The TopCast: The Official Music Teachers' Podcast

To keep our music students engaged and interested, we must evolve with the ever-changing musical landscape. Our guest, Samantha Carrasco, unpacks how the new ABRSM 2025 syllabus has been developed to capture the attention of today’s students. Rather than sticking with traditional repertoire, the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) is now drawing from a wide range of genres, including pieces from movies, films, and even arrangements of pop songs. As an examiner, trainer, reviewer, and presenter for ABRSM, Samantha is passionate about introducing more diverse music styles into exam syllabuses. As Head of Keyboard at Peter Symonds College, Samantha knows firsthand that teenagers have less time nowadays to practice for hours on pieces they don’t relate to. Listen in as we discuss how the syllabus changes aim to inspire and challenge students, making classical music education more inclusive and relevant for today’s musical landscape. Samantha discusses her role and responsibilities at ABRSM. She also discusses her role as Head of Keyboard and involvement in various music programs. Overview of the ABRSM Piano Syllabus, including it's structure and updates. Different types of ABRSM exams and their requirements. Changes and goals of the 2025 Series, focusing on diversity and inclusion. Discussions around the inclusion of pop and contemporary music. Importance of giving students choice in their musical repertoire. How ABRSM examiners ensure fair evaluation of different music styles. Samantha performs excerpts from various pieces in the syllabus. Accessibility and availability of ABRSM music recordings on streaming platforms. Final thoughts from Samantha and where to find more information and resources. Links Mentioned Samantha Carrasco Website Find out more about ABRSM here. Today’s Guest Pianist Samantha Carrasco explores a diverse and flexible repertoire as a recitalist, concerto soloist, chamber musician and accompanist. Alongside her performing career, Samantha continues to pursue her commitment to education. She is an examiner, trainer, reviewer and presenter for the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, working nationally and internationally in classical music, diplomas and jazz. She presents teaching and examining seminars on behalf of ABRSM in China, the USA and the UK and presented a number of practise and pedagogical videos over the lockdown. Samantha is the Head of Keyboard at Peter Symonds College, Winchester, and helps to run the Hampshire Specialist Music Course. Samantha participates in BSO Live! education projects and has made various performance presentation podcasts and videos. She coaches chamber ensembles and adjudicates music competitions as well as hosting masterclasses for pianists, accompanists and ensemble groups. Today’s Sponsor a...

Music is not just a profession; it's a calling, a lifetime of passion and dedication. In this episode, we delve into the inspiring journey of Brian Shepard, the newly appointed CEO of the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA). With a musical and professional journey that mirrors this passion, Brian shares his early experiences with piano and voice, his swift rise within MTNA, and his transformative vision for the organization’s future. Outside MTNA, Brian enriches the music community through various leadership roles and continues to touch lives as a musician. Join us as Brian reveals how he plans to ensure that MTNA’s 150-year legacy remains vibrant and relevant in the 21st century.Brian shared a brief overview of his musical background, from studying violin to piano and voice.He talks about his roles at MTNA and his quick transition from working in retail to becoming Director of Marketing and Public Relations.His journey to becoming the CEO of MTNA and his responsibilities in this role.Insight into Brian's current musical activities, including community concerts.Overview of MTNA's mission and its focus on public awareness and support for music teachers.The decline of music programs in schools and MTNA's role in advocating for music education.Explanation of MTNA's structure, including state affiliates and local associations.Details about MTNA's annual conference and its significance.The new all-virtual conference, Tempo, aimed at creating greater access for teachers.Brian outlines his vision for MTNA, focusing on community development, cutting-edge programming, increasing access, and improving infrastructure.Increasing diversity and accessibility to attract teachers of other instruments.Importance of creating a welcoming community and support system for all music teachers.Details about the upcoming MTNA national conference in Minneapolis and the TEMPO virtual conference in April.Links MentionedBrian Shepard LinkedIn PageBrian Shepard Facebook PageBrian Shepard Instagram PageMusic Teachers National Association WebsiteMusic Teachers National Facebook PageToday’s GuestBrian Shepard is Chief Executive Officer of Music Teachers National Association. Brian first began his career at MTNA in 2003 as the Director of Marketing and Public Relations.In addition to his work at MTNA, Brian volunteers on several other nonprofit boards and committees. From 2009 to the present, Brian has served in multiple leadership roles with the American Classical Music Hall of Fame. He currently serves the Hall of Fame as Board President. Since 2013, he has been a member of the CCMpower Board at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. Previously, Brian has served on the Cincinnati Opera Sales and Marketing Committee and was President of the Middletown Music Club.Brian is also an accomplished musician who performs frequently for church and community programs as a pianist, vocal soloist and choral conductor. A graduate of Miami University of Ohio, Brian holds degrees in marketing and music education. He was named an MTNA FOUNDATION Fellow in 2010.Today’s SponsorABRSM is The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music and a global music education charity. At the heart of...

The beauty of music lies not just in its performance, but in the journey of learning and teaching it. In today’s episode, our guest, Emma Fajcz, shares her inspiring journey from being a reluctant piano student to becoming a YouTube sensation known for her practical and engaging piano tutorials. She transitioned from traditional one-on-one lessons to leveraging YouTube and social media to reach a broader audience. Emma discusses her creative process, how she balances multiple income streams, and offers invaluable advice to piano teachers looking to expand their online presence. Stay tuned as Emma reveals her top practice tips and insights into making piano practice both fun and efficient. Emma shared a brief overview of her background and music teaching studio. She shared about her transition from traditional teaching to YouTube. Her current teaching approach and some actionable tips for piano students and teachers. How she combined online business skills with piano teaching on YouTube. Splitting content into niche channels for better growth. Using Instagram for engaging with other piano teachers and students. The importance of using email marketing to grow your email list. Emma’s performance and personal practice tips and insights. How to handle social media overwhelm. Some tools and software that she uses, such as YouTube's built-in scheduler and Meta Business Suite for Instagram/Facebook. Her monetization strategy and why she prefers organic growth over paid advertising. She shared about her food blog that she co-runs with her mom. Links Mentioned Emma Blaire Piano Website Learn Piano with Emma Blair YouTube Page Emma Blaire Piano Instagram Page Emma Blair Piano Facebook Page Today’s Guest Emma Fajcz (fights) AKA Emma Blair Piano, a pianist of fifteen years and a piano teacher for four, didn’t have a typical start to piano. She quit piano lessons after several years to focus on dance, but later found her passion for piano as a teenager. After a few more years of piano, Emma figured that there must be ways to streamline her practice routine so she could learn more in less time--and what she learned was too helpful to keep to herself! Through her social media and email newsletter, Emma shares piano practice tips that help piano students and teachers make practice both fun and efficient. Today’s Sponsor ABRSM is The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music and a global music education charity. At the heart of everything we do is our belief that music enriches lives. Building on our heritage, we offer face-to-face

Sometimes, life forces us to pause, reflect, and completely redefine our path. Dr. Edward Gifford’s story is a powerful testament to this truth. A former senior lecturer in music education, Dr. Gifford spent decades shaping future educators, developing innovative teaching methods, and inspiring students with his passion for music. But when burnout and a life-altering diagnosis struck, he was forced to pivot and reinvent his life. In this episode, Edward shares how he transitioned from academia to life coaching, how he fought back against stage four cancer, and the profound wisdom he's gained on balancing purpose, well-being, and the power of love over fear. Join us as we dive into the powerful lessons he's learned about living with purpose and finding peace amidst life’s greatest challenges.Edward shared about his background as a music teacher, using a mix of singing, movement, music games, and incorporating methods like Kodaly, Orff, and Suzuki.He emphasized whole-body learning and music immersion before introducing instruments.How he fostered deeper musical understanding by encouraging creativity through movement, instruments, and imaginative play.His backstory and connection with Bec Stewart, TopMusicPro’s community manager.How he faced burnout, which led him to step away from music teaching.His life coaching career, guiding people to discover their life purpose using techniques like asking meaningful questions.He shared about his life-altering diagnosis.The importance of breathwork, mindfulness, and meditation to maintain mental wellness.His perspective on life and how he views life as seasons.Edward encourages living with purpose daily, seeing it as the key to peace and fulfillment.He shared about his book, "Broken to Whole: How to Put Humpty Together Again”.Links MentionedDr Edward Gifford's websiteDr Edward Gifford's book: Broken to Whole: How to Put Humpty Together AgainTopCast 388: Tim and Bec React to a Creative Piano Lesson from 1984!Today's GuestPrior to starting his life coaching business today’s guest was a senior lecturer in Music Education involved in undergraduate and post graduate teacher education within the University sector for some 20 years in WA, Tasmania and QLD. He’s also author of children’s music books - Read and Play the Singing Way.In 1991, Edward completed his PhD in Music Education, also at the University of London. He took up his first tertiary education teaching post in Tasmania in 1982 and moved to Griffith University in 1987. In 1998, due to a significant life changing event which brought his academic career to a sudden end, Edward reinvented his career to become a coach, trainer, speaker and author. Much of this period was also taken up in business coaching for small business owners.Thank you for tuning in!Consider implementing the ideas from this podcast by writing several actionable steps for your teaching practice if it’s inspired you.If you enjoyed today’s show, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, which helps other teachers find our show.Stay updated by subscribing to this show, and get automatic delivery to your device every time a new episode goes live! We publish on Mondays weekly.

Today, we’re chatting with our very own Rebecca Stewart, a talented piano instructor and the Community Manager and Head of Certification at TopMusic. With a professional journey that includes over two decades of teaching with Yamaha Music Education Centres, Rebecca brings a wealth of knowledge and experience. We dive into a nostalgic video from 1984, showcasing Rebecca's childhood piano lessons with Dr. Edward Gifford. This episode highlights their discussion on creative teaching techniques like whole-body learning, solfège, and transposition. We also reflect on how these innovative methods shaped Rebecca's approach to music education and their relevance in today's teaching environment. Tune in to explore the intersection of past memories and modern advancements in music pedagogy.Rebecca shared a brief overview of her work background and her roles at TopMusic.She introduced a video of her childhood piano lessons with Dr. Edward Gifford.Discussion of various teaching techniques seen in the video, including movement and physical interaction and they highlight the novelty and effectiveness of Dr. Gifford’s methods.Tim shares his own music lesson experiences.Rebecca reflects on her accent and undiagnosed ADHD during her childhood.Importance of whole-body learning and physical movement in music education.Discussion on sensory memories contributing to learning experiences, usage of solfège and sneaky repetition in lessons.The importance of teaching transposition to children.Benefits of singing and playing simple melodies for enhancing sight-reading skills.Tim and Rebecca reflect on physical and imaginative engagement in music.Edward’s impact on Rebecca’s teaching methods.How a blended approach to music teaching contributes to long-term appreciation and understanding.Links MentionedClick here to watch the YouTube video of this interviewLink to Tim's childhood piano lesson YouTube videoTopCast Episode 387: A New Pathway to TopMusic Teacher CertificationToday's GuestRebecca grew up listening to her three older sisters practice their musical instruments. She delighted in her childhood music lessons and wanted to teach young children in a fun and creative way. Her piano teacher at Melbourne University recommended the Yamaha method, and Rebecca taught with Yamaha Music Education Centres from 1998 to 2018. She loved being a national teacher trainer with Yamaha, and enjoyed opportunities to travel to Toronto and Tokyo for Yamaha teacher development events. In 2016 Rebecca went to Jakarta where her 8-year-old Yamaha student performed his original composition at the Asia Pacific Junior Original Concert. Her first book "Sight Reading Secrets Grade One" was published in 2004, and there are now nine books in the series. In 2023, Rebecca worked with Tim Topham in developing the TopMusic Certification program.Thank you for tuning in!Consider implementing the ideas from this podcast by writing several actionable steps for your teaching practice if it’s inspired you.If you enjoyed today’s show, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, which helps other teachers find our show.Stay updated by subscribing to this show, and get automatic delivery to your device every time a new episode goes live! We publish on Mondays weekly.a...

As a music teacher, have you ever wished for a clear, guided path to professional recognition? In this episode, we're exploring a new pathway to TopMusic Teacher Certification program, exclusively available through our new Studio Plus membership. Today, I'll be sharing my own teaching journey, reflecting on the challenges of navigating the early years without a clear guide, and how this new certification is designed to empower music teachers with confidence and professional credibility. Whether you're looking to refine your pedagogy, improve your business skills, or gain recognition as a certified instructor, this episode is packed with insights into how you can elevate your teaching studio and career.Becoming TopMusic Certified and how it can transform your teaching studio.Overview of TopMusic Certification, now part of the Studio Plus membership.Tim reflects on his struggles and the lack of a clear guide in his early teaching career.Why get TopMusic certified  and why choose TopMusic Certification?The PRESTO Framework.10 key learning objectives, including creative teaching strategies, curriculum design, studio management, and marketing.Who is TopMusic Certification for?How to join TopMusic Teacher Certicication?Assessment process and renewal.Links MentionedTopMusic Teacher CertificationTopMusic 12-Week Studio TransformationJoin TopMusicPro or Upgrade to Studio Plus nowTopCast Episode 386: Introducing Our Studio Plus Membership!Register for the The 6 Cores of Music Teaching and Studio Business Success WorkshopThank you for tuning in!Consider implementing the ideas from this podcast by writing several actionable steps for your teaching practice if it’s inspired you.If you enjoyed today’s show, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, which helps other teachers find our show.Stay updated by subscribing to this show, and get automatic delivery to your device every time a new episode goes live! We publish on Mondays weekly.Leave us a voice messageIf you would like to leave the Podcast Team a voicemail and have your burning questions answered on a future show or YouTube video, visit this link to leave us a voicemail today. Tim also accepts requests for his Pop Song Solutions videos if you have a pop song you’d like help teaching a student. 

Every teacher reaches a moment when they crave deeper connection, personalized guidance, and the tools to truly elevate their craft. Today, we’re unveiling Studio Plus, a membership designed to meet that exact need. In this episode, we’ll explore how this new membership goes beyond the basics, offering one-on-one coaching, advanced courses, and an empowering community to help you take your studio to the next level. Join me as we dive into the transformational impact Studio Plus can have on your music teaching journey.Alfred Music Update: New Alfred Music publications now available in Australia through local stores supplied by Encore Music Distributors.Tim announces Studio Plus, a brand-new membership level in TopMusicPro.Key features of Studio Plus, including 1-on-1 coaching, private messaging channel, twice-monthly group check-ins, exclusive courses, etc.Extra perks include teaching video assessments and website audits.Who’s Studio Plus for?Update on the Evolution tier of TopMusicPro.Sneak peek on Multi-Teacher memberships launching in early 2025Links MentionedJoin TopMusicPro or Upgrade to Studio Plus nowTopMusicSheetsTopMusic CertificationMusic Teacher StartUp - Evolution MembershipTopCast 383: Introducing Fresh New Music from Alfred!Encore Music DistributorsEmail us at support@topmusic.coThank you for tuning in!Consider implementing the ideas from this podcast by writing several actionable steps for your teaching practice if it’s inspired you.If you enjoyed today’s show, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, which helps other teachers find our show.Stay updated by subscribing to this show, and get automatic delivery to your device every time a new episode goes live! We publish on Mondays weekly.TOPMUSICPRO MEMBERSHIP 14-DAY FREELeave us a voice messageIf you would like to leave the Podcast Team a voicemail and have your burning questions answered on a future show or YouTube video, visit this link to leave us a voicemail today. Tim also accepts requests for his Pop Song Solutions videos if you have a pop song you’d like help teaching a student. 

Today, we're exploring the journey of Will Suit, the TopMusicSheets composer for October. Will is a native of North Georgia whose lifelong love for music has profoundly shaped his career. Starting piano and singing at the tender age of five under the guidance of his musically inclined parents, Will's talents flourished in a nurturing environment. We discuss the importance of integrating lyrics into teaching, a technique that helps students connect more deeply with music. He shares stories of student interactions, his methodical yet creative approach to composing, and his influences from various musical traditions, including bluegrass, gospel, and classical. Join us as we listen to Will's incredible journey and gain insights into his unique approach to music education. Discussion on Will Suit's piece "Dance," aimed at early intermediate level students. Will shared a brief overview of his background and his music studio. Conversation on pedagogical composition and writing for specific student needs. Importance of lyrics in teaching, especially for engagement and memory. How he writes methodically for students and improvises to meet student needs. Discussion on elementary pieces like "Busy, Buzzy, Fuzzy Bumblebee" and "Night of Halloween," which introduce chromatic scales early on. Will's varied musical influences, including bluegrass, southern gospel, and classical. His inspiration from historical composers, like Gustav Holst, Samuel Barber, and Verdi. Importance of using improv with students using left-hand accompaniments, and connecting songs to different learning paths. Links Mentioned Learn more about TopMusicSheets here Will Suit Website Will Suit Music at Music Teacher Resources Watch Tim playthrough this TopMusicSheets Collection here! Today's Guest Will Suit is a native of North Georgia. His involvement in music is a lifelong love. He owns a small music school near Atlanta. Will began singing and playing piano at age 5. His dad was a church pastor and his mom the pianist. So, needless to say, his talents were developed and pursued in that setting. Upon graduation from college, he spent more than twenty years as a church music director. After leaving that profession in 2005, Will continued his love for writing as well as providing private music instruction. He worked as an independent contractor until 2018 when he opened Pedal Point Music where he continues to maintain a full studio of students, as well as a myriad other activities. He loves blogging, writing poetry, and, of course, composing music. Will’s love of music is not lost on his young students, who eagerly look forward to lessons with “Mr. Will”. TOPMUSICPRO MEMBERSHIP 14-DAY FREE Thank you for tuning in! Consider implementing the ideas from this podcast by writing several actionable steps for your teaching practice if it’s inspired you. If you enjoyed today’s show, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, which helps other teachers find our show. Stay updated by subscribing to this show, and get automatic delivery to your device every time a new episode goes live! We publish on Mondays weekly.  

Welcome to this special episode, recorded live during my 2020 Piano Pivot Live event—a piano teachers’ conference unlike any other! Nicola and I dive deep into my journey from being a university student studying audio engineering to becoming a full-time music educator and entrepreneur. We explore the pivotal moments in my career, including why I returned to music after a decade, how I built my blog and courses, and what led me to coaching and organizing events. We also discuss the challenges of managing time between family, teaching, and growing a business. For anyone curious about my evolution from a regular teacher to launching successful online ventures, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the highs, lows, and lessons learned along the way. Tim and Nicola began an open fireside chat where audience members could ask questions. Impact of Tim's first piano teacher, Ms. Mac, who was crucial to his music journey. The importance of non-traditional teaching methods. How to handle students who express interest in learning pop music but don’t provide specific requests. Using improvisation in piano teaching. Handling parental concerns on improvisation. Musical mashups for beginners and teens. Tim shared some business and marketing insights, particularly online marketing strategies and how they apply to music studios. Why Tim returned to music after exploring other entrepreneurial ventures. How he balance family, piano teaching, blogging, and other ventures. His journey from teacher to entrepreneur. The launch of his initial online course, which made $30,000 in revenue. Tim's most valuable advice for a teacher starting their journey. TopMusicPro Members' Link Fireside Chat with Tim and Nicola at Piano Pivot Live Today’s Sponsor Alfred Music, the leader in music education for over 100 years, produces educational, reference, pop, and performance materials for teachers, students, professionals, and hobbyists spanning every musical instrument, style, and difficulty level. Alfred Music is located in Colorado, with offices around the world, including Germany, Singapore, and the United Kingdom. Since 1922, Alfred Music has been dedicated to helping people learn, teach, and play music. Alfred Music currently has over 150,000 active titles and represents a wide range of well-known publications —from methods like Alfred’s Basic Guitar, Alfred’s Basic Piano Library, Premier Piano Course, Sound Innovations, and Suzuki, to artists like Bruce Springsteen, Led Zeppelin, and The Rolling Stones, to brands like Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, The Wizard of Oz, and Billboard. In addition to its own titles, Alfred Music distributes products from over 150 companies, including Advance Music, Belwin, Edition Peters, The FJH Music Company Inc., Faber Music, Jamey Aebersold Jazz, and LudwigMasters Publications. Alfred Music is now also paired with MakeMusic, which is part of Peaksware Holdings, LLC portfolio of companies, to transform how music is composed, published, taught, learned, and performed by bringing together the leaders in educational music publishing and music technology. Visit their website at www.alfred.com. Exclusive Discount for Podcast Listeners Exclusively for TopCast listeners, go to alfred.com/podcast and use code...

Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with three talented composers from Alfred Music: Elizabeth Swift, Connor Chee, and Angela Marshall. Join us as we delve into their unique backgrounds, explore their latest compositions, and discover how they are bringing fresh, engaging, and culturally rich music to students and teachers worldwide. Connor Chee, a renowned Navajo composer, celebrates his cultural heritage with his collection, Sand Paintings, blending traditional Navajo melodies with classical techniques. Angela Marshall, an educator and author, introduces Take the Stage, a collection designed to make young beginners the stars of their recitals with fun, performance-oriented pieces. Elizabeth Swift takes us on an adventure with Saga Land, inspired by video game music, aiming to captivate and motivate teenagers to play expressively. This episode is packed with insights, inspiration, and beautiful music you won't want to miss. Tim introduces three composers whose new collections are being released by Alfred Music. Discussion with Connor Chee about his new collection, Sand Paintings. Connor shared about his background, being a renowned Navajo composer, blending classical music with traditional Navajo elements. How "Sand Paintings" was inspired by the healing nature of traditional Navajo sand paintings. Angela Marshall shares her journey as a composer, author, and educator, discussing her collection, Take the Stage, designed for young beginner pianists. Her creative process and how she integrates creativity and variety into her compositions. Goals of Take the Stage: Create an engaging, performance-oriented pieces for young students. Elizabeth Swift discusses her new collection "Saga Land," inspired by video game music and aimed at motivating teens to play the piano. She shared a brief overview of her background and her transition from classical training to composing engaging, expressive music for students. Goals of Saga Land: Immerse students in a storytelling experience through music. Using titles and narratives to enhance students' engagement and creativity in learning. Importance of providing accessible, diverse, and engaging musical resources for students and teachers alike. Guests' Links Mentioned Connor Chee Website Connor Chee Facebook Page Connor Chee YouTube Channel Angela Marshall Website Angela Marshall Facebook Page Angela Marshall Instagram Page Elizabeth Swift Website Elizabeth Swift Facebook Page Elizabeth Swift Instagram Page Today’s Guest   Connor Chee Connor Chee is a renowned Diné (Navajo) composer and pianist celebrated for his evocative blend of classical music with traditional Navajo elements. His compositions often draw inspiration from his cultural heritage, seamlessly weaving together Diné melodies and classical piano techniques. A recipient of multiple awards, Connor's work has been featured in prestigious...

In this insightful episode, we dive deep into the world of homeschooling and music education with Ginny Thorpe, an experienced music teacher and homeschooling mom. Ginny shares her unique journey, from teaching piano as a teenager to developing a diverse and creative approach to music education that caters to the homeschooling community. We explore the different methods and strategies Ginny uses to teach music, including her involvement in homeschool co-ops, her flexible and creative teaching style, and the legal aspects of homeschooling in Pennsylvania. Whether you're a music educator looking to expand your reach or a homeschooling parent seeking inspiration, Ginny's insights and practical advice offer valuable guidance on how to successfully teach music to homeschoolers. Tune in to discover how Ginny blends passion, creativity, and dedication to spread the joy of music to students of all ages and backgrounds. Ginny shares a brief overview of her background and her teaching set up. Her flexible homeschooling approach to educating her own children, using a variety of methods like homeschool co-ops and group lessons. Her family's diverse educational experiences, including homeschooling, micro-schools, co-ops, public schools, and the unique micro-school setup her children attended. The legal process of homeschooling in Pennsylvania. The growing trend of homeschooling in the U.S. where states offer funding for homeschooling. How homeschooling can be outsourced to other educators and doesn't necessarily mean parents are teaching all subjects themselves. Ginny explains "unschooling" concept, a method where children's interests lead their learning. Similarities between unschooling and Montessori methods. Music education in homeschooling. What is homeschool co-op? Advantages of teaching homeschool students. Challenges and considerations of homeschooling. Effecting marketing to homeschoolers. Guest Links Mentioned Ginny's Website Ginny Music Facebook Group Watch Ginny's Presentation - Working with the Homeschool Community as a Private Music Teacher Today’s Guest Ginny Thorpe's experience teaching piano as a teen led to a passion for music education. After degrees and several years of classroom teaching, she adjusted her career to accommodate her growing family. Her journey has led her to a unique approach to education, blending passion, creativity, and dedication to spread the joy of music far and wide. While piano remains her primary instrument, she teaches a variety of instruments, from violin to ukulele to bass recorder, embracing the diversity of musical expression. The saying, "variety is the spice of life," is reflected in her teaching approach, which has evolved to include group lessons, jam sessions, songwriting classes, and multi-age, multi-level, and multi-instrument instruction. Ginny's dedication to music education is not just a profession but a lifelong mission. Her impact extends far beyond the notes on a page, as she seeks to enrich the lives of her students and her community with the transformative power of music. Today's Sponsor Alfred Music, the leader in music education...

In this episode, I have the pleasure of chatting with Susan Staples Bell, our featured TopMusicSheets composer of the month. Susan is a dynamic composer and instructor whose engaging sheet music and educational resources have made waves in the piano teaching community. With over 30 years of diverse musical experience, Susan brings a unique blend of creativity and pedagogy to her compositions, aiming to draw students in with fun and captivating music while delivering deeper learning experiences than they might expect. Join us as we explore Susan’s journey, her innovative approach to composition, and the inspiration behind her latest works, including her new themed collection, "Keys to the Wild West." And stay tuned for a special discount code and insights that will spark creativity in your own musical journey. Tim welcomes Susan to the show and expresses excitement about having her as the TopMusicSheets composer for the month. Susan shared about her background and her lifelong dream of composing and teaching. Her diverse teaching and musical experiences, including being a band director. Her improvisational approach in her compositions. The importance of being curious and creative in music. Her transition to self-publishing. How she leveraged social media to connect with music teachers and students globally. The process of selecting pieces for her TopMusicSheets collection. Susan's approach to encouraging creativity in students through curiosity, improvisation, and personalized compositions. Advice for budding composers, encouraging continuous learning and seeking mentorship. Guest Links Mentioned Susan Staples Bell Music Website Susan Staples Bell YouTube  Susan Staples Bell (old) Facebook Page Susan Staples Bell (new) Facebook Page Susan Staples Mast Bell SheetMusicPlus Links Mentioned Learn more about TopMusicSheets here. Head to Susan's website and use the coupon code TOPMUSIC upon checkout to get a 20% off discount (minimum spend $30). Today’s Guest Susan Staples Bell is equal part composer and instructor, with her main focus being on creating exciting Sheet music and educational resources for Piano teachers and their students. She loves to draw students in with some fun music, then intrigue them, when they discover there’s really lots more learning here than meets the eye! Susan has served the Music community for over 30 years in various positions: Church musician (Organist, Accompanist, Praise Band Pianist, and Choir & Hand Bell Director), Middle School Band Director, and Piano Instructor: for the last decade, her Studio has been in the San Antonio, TX area. Each of these positions have given her unique experiences that shape the music she writes. Today's Sponsor a...

Today, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Garreth Brooke, the brilliant mind behind PianoCreativity.com. Garreth, a British/German musician and piano teacher based in Frankfurt, Germany, brings a unique perspective to music education, blending traditional techniques with innovative, creativity-driven approaches. We explored the concept of "Repertoire Remixing," the importance of integrating creativity into lessons, and how historical practices of improvisation by composers like Bach and Beethoven can inspire modern teaching methods. We also delved into Garreth’s journey from the UK to Germany, his thoughts on modernizing music exams, and his passion for using music as a tool for personal expression. Whether you're a music educator or simply passionate about the art of teaching, Garreth's insights are sure to inspire and invigorate your approach. Garreth shared a brief overview of his background and the reason why he moved to Germany. Life, music education and his teaching setup in Germany. His transition to blogging and creative teaching. He opens up about how his mother's mental health struggles during his teenage years that deeply affected him. The role of creativity in historical music education and the influence of historical practices. Importance of integrating creativity into music teaching and how it enhances students' understanding and enjoyment of music. Garreth introduced the concept of "Repertoire Remixing." Benefits of creativity in lessons, which include enhancing students' musical imagination. Tim introduced his concept of "Integrated Music Teaching."* Garreth talked about "Creative Introductions," activities he shares on his blog. He highlighted the importance of teaching skills like interpreting lead sheets. The value of ensemble playing for piano students, which helps them learn how to interact musically with others. Links Mentioned Garreth Brooke's Website PianoCreativity.com Website PianoCreativity.com Facebook Page Garreth Brooke's Instagram: @pianocreativity_ Connect with Garret at hello@pianocreativity.com Today’s Guest Garreth Brooke is a British/German musician. He studied Music at St Edmund Hall in the University of Oxford where he acquired an MA, received the AMTB performance diploma from the Music Teacher’s Board, and holds teaching qualifications from the Royal Conservatory of Music. Garreth has released music with 1631 Recordings, THESIS, Moderna, Blue Spiral, Nordic Euphony, and Bigo & Twigetti, and his music has been streamed millions of times. He has performed live all over Europe and his sheet music has been published by Editions Musica Ferrum and Breitkopf & Härtel. His has written guest posts on PianoDao, music reviews for A Closer Listen, and his article about suicide prevention and mental health was published on Huffington Post UK. He teaches piano lessons in English in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. Today's Sponsor Alfred Music, the leader in music education for over 100 years, produces educational, reference, pop, and performance materials for...

Today, we're having a chat with Justin Levitt, a composer whose music beautifully blends emotion and craftsmanship. We dive into his journey from being a self-taught musician to collaborating with world-class artists like the Budapest Scoring Orchestra and composing for the Diablo Ballet. We explore his passion for self-publishing, his creative process behind his piano compositions, and his recent collaboration with TopMusicSheets. Justin also offers invaluable advice for aspiring composers and teachers, emphasizing the importance of creativity, consistency, and the support of a strong musical community. Whether you're a seasoned musician or just beginning to explore music, his story offers inspiration and practical advice for anyone passionate about composition. Just shared a brief overview of his background and his composing work. Some of his notable collaborations, including the Budapest Scoring Orchestra and Alan Silvestri, a well-known film composer. How he met Silvestri and how their friendship developed, leading to Silvestri's mentorship. His musical journey, musical influences and mentors. Importance of family support and solid music friends who encourage and help along the way. His journey into self-publishing, which began unexpectedly after winning a composition contest. Justin's insights on self-publishing and the importance of quality. His TopMusicSheets Collection, showcasing a variety of styles and difficulty level and offering a broad representation of his work. Advice and encouragement for aspiring composers. Justin reflects positively on his experience working with the TopMusic team, praising the team's warmth and professionalism. He encourages other composers to seize similar opportunities, expressing excitement about sharing his music with a wider audience. Links Mentioned Justin Levitt's Website Find out more about TopMusicSheets here Today’s Guest Justin Levitt is an award-winning pianist and composer based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Around the age of 15, Justin began to notice how deeply music resonated with him. It might have been his challenging childhood, the beauty of film scores, or friends at school who dabbled in composition, but one day, music became an integral part of his life. Those life-changing moments inspired him to learn to play the piano and start composing. Since then, Justin has composed hundreds of pieces and published ten volumes of piano solos. His achievements include winning seven MTAC state competition awards, performing at Carnegie Hall, composing for the Diablo Ballet in performances and short films, and receiving a gold Telly Award for best music on the film Spiritus. Justin's compositions are featured in the Australian Music Examination Board syllabus and published by FJH Music. Currently serving as Manager of Steinway Walnut Creek, he balances a full-time career with his passion for music. Justin finds profound joy and inspiration in his loving family, who are at the heart of his creative journey. Today's Sponsor Alfred Music, the leader in music education for over 100 years, produces educational, reference, pop, and performance materials for teachers, students, professionals, and hobbyists spanning every musical instrument, style, and difficulty level. Alfred...

In this episode, we're diving into the inspiring journey of Kristina Arellano, a dedicated music educator, independent studio owner, church musician, accompanist, and composer. Her love for composing and arranging, particularly in music education, has driven her to develop a new piano curriculum for beginning students, set to release in 2025. She shares the challenges she faced in balancing the creation and marketing of her method book, and how the Music Teacher Startup Course provided essential guidance in transforming her vision into reality. She also discusses her triumphs and invaluable lessons learned along her entrepreneurial journey. Tune in to hear her insights and advice for fellow music teachers looking to bring their creative projects to life. Kristina shared a brief overview of her background and her music studio in Wisconsin. Her entrepreneurial journey and how she was inspired by her mother’s wedding shop. Her method book creation, which focuses on a different approach to note reading and musicality. What her piano curriculum entails, including her note reading approach. Effectiveness and expansion of her method, including the potential to help other teachers facing similar challenges. Importance of marketing and messaging, focusing on the unique aspects of her curriculum. Kristina emphasizes her research into marketing strategies used by other independent composers. She shared a personal and emotional story about a car accident in 2018, which led to a near-death experience. How the Music Teacher Startup Course helped her understand the big picture of creating and marketing a product, including the steps and scope involved. The value of understanding the market, validation, and marketing strategies. Some challenges in business and marketing. Advice for other teachers who wants to create their own product or business. Kristina shared her appreciation for TopMusicPro Membership. The current state and her future plans for her method book. Guest Links Mentioned Kristina Arellano Website Kristina Arellano LinkedIn Connect with Kristina at KAPianoMethod@gmail.com See sample pages of Kristina's method book at topmusic.co/kristina Links Mentioned Register for the 3 Secrets Workshop here Find out more about the Music Teacher Startup Course here Today’s Guest Kristina Arellano is a music educator, independent studio owner, church musician, accompanist, and composer. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Church Music and a Master’s Degree in Ethnomusicology. She enjoys exploring music from all over the world and participates in contra and international folk dancing. She loves composing and arranging music, with a primary focus on music education and a passion for developing new curriculum. With an interest in sharing her compositions and music curriculum with the wider world, Kristina enrolled in the Music Teacher Startup course in 2019. Her current project is a novel piano curriculum for beginning students with an expected release date in 2025. Today's Sponsor

In this episode, we're chatting with one of our TopMusicGames creator, Matt Murphy. Matt shares his unique approach to teaching music through gamification, making lessons more interactive and fun. We dive into his TopMusicGames collection, designed to encourage improvisation and keep students captivated. He discusses the importance of adapting these games to suit individual student needs and moods, ensuring that learning remains accessible and enjoyable. He also emphasizes the value of keeping lessons dynamic, especially for younger students or those with learning difficulties, and highlight the flexibility and creativity these games offer to teachers. Whether you're looking to make your lessons more engaging or seeking new ways to inspire your students, this episode is packed with practical tips and insights. Tim introduces Matt Murphy, highlighting his contribution to the TopMusicGames collection. Matt shared about his games collection, emphasizing its focus on gamifying traditional music teaching techniques to make learning more engaging. What the collection includes, such as games like the animal game, which encourages improvisation and keeps young students engaged. Matt shared a brief overview of his background and teaching experience. How his games collection is designed to be adaptable, allowing teachers to tailor games to their students' needs and moods. Tim praises the collection for being accessible and easy to integrate into lessons without requiring physical materials. Matt emphasizes the importance of keeping lessons fun and engaging, especially for younger students or those with learning difficulties. The flexibility and creativity the games offer, encouraging teachers to experiment and make the games their own. How incorporating games into repertoire deepens students' understanding of music. Why teaching chords and patterns is crucial as they are foundational to music. Matt emphasizes rhythm and pattern-based learning, especially for drummers. Some simple exercises that can help students discover new sounds. Links Mentioned Matt Murphy YouTube Channel Click here to learn more about TopMusicGames Register for the 3 Secrets Workshop here Today’s Guest Matt Murphy grew up playing music. He taught his first lesson at 14, went to music school, and has decades of experience and multiple awards as a performer and educator. he actually hated piano growing up. As an ADHD and mildly dyslexic child, lessons from a very traditional teacher (book first, book only) didn't help . So he switched to drums, but kept a piano nearby. After majoring in jazz drumset at music school, he realised there was so much more to piano than just "All Cows Eat Grass," and became determined to never be that "wrist-slapping" teacher for his young students. His lessons are infused with video game mechanics, child-psychology, Dungeons and Dragons-style storytelling, multi-instrumental composition, dumb jokes, and knowing that we're not just teachers, we're mentors. Today's Sponsor Alfred Music, the leader in music education for over 100 years, produces educational, reference, pop, and performance materials for teachers, students, professionals,...

In this episode, we're chatting with Alicia Glaser, the owner and instructor at Glaser Music Studio in Grand Island, NE. With 15 years of music education experience and an extensive background in the Orff methodology, Alicia shares her journey of navigating legal challenges with her local council over her home-based music studio. From facing neighborhood complaints to ultimately securing a change in city zoning laws, Alicia's story is a testament to perseverance and community support. Join us as she offers invaluable insights for piano teachers on how to handle legal obstacles, the importance of understanding local regulations, and the power of maintaining a positive outlook through it all. Alicia shared a brief summary of her music studio and her background. She shared about acquiring a commercial space, expanding her teaching capacity. How she faced a legal challenge regarding traffic complaints in her neighborhood related to her home music studio. How she addressed the legal issue and adjusted lesson times to reduce traffic. Her efforts to change the city code that she discovered was an outdated code, allowing four students for cultural arts but only one for music. The outcome of Alicia's efforts, highlighting the importance of in-home businesses and the benefits of group education. The strong support that she received from parents and the community. Alicia's handling and legal process and costs. How she worked closely with the zoning commission director. How her teaching looked like during the legal process. Her advice and tips to other teachers on how to be a responsible business owner. Alicia shares some TopMusicPro membership benefits, from resources on business management, composition, and community. Guest Links Mentioned Alicia Glaser Website Alicia Glaser Facebook Page Alicia Glaser Instagram Page Glaser Music Studio Private Group Links Mentioned Article: Mom faces the music, leads to change after discovering home piano lessons may be illegal  Link to Alicia's First Letter Link to Alicia's Second Letter Today’s Guest Alicia Glaser is the owner and Instructor at Glaser Music Studio located in Grand Island, NE (USA). She lives with husband of 15 years Brian, their 9 year old daughter Alaina, and energetic dog Grace. She and her husband love spending their weekends attending gymnastics meets and softball tournaments for Alaina. Alicia has been teaching music education for 15 years. 13 of those were spent in the K-8 General Music classroom setting as well as private lessons. For the last 2 she has been solely teaching in her private studio. Alicia has obtained Level 1, 2, and 3 Orff Certifications and adapted her Orff training to fit the needs of her group piano, ukulele, guitar, musical theater, and preK...

In this episode, we explore the innovative Meridee Winters Music Method through the insights of Kate Capps, a key figure in its development and implementation. Kate shares her journey from discovering music at five years old to studying at Berklee College of Music and eventually joining Meridee Winters' Philadelphia school in 2007. Over the past 17 years, Kate has become Meridee's right-hand person, contributing to the creation and evolution of the method’s groundbreaking books and materials. Kate discusses the method's chord and pattern-based approach, its focus on creativity and playfulness, and how it engages students, especially teenagers. Kate also reveals exciting upcoming projects and supplemental materials designed to further enrich the music learning experience. Join us to explore how Meridee Winters Music is transforming music education by fostering creativity and connection. Kate shared a brief overview of her background and her journey working with Meridee Winters. She shared how she came about working for Meridee Winters School of Music. She shared about Meridee's background as a lifelong musician and elementary classroom teacher disheartened by the lack of creativity in traditional education. Meridee's career path, including owning karate schools and working in recording studios before teaching adult musicians to accompany themselves. How Meridee developed a method to teach chords and patterns, integrating her education background and creativity. The importance of teaching music as a creative art and language art. The balance of incorporating reading music into the method while maintaining creativity. Kate shared about Meridee's books, Chord Crash Course and Chord Quest. Tim highlights the need for beginner methods for teenagers that make music fun and relatable. The importance of connecting with teenage students to keep them engaged in music. Kate shares about some upcoming projects of Meridee Winters Music. The concept of integrated music teaching, which helps students understand and find connections in music. Links Mentioned Meridee Winters Website Meridee Winters Instagram Page Meridee Winters Facebook Page Email Kate at books@merideewinters.com Today’s Guest Kate discovered music at five years old, after inheriting a piano from a neighbor's basement. Recognizing her immediate love for the instrument, her parents signed her up for lessons and Kate’s career as a musician was born. Songwriting quickly became a passion, and led Kate to Berklee College of Music, where she studied songwriting, voice and piano, and graduated magna cum laude. In 2007, Kate began working with Meridee Winters in as a teacher for her Philadelphia school, where she taught piano, voice and songwriting and fell in love with Meridee’s creative approach to teaching music. Over the past 17 years working with Meridee, Kate’s role has evolved into Meridee’s “right hand person” and editor for her trailblazing books and materials, while still remaining actively involved with the school’s teachers, curriculum and events. TOPMUSICPRO MEMBERSHIP 14-DAY FREE TRIAL 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...

In today's exciting episode, we welcome back Paul Myatt, a successful Australian businessman and renowned educator. As a founding Director of the Forte School of Music, Paul has spearheaded an innovative and thriving music education network that reaches over 4,000 students across Australia, New Zealand, and the UK. Known for his passion for lifelong music-making and the positive impacts of music education, Paul shares his insights on teaching and pedagogy and the importance of holistic, student-centered approaches to learning. Join us as we delve into engaging teaching strategies, the significance of whole body learning, and how to inspire the next generation of musicians. Tim highlights Paul's roles in various episodes, including discussions on group lessons, expert roundups, and the "No Book Beginners" approach. Importance of a holistic and student-centered approach to teaching, integrating music skills and reading. Paul discusses Generation Alpha's reduced attention spans due to mobile technology. Relevance of whole body learning, which includes movement, singing, and listening to music. Cognitive neuroscience research supporting attention, engagement, error detection, and consolidation in learning. Importance of consolidating material in lessons and ensuring students practice effectively. Role of music in memory and learning, citing examples of its effectiveness in various contexts. Influence of instructional methodologies like Orff, Kodály, Suzuki, and their relevance to whole body learning. How whole body learning adapts these methodologies specifically for piano lessons. Whole body learning in practice, demonstrating how it engages students through movement and music. Some benefits of whole body learning. Interactive learning environment, including active listening, singing, chanting & playing instruments. Upcoming Whole Body Learning Teaching Beginner's course details, course pricing and benefits. Whole Body Learning Teaching Beginner's Course Register here and use US20POD upon checkout to get $20 off US price Guest Links Mentioned Piano Teaching Success Forte School of Music Links Mentioned Whole Body Learning: A Fun and Effective Way to Teach Music TTTV033: How Group Lessons Can Transform Your Studio with Paul Myatt & Gillian Erskine IMT323: A Done-For-You Group Teaching Curriculum with Paul Myatt and Gillian Erskine TMG #041: A Whole Body Learning Approach to Guitar Lessons with Paul Myatt Transform Your Piano Teaching with Tim Topham and Paul Myatt [Live Event] Today’s Guest Successful Australian...

Join us in today's episode as we sit down with Brock Chart, our TopMusicSheets composer of the month. Brock is an accomplished composer, studio owner, and the founder of My-Melodies Publishing in Kansas. Renowned for his versatility across genres such as jazz, pop, educational piano literature, and film music, Brock has made significant contributions to the music world. He was named the 2022 Composer of the Year by the Kansas Federation of Music Clubs and had 15 original compositions selected for the 2024-2028 NFMC Bulletin. Since establishing My-Melodies Publishing, he has released six well-received educational books. Tune in to hear Brock share his journey, insights into the composing process, and valuable advice for aspiring composers.Tim praises Brock's music for its accessibility and engaging nature, noting the inclusion of QR codes that provide access to various tracks and tutorial videos.Tim highlights the monthly availability of sheet music collections from composers worldwide.Brock shares his composing journey, starting with a high school jazz combo piece and progressing to writing for various ensembles, including big bands and jazz groups.Importance of playing with others and joining ensembles to enhance musical experience and foster social connections.Encouraging creativity in students and the impact of teachers suggesting new opportunities and ambitious projects.Challenges and learning experiences of writing for different instruments and ensembles.Brock shares his experience of self-publishing after a rejection from a big publisher and learning the process by asking for advice.Importance of social media, conferences, and learning from established composers for effective marketing.The value of attending conferences for networking and exposure, despite the costs.Brock recommends digital routes like Kindle Direct Publishing for low-cost, professional-looking publications.His influences, including Dennis Alexander and Catherine Rollin, and the impact of listening to student feedback on his compositions.He encourages aspiring composers to try their pieces with students and consider digital publishing options.Brock expresses his positive experience working with Tim's team and learning from the process.Guest Links MentionedBrock Chart WebsiteBrock Chart Facebook PageBrock Chart Instagram PageLinks MentionedFind out more about TopMusicSheets hereSubscribe to TopMusic YouTube channelTopMusicSheets Volume 51 (Brock Chart) Playthrough videoToday’s GuestBrock Chart is a composer, studio owner, and founder of My-Melodies Publishing in Kansas. He composes in a variety of genres and mediums including jazz, pop, educational piano literature, and film music. He was the 2022 Composer of the Year by the Kansas Federation of Music Clubs, and had 15 original compositions selected for the 2024-2028 NFMC Bulletin.Brock has been awarded two Student Music Awards in DownBeat magazine for composition in both large-ensemble and small-group writing. In 2019, he composed an original score for the Museum of Modern Art’s short film How to See, which was listed in the British Film Institute’s list of the...