest matters from a learning perspective, including insights inspired by Learn Faster, Perform Better by Molly Gebrian. Jaclyn also shares how she personally handles winter break practice in her studio, why she gives students choices, and what she actually sends home with students during this time of year.This episode is for piano teachers who are asking:• Should students practice over winter break• What does “taking a break” really mean in a piano studio• How do we reduce pressure without lowering standards• What should the last week of December lessons look likeJaclyn also shares practical, low-pressure ideas for the final week before break, including optional resources and story-based learning for younger students.Resources mentioned:• Learn Faster, Perform Better by Molly Gebrian• Susan Paradis studio-licensed collections at susanparadis.com• Wendy Stevens’ Beautiful Places series from Compose Create at composecreate.com• Coda’s Ornament holiday piano storybook• December Piano Party Pack

Today’s episode is one big exhale for every piano teacher who is carrying a lot right now. Teaching does not happen in a vacuum. It happens inside the real life we are living, with all its surprises, interruptions, emotions, and responsibilities. And if you have ever tried to teach through a full life season, today’s conversation is for you.I recently went to a teacher Christmas brunch, and it was such a reminder that even the most grounded teachers are juggling real things behind the scenes. Leaking ceilings, overwhelmed moms, recital prep, teenagers, holiday pressure. And on that same day, I was dealing with a migraine so intense I could barely function. My family stepped in and did everything for recital night, and it reminded me how much we expect ourselves to carry alone.This episode is not really about December. It is about the truth that matters in every season of studio life. Piano teachers are human. Independent music teachers are human. And your real life does not disqualify you from being a good teacher. It shapes the way you show up with depth and compassion.Inside this episode you will hear:• What “teaching while human” really looks like• The emotional load piano teachers carry behind the scenes• How real life and teaching life collide• Why overwhelm does not mean you are failing• Encouragement for teachers navigating burnout, stress, or busy seasons• One gentle reflection question you can take into any month of the yearThis episode is perfect for:Piano teachers, independent music teachers, studio owners, group piano teachers, new teachers finding their footing, seasoned teachers needing encouragement, and anyone feeling stretched between teaching and real life.Join the Scrappy Circle, Find the December Piano Party Pack, and join the Winter Workshop all at www.scrappypianoteacher.com

This Scrappy Snippet is a fast December piano resource roundup filled with easy lesson ideas for the busiest month of the year. Perfect for group piano teachers, private teachers, and anyone who needs low prep Christmas activities that work for many ages.In this episode I share● Christmas by Ear for aural work● Nutcracker Rhythm Cup Explorations● Lead sheet Christmas arrangements for teens● Quick December piano games● Composer study ideas● A December performance challenge● And three ways to find more teacher community this monthFull blog with every link mentionedscrappypianoteacher.com/scrappynotes/decemberresourcesFeatured linksDecember Piano Party Packscrappypianoteacher.com/resources/p/december-piano-party-packFree Scrappy Circle Teacher Meet Uppianokats.kit.com/decemberscrappycircleWinter Workshop for Teacherspianokats.kit.com/winterworkshopNew episodes drop weekly. Thanks for listening.

Teaching follows a rhythm and some months feel heavier than others. In this episode I talk about the seasons of a teaching year, why certain months can feel overwhelming, and how the science behind decision fatigue and burnout explains the stress independent teachers carry. You will hear simple shifts that help you move through the hard seasons with more clarity, more energy, and less mental load.I also share a few ideas for simplifying December lessons and preparing for spring so you can protect your energy instead of running on empty. Understanding these patterns helps you stop blaming yourself and start supporting yourself with routines that work.If you want ready to use ideas for December, the December Piano Party Pack is available on my site. The Winter Workshop opens soon and will guide you through building systems that support your teaching life all year long.You deserve a studio that fits your life. You deserve to feel steady in every season.Grab the December Piano Party Pack www.scrappypianoteacher.com/resources/p/december-piano-party-packVisit the website for more Black Friday Deals www.scrappypianoteacher.comSubscribe for all updates! https://pianokats.kit.com/scrappy

This Scrappy Snippet is a five minute studio policy reset for music teachers who want a smoother second half of the teaching year. This is not about rewriting your entire policy or sending long emails to parents. Instead, I guide you through a simple self audit so you can see what is working, what feels fuzzy, and where your boundaries have started to slide.We talk about clarity, communication, exceptions, morale, and the importance of leading your studio with confidence. Think of it like wiping down the counters in your studio grocery store so everything feels calmer and more grounded again.If you missed my Scrappy Snippet called Dont Be the Grumpy Grocery Store, go listen to that next. These two pair together if you are ready for a smoother, clearer, more confident studio season.For more resources for piano teachers and music teachers, visit www.scrappypianoteacher.com.Need help with your policy? I got you with this policy workbook -> www.scrappypianoteacher.com/resources/p/calendar-policy-scrappy-session-toolkit-replay-workbook-templates

Partner lessons, also called buddy lessons, have become one of my favorite formats in the studio. In this episode, I’m sharing exactly how I teach and structure them, what a 45 minute format looks like, and how I decide which students to pair together. I’ll walk through how partner lessons help with scheduling, practice motivation, and even teacher burnout.If you’ve ever wondered how to find a balance between group and private piano lessons, or how to bring collaboration into your studio without doubling your hours, this episode will help you get started. You’ll hear how I plan lessons in ten minute segments, how I build in flexibility for different personalities and skill levels, and how partner lessons can support overscheduled students while keeping your teaching flow simple and steady.Whether you call them partner piano lessons, buddy lessons, or duet lessons, these strategies will help you save time, improve studio organization, and create more connection in your teaching week.Have questions or want to connect? Reach out and subscribe at jaclyn@scrappypianoteacher.comCheck out Boom Cards for your studio at boomlearning.com

Ever feel like your piano studio has turned into a grumpy grocery store? In this Scrappy Snippet, I’m talking about what grocery store customer service can teach us about piano teacher leadership, studio systems, and creating a positive studio mindset.Our energy matters. How we show up in lessons affects everything: student morale, parent communication, and even how sustainable our teaching week feels. This one’s for every independent music teacher who’s ever walked into a lesson burned out, unorganized, or on autopilot.Let’s be real. Studio wellness doesn’t come from another planner or policy. It comes from how we manage our time, systems, and boundaries as teachers. So if you’ve ever wondered how to keep your piano studio running smoothly without turning into the grumpy grocery store, this one’s for you.Listen to more episodes of The Scrappy Piano Teacher Podcast wherever you stream.Visit the website for more resources and subscribe at www.scrappypianoteacher.com

In this episode of The Scrappy Piano Teacher, I’m diving into one of the biggest challenges for independent teachers: how to actually be seen and found in a crowded world of lessons, listings, and local studios.Using data from the 2024 MTNA Member Survey, we’ll look at what real teachers are doing for visibility and why word of mouth alone isn’t enough anymore. You’ll learn what’s working right now and get simple, no-fluff ways to make your studio stand out without feeling salesy.We’ll talk about:● Why visibility isn’t vanity and what that really means for teachers● Easy ways to boost your online presence and attract new students● How a free Google Business profile can help parents find your studio● Setting small visibility goals to keep your studio growing● The value of MTNA membership and how their data can guide smarter studio decisionsBecause marketing isn’t about bragging. It’s about helping the right families find you.Tune in for a mix of encouragement, real talk, and actionable studio strategy. And stay tuned for a quick mention of my upcoming Burnout Armor workshop that will help teachers protect their time and energy before spring hits.Check out the MTNA 2024 Survey Here - www.mtna.org/MTNA/Business_Resources/General/2024_Member_Survey.aspxSubscribe for Updates - www.scrappypianoteacher.com60 Day MyMusicStaff Affiliate Link - www.mymusicstaff.com/scrappypianoteacher

Scrappy Snippet: Performance Prep for Piano Recitalswith guest Dr. Molly GebrianIt’s recital season and if your students are anything like mine, they need a little extra help turning their practice mode into performance mode.In this Scrappy Snippet, I chat with Dr. Molly Gebrian about how to prepare students for performance, not just practice. We talk about practical ways to help piano students stay calm, confident, and ready for the stage, from testing “performance readiness” and planning backward from recital dates to fun distraction games and mental practice for younger players.Whether you teach piano, violin, or any other instrument, you’ll walk away with ideas you can use this week to make recital prep smoother and more effective.Mentioned in this episode:● Learn Faster, Perform Better by Dr. Molly Gebrian● Performance testing checklist ideas for older students● Mental practice and memorization tips● Distraction game ideas for younger studentsIf you missed last week’s episode with Molly on how the brain learns music, listen to that first it pairs perfectly with this one.

Have you ever had a student come to a piano lesson saying they practiced all week, but it sounds exactly the same as it did before? Or they look at you with that frustrated face and say, “I swear it sounded better at home”? In this episode, we’re talking about why that happens and what’s really going on inside the brain when students practice music.My guest today is Dr. Molly Gebrian, a professional violist and cognitive neuroscientist who teaches at the New England Conservatory. She’s the author of Learn Faster, Perform Better, a book that connects the science of learning and memory with music practice and performance. Molly shares what the research says about how the brain actually learns, why breaks and rest time matter more than we think, and how we can use brain-based strategies to help piano students make real progress between lessons.We talk about what effective piano practice really looks like, how to teach students to practice smarter instead of longer, and how small changes in how we structure lessons can make a big difference. This conversation is full of practical takeaways that you can start using right away in your studio.If you want to understand the neuroscience behind music learning and piano practice, this episode will completely change how you think about progress.Grab your autumn beverage and listen in.And don’t miss next week’s short bonus episode where Molly and I talk about how to prepare students for holiday recitals using these same ideas on brain-based learning and memory.Buy the Book: Learn Faster, Perform Better (affiliate link) - https://amzn.to/4qpdjL1Molly's Website - www.mollygebrian.comJoin the FREE Lunch and Learn Book Discussion on Learn Better, Perform Faster by registering HERE

Can We Really Control Piano Practice? Reflections from My Studio WorkshopIn this episode of The Scrappy Piano Teacher, I share reflections from the OhioMTA state conference and walk you through a practice workshop I held in my studio. Together we will think about how practice strategies, student engagement, and teaching philosophy connect to real life for our students.We all know piano practice is one of the hardest parts of piano teaching. In this episode you will hear how I approached practice routines with my students, how I explained the difference between practicing playing and performing, and why creating a practice workshop can help students build confidence. This is encouragement for teachers who want practical piano practice tips that actually make sense in the lesson.Here are some of the takeaways from this episode ● Piano practice is the number one challenge for many teachers ● Encouragement and perspective matter more than guilt ● Leadership in piano teaching means guiding students in how to practice ● A practice workshop can support both students and parents ● Self care strategies for teachers help prevent burnout and keep us strong for our studentsThis episode is for any teacher looking for ways to help students build realistic practice habits at home. It is about teaching students what to practice, how to practice ,and how to connect piano practicing to their daily lives.For more resources visit scrappypianoteacher.com and subscribe for access to my full practice workshop lesson plan, and check out the abacus blog post mentioned at composecreate.com/get-rid-of-mindless-practice/

When makeup lessons or online lessons simply are not realistic, asynchronous lessons can keep your students learning and give you peace of mind.As teachers, we all know that life happens. Snow days, sick days, sports schedules, or just plain burnout. In this episode of The Scrappy Piano Teacher Podcast I am talking about one of my favorite backup tools: asynchronous lessons.I share how I first stumbled into them, why my students actually preferred them over online lessons, and the two main ways I use them in my studio today. You will also hear my step by step process for creating simple 15 minute lessons that keep students practicing and engaged without overwhelming families or you.And because it has been a tough week in the world, I close with a reminder of just how important our role is as music teachers. We are not just teaching scales and pieces. We are giving students a voice, modeling empathy, and creating a safe joyful space that they will carry with them for years.If you have been curious about asynchronous lessons or just need a little encouragement for the road, this one is for you.Try out MyMusicStaff Studio Softward for 60 days FREE at mymusicstaff.com/scrappypianoteacher

Makeup lessons are one of the most debated topics in piano teaching. In this episode of The Scrappy Piano Teacher Podcast, I share how I approach teaching policies and studio management and why clear boundaries around makeup lessons and flex weeks have helped me protect both my time and my students’ progress.I tie in a personal Pilates story that shows how accountability systems keep both students and teachers on track. I also walk through popular approaches teachers use for makeup lessons like group classes, swaps, virtual lessons, and asynchronous teaching. Finally, I explain how I now build makeup weeks along with flex weeks into my studio calendar for students and use flex weeks for myself to create margin and sustainability.If you have ever felt drained by makeup lessons or wondered how to set clear studio policies that work, this episode will help you sort through your options and find what fits your studio.Listen to Ep 48 The Raise You Didn't Know You Needed (all about flex weeks) https://podcasts.apple.com/ng/podcast/the-raise-you-didnt-know-you-needed-ep-48/id1749130212?i=1000709880746Keywords: piano teaching, makeup lessons, Pilates, teaching policies, studio management, teacher accountability, flex weeks, student engagement, music education, teaching strategies