The TopCast: The Official Music Teachers' Podcast

Today we’re doing something a little different. This bonus episode features a special chat with Maddy Palare, a passionate teacher and graduate of our 12-Week Studio Transformation Program. Maddy shares how she went from teaching part-time to running a thriving, multi-teacher studio, all while navigating uncertainty, burnout, and business challenges. You'll hear how the program helped her streamline her systems, boost her confidence, and discover powerful tools for growth. Whether you're just starting out or looking for a refresh, Maddy’s journey will inspire you to see what’s possible with the right support. Maddy shared that she disliked piano practice as a child and lacked motivation during lessons.She explained that her early teaching experience with her younger brother was discouraging.How her perspective on teaching shifted after working with her first official student at age 16.How she experienced burnout and a lack of direction before joining the program.She shared why she joined the12WSTto gain business clarity and rebuild her confidence.The operations manual module provided her with structure and long-term studio planning tools.She highlighted how adding a call-to-action on her website increased student inquiries.How the visioning exercise helped her define what she wanted her studio to look and feel like.Impementing new teaching strategies that improved engagement and creativity with students.How her student with autism flourished through personalized and flexible lesson formats.How the program helped her feel more confident in her decisions as a business owner.Maddy recommended the program to teachers seeking clarity, systems, and renewed purpose. Links Mentioned Find out more about the 12wst (12-Week Studio Transformation) here.Maddy's website:Adelaide Music LLCMaddy's Instagram page:@adelaidemusicllcMaddy's Facebook page:Adelaide Music LLC  Today’s Guest Madelyn Palare is a 25-year-old piano teacher and the founder of Adelaide Music LLC. Teaching since age 16, she’s working to actively build a studio culture in her area where students become holistic, lifelong musicians—developing musicianship with confidence and joy. Madelyn also enjoys creating playful, well-designed resources for other teachers to keep learning engaging for students of all ages. She lives just north of Los Angeles with her husband, you can often find her spending time with her friends and eating sushi. 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. 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...

We know how hard it can be to cut through the noise when it comes to studio marketing. That’s why I’m thrilled to bring you this special replay from our sister show, the TopMusic Piano Podcast, hosted by Dr. Rachel Ehring. In this episode, she sits down with Kelly Riordan of Outside the Bachs to unpack a practical, no-fluff 3-step approach to marketing your music studio. From crafting a profitable lesson package to building authentic community relationships, Kelly shares advice that’s grounded in experience and designed to help you grow your studio in sustainable and meaningful ways. Kelly shared a brief overview of her studio as the CEO and Co-Founder of Outside the Bachs.She shared her 3-step framework for growing a studio.Importance of setting a flat monthly tuition to simplify operations and build confidence with clients.Organic marketing strategies like school outreach and community connections.How authentic relationships with music teachers can lead to more consistent student referrals.She shared her experience of building a studio from scratch after relocatingShe highlighted the value of in-person networking.The difference between a free trial lesson and a consultation.The importance of authentic social media content. Links Mentioned Outside The Bachs WebsiteOutside The Bachs YouTube PageKelly Riordan’s TikTok PageKelly Riordan’s Instagram: @kellyriordanmusicianFacebook Group: Private Music Instructors, Piano Lesson Teachers, and Music Studio Owners Today’s Guest Kelly Riordan is the CEO and Co-Founder of Outside the Bachs, LLC – a program designed to give musicians the skills to create their own private music studios and deliver the highest quality instruction to their students. Her work has brought her to the forefront in music business education. In addition to hosting The Outside the Bachs Podcast, Riordan presents regularly at conferences and universities, with recent appearances at The NAMM Show and The Ultimate Music Business Summit, in addition to lectures at the University of Tennessee, Miami University, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and University of North Carolina School of the Arts. Kelly Riordan holds a Master of Music (MM) in Performance and Literature from the Hugh Hodgson School of Music at the University of Georgia and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Music from the Peck School of the Arts at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Today’s Sponsor Opus1 helps music school owners run their schools with ease, confidence, and connection. Created by fellow school owners, our all-in-one platform brings scheduling, billing, communications, and marketing together under one roof. By simplifying admin tasks and improving family engagement, Opus1 empowers music school owners to grow an average of 40% in just 18 months. Join a growing community of schools building stronger...

How do you go from total financial loss to building one of the biggest privately owned music schools in the country? Our guest today, David Martin, shares his incredible journey from teaching in his parents’ basement to serving 1,000 students weekly and eventually selling the business. This episode is packed with insights on marketing, team building, and how to grow your studio with purpose. We also touch on tools like Opus1 that are helping today’s school owners simplify operations and scale more sustainably. David shared how he went bankrupt in 2009 and rebuilt from scratch by teaching piano in his parents’ basement.He explained how early mistakes in pricing and business structure led to major financial challenges.The value of resilience and staying focused during adversity was a key theme.How he gradually scaled his business to 1,000 students across multiple locations.How strategic hiring helped him build a strong leadership team and scale with confidence.Marketing strategies like bold messaging and leveraging Google Ads were highlighted.The importance of clarity in branding and knowing your “why.”David described the process of preparing for a successful business exit and sale.How he now coaches other school owners to grow and avoid the mistakes he made.Tim and David emphasized the power of systems and automation in building sustainable music schools. Links Mentioned David Martin's LinkedIn PageExplore The Performing Arts School Entrepreneur Podcast with David Martin Today’s Guest David Martin is an entrepreneur and business coach who built one of the largest privately owned music schools in the country. Starting in his parents’ basement with no business background, he scaled to 1,000 weekly students across multiple locations before successfully selling the company. Today, he helps music school owners accelerate growth, improve marketing performance, and prepare for profitable exits. Today’s Sponsor Opus1 helps music school owners run their schools with ease, confidence, and connection. Created by fellow school owners, our all-in-one platform brings scheduling, billing, communications, and marketing together under one roof. By simplifying admin tasks and improving family engagement, Opus1 empowers music school owners to grow an average of 40% in just 18 months. Join a growing community of schools building stronger businesses — and stronger music programs — with Opus1. Book a Demo of Opus1 here. 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. TopMusicPro 14-Day Free...

This week, we're wrapping up our technology month with something really special, a replay from one of our Spotlight Sessions inside TopMusicPro, featuring the brilliant Katie Argyle from Midnight Music. Katie’s deep knowledge of music ed tech tools always blows me away. In this episode, she walks us through powerful AI tools for music teachers, including practice apps, notation scanners, and backing track software. Whether you're curious about rhythm generators or want to strip vocals from a pop track, Katie delivers practical ways to use AI to streamline your teaching and spark creativity in your studio. Tim shared that this episode is a replay from a Spotlight Session inside TopMusicPro. Katie highlighted the role of AI in music education and why it's not entirely new. She explained how Rhythm Randomizer can create infinite rhythm exercises for free. The benefits of Sight Reading Factory for customized sight reading were demonstrated. Katie showcased Moises, an AI tool that separates tracks into stems for backing practice. She shared how teachers can mute instruments, identify key and tempo, and export audio. Ultimate Vocal Remover was presented as a free alternative for basic stem separation. She explored AI-powered feedback tools like PracticeFirst and MakeMusic Cloud. Katie showed how AI improves music scanning and notation using digital PDF conversion. Links Mentioned TopCast 437: Unpacking AI for Music Teachers with Tara Wright Download your latest TopMusic Magazine here TopMusicPro Members Link Watch the Spotlight Session Replay – The Music Teacher’s Guide to AI With Katie Argyle Today's Guest Katie Argyle is a music technology in education trainer, consultant, blogger and podcaster who is passionate about helping music teachers through her business Midnight Music. She runs hands-on workshops, presents regularly at conferences in Australia and internationally and offers online training and support to music teachers all over the world. Katie’s workshops and courses focus on incorporating technology into the music curriculum and practical tips for resource creation and productivity. Katie has been a Keynote speaker at the Australian Society for Music Education National Conference, the Music Education New Zealand National Conference and the ACT Music Educators Network Conference. In 2016, Katie launched the Midnight Music Membership Community which has become a go-to hub for hundreds of music teachers who are seeking technology-focussed professional development. She regularly presents regular live online webinars which have been attended by thousands of music teachers. Katie is the host of the Music Tech Teacher podcast which has more than 150 episodes and runs the Midnight Music Youtube channel. 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. TopMusicPro 14-Day Free Trial Heard about TopMusicPro Membership? As a valued podcast listener, I’d like to

Today, we're diving into the world of AI for music teachers with none other than Tara Wright, our resident expert on all things tech and teaching. In this episode, we unpack what AI really is (and isn't), how it shows up in everyday studio tools, and how music teachers can use it to supercharge creativity, lesson planning, communication, and marketing. Tara also gives us a behind-the-scenes look at her new course, ChatGPT Made Easy, and the custom chatbots she's built to make AI accessible and practical for every studio. Tara explained that AI is not just chatbots, it powers many tools teachers already use. She described how AI systems learn from data and improve over time. How AI tools like notation software and backing tracks use AI under the hood. Tara highlighted that while AI can assist, it can’t replace the emotional connection of real teaching. The value of AI as a creativity partner was discussed, from songwriting to arranging. Examples of AI tools like Suno and how they can inspire student projects. How ChatGPT helps her respond to parent emails with professionalism and clarity. The importance of training ChatGPT to sound like you through tone and branding was emphasized. Tara demonstrated how AI can analyze studio data and summarize trends. She explained how AI helps with marketing tasks like writing captions and emails. How teachers can use AI to explain tricky concepts or offer analogies tailored to different learners. How AI helps personalize lessons for neurodiverse or non-visual learners. TopMusic’s custom AI chatbots like Paige, Studio Maestro, Chester and Cleo. Tara outlined the ChatGPT Made Easy course, which teaches teachers to use AI effectively. Links Mentioned 5 ChatGPT Prompts for Music Teachers in 2025 Practice Hacks for Musicians Course by Noa Kageyama TopMusic Guitar Podcast #054: 5 Ways to Use ChatGPT in Your Business TopMusic Courses Today's Guest Tara Wright is an Education and Operations Director, Creative Strategist, and Music Educator who helps music educators transform their teaching studios and businesses through innovative strategies, clear processes, and actionable tools. Known for her no-fluff advice, Tara blends creative thinking with real-world solutions to make complex systems simple and effective. With over 20 years of teaching experience and 10+ years in operations management, Tara brings expertise in branding, copywriting, and process improvement to the music industry. She has overseen the creation of impactful content, from managing digital media platforms to developing professional training materials. Tara’s work inspires music educators to build thriving studios while balancing creativity with practicality. When not optimizing workflows or mentoring teams, Tara raises ostriches, Great Danes, and other two- and four-legged friends on her farm near St. Louis. You’ll often find her taking her Jeep off-road or exploring a new hobby because learning is her ultimate joy. Tara’s advice is grounded in experience and designed to inspire action. Whether it’s simplifying studio operations, enhancing marketing strategies, or sparking creativity, Tara’s solutions resonate with educators ready to grow. Thank you for tuning in!...

There’s no shortage of amazing apps and tech tools for music teachers—but which one would you keep if you had to give up all the rest? For this fun and collaborative episode, I asked a group of creative, tech-savvy teachers from around the world to share their number one, can’t-live-without music teaching tool. You’ll hear their real-life tips, use cases, and why these tools are making a difference in their studios. Tim introduced October's tech focus across TopMusic, including blogs and magazine issues. The value of practical, studio-tested tools was emphasized through real teacher examples. Bec Stewart recommended Tonality for understanding chords and transposition. Samantha Coates praised Vivid Practice for organizing digital student notes and resources. Rebecca Singerman-Knight shared how she uses iReal Pro for backing tracks and improvisation. Amy Chaplin explained how Spotify supports chord chart work and jam sessions. Jennifer Fox recommended Practice Space for streamlined assignments and student motivation. Laura Kahar highlighted the power of the simple Voice Memos app for student reflection. Noreen Wenjen discussed how the Apogee HypeMic improves sound for online lessons. Tim encouraged listeners to try these tools and discover what could become their new favorite. The importance of experimentation, simplicity, and creativity in tech adoption was reinforced. Links Mentioned Download your TopMusic Magazine here. 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. 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

What makes a student stay with you for years, not just because of progress, but because they truly love your studio? In today’s chat, I’m joined by Anamarie Sabbagh, who’s built a thriving teaching business grounded in joy, connection, and community. We talk about how she creates a studio culture that students and families want to be part of for the long haul and the little things that make a big difference. Anamarie shared how her multicultural background helped shape a welcoming, inclusive studio environment. She explained the importance of building community and connection beyond just teaching piano. The value of play-based learning and engaging activities was emphasized for young beginners. How her studio culture focuses on joy, consistency, and nurturing long-term relationships. The strategies she uses to support both students and parents through musical development. She highlighted how small details—like communication, scheduling, and celebrations—build loyalty. The importance of teacher authenticity and showing up as your full self in the studio was discussed. Anamarie shared how she incorporates flexibility and structure to meet each family’s needs. Presenting at international events and how that affirmed the value of her studio model. How cultivating a supportive studio culture has led to strong word-of-mouth and long-term retention. Links Mentioned Anamarie's website: Keys To Success Music Anamarie's Instagram page: @latinafabulous Keys to Success Music Instagram page: @keys.to.success.music Keys to Success Music Facebook page: Keys To Success Music Today’s Guest Anamarie is a classically trained opera singer, doctoral candidate, published author, international speaker, and MBA holder in International Business with a diverse range of experiences that have shaped her approach to education. With fluency in multiple languages and extensive travel experience, she brings a unique perspective to teaching and learning. Outside of the classroom, Anamarie enjoys reading, singing, and spending time at the beach. She is also an interpreter of tarot cards, which helps her tap into the intuitive side of life and connect with others on a deeper level. Anamarie's journey to becoming a studio owner and teacher was unexpected, but her love for kids, music, and humanity has been a constant driving force. She has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of music education, particularly neuromusical education, which empowers children to develop self-awareness, critical thinking, and trust in their intuition. As a dedicated educator, Anamarie is committed to bringing this magic to young minds and helping them discover the full potential of music as a tool for personal growth and self-expression. 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. TopMusicPro 14-Day Free Trial Heard about TopMusicPro Membership? As a valued podcast listener, I’d like to offer you a special...

Back in 2014, I set up a mic, hit record, and created my very first online course to help teachers feel confident teaching pop music. That course became PianoFlix, and it was the beginning of everything that would eventually grow into the TopMusicPro community. In this solo episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes to share how it all started, why it still matters today, and what makes this course one of my proudest creations. Tim reflected on the early days of creating his first online course to help teachers teach pop music. He explained how teacher feedback sparked the idea for what became PianoFlix. The importance of teaching pop music as a gateway to deeper engagement and theory understanding. How the success of PianoFlix Course led to the creation of TopMusicPro. Tim shared the original sales ad and Module 1 from the PianoFlix Course. How the course was intentionally designed to be evergreen and still relevant today. How attitudes toward pop music in piano education have shifted significantly since 2015. The value of practical, pedagogically-sound pop instruction was reinforced throughout. Tim outlined all 8 modules of the PianoFlix course, including rearranging and lead sheet strategies. Links Mentioned Watch the PianoFlix sales ad in YouTube here Purchase the PianoFlix Course here Find out more about TopMusic Courses Download your latest TopMusic Magazine here Today’s Sponsor RSL Awards is leading the next generation of creativity. We are an international Awarding Organisation, creating qualifications in music, performing arts, and creative industries subjects. Our vision is to help teachers and students within the creative arts sector through a range of innovative, relevant, and rewarding resources and qualifications. This includes our flagship Rockschool graded resources for piano. The new edition of Rockschool Piano offers a holistic approach to piano education, shaped around the needs of today’s musicians. Exploring five centuries of music, from classical to classic rock, this genre-spanning syllabus features an expansive mix of popular Hit Tunes, bespoke Rockschool Originals, and brand-new suites of technical study, all packed with class-leading technology. Find out more about RSL Awards here. RSL Online Shop Pre-Order the New Rockschool Piano Syllabus 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. TopMusicPro 14-Day Free Trial Heard about TopMusicPro Membership? As a valued podcast...

When students show up without their books or in a mood, do you ever feel your lesson plan slipping through your fingers? That’s exactly why I created the 30-Day Back Pocket Sprint to help you build a reliable toolkit of creative activities you can use anytime. In this solo episode, I’m sharing all the details: how it works, what you'll learn, and how it will give you confidence, flexibility, and fun in every lesson. Whether you’re already a TopMusicPro member or just looking for a boost, this sprint is for you. Tim explained how unexpected lesson moments can be better managed with creative tools. The value of a flexible teaching toolkit as a way to stay confident and effective. Tim introduced the 30-Day Back Pocket Sprint starting September 29 until October 27. How the sprint helps teachers build a library of creative activities to use on the fly. How five mini-tasks per week lead to over 20 practical teaching tools by the end. Why novelty in lessons improves student focus, retention, and motivation. How remixing repertoire and adding pop progressions can energize regular lesson routines. The benefits of joining weekly Zoom calls and the optional Facebook group were discussed. Tim emphasized that the sprint is open to both TopMusicPro members and non-members. The importance of building sustainable creative habits through small daily actions was reinforced. Links Mentioned Join Our 30-Day Back Pocket Sprint. Visit topmusic.co/sprint. Today’s Sponsor RSL Awards is leading the next generation of creativity. We are an international Awarding Organisation, creating qualifications in music, performing arts, and creative industries subjects. Our vision is to help teachers and students within the creative arts sector through a range of innovative, relevant, and rewarding resources and qualifications. This includes our flagship Rockschool graded resources for piano. The new edition of Rockschool Piano offers a holistic approach to piano education, shaped around the needs of today’s musicians. Exploring five centuries of music, from classical to classic rock, this genre-spanning syllabus features an expansive mix of popular Hit Tunes, bespoke Rockschool Originals, and brand-new suites of technical study, all packed with class-leading technology. Find out more about RSL Awards here. RSL Online Shop Pre-Order the New Rockschool Piano Syllabus 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. TopMusicPro 14-Day Free Trial Heard about TopMusicPro Membership? As a valued podcast listener, I’d like to offer you a special...

Teens can be some of the most rewarding and challenging students we teach. In this replay of our member-exclusive Spotlight Session, Turning Meh into Motivation: 5 Tips for Teaching Teens, Andrea Dow from Teach Piano Today shares practical strategies to help you connect with and inspire your teen students. From fostering creativity and confidence to embracing pop culture and structured choice, Andrea offers ideas that can make a real difference in your teaching. The value of a reliable teen toolkit to confidently navigate mood swings, low motivation, and inconsistent practice. How to reframe practice as “creation” to shift teens’ mindset from chore to self-expression. The importance of offering structured choices to foster motivation without sacrificing progress. Why balancing freedom and guidance in lessons helps teens feel seen, capable, and respected. How pop tutorials and TikToks can become teaching tools, not distractions, by focusing on transferrable skills. The role of identity formation in teen motivation, and how music supports emotional development. How to build musical confidence so teens proudly identify as piano players within their peer groups. Why lightness and humor matter, including how simple games can boost connection and retention. The importance of small, steady wins over dramatic breakthroughs in building long-term success. Andrea encouraged teachers to be curators, not dictators, guiding teens with intention and empathy. Links Mentioned TopCast 407: The Power of Storytelling with Andrea Dow from Teach Piano Today TopCast 431: My Favourite Framework for Piano Teachers: 4 Chord Composing Four Chord Composing Course Buy the course for only $49 using the coupon code CHORDS100 Download your latest TopMusic Magazine here Today’s Guest Andrea Dow, together with her husband Trevor, are the composers, authors, and educators behind TeachPianoToday.com and WunderKeys. Their collaborative work has transformed piano education, providing teachers with imaginative resources that engage students of all ages. From quirky piano books to game-based learning materials, Andrea and Trevor’s creations inspire piano teachers worldwide to bring creativity and joy into their lessons. Over the years, they have published 207 piano books, each designed to motivate students and make learning music fun. Andrea and Trevor live on Vancouver Island off the west coast of British Columbia, Canada. When not composing or creating, Andrea and Trevor balance family life with two teenage daughters, and spend most of their time at the hockey rink or track. Today’s Sponsor RSL Awards is leading the next generation of creativity. We are an international Awarding Organisation, creating qualifications in music, performing arts, and creative industries...

If you've ever felt unsure about how to teach chords or help your students create music from scratch, this episode is for you. Today, I’m sharing a deep dive into my all-time favourite course, 4 Chord Composing. I’ll walk you through why this framework works so well, how it connects theory and creativity, and how you can use it even if you’ve never composed a thing in your life. You’ll also hear from other teachers who’ve used this approach to transform their students' confidence and engagement. Tim reflected on how most teachers weren't taught chords or lead sheets in their own lessons. He explained how a chord-based approach improves sight reading, creativity, and understanding. The benefits of teaching harmony through popular styles were emphasized. Tim introduced his favorite course: 4 Chord Composing Course, offering a 10-week plan for introducing students to composing using just four chords. He highlighted how the framework builds theory, form, and improvisation skills naturally. How it simplifies teaching composition and makes learning feel intuitive. The course videos show Tim teaching a real student, making the approach easy to follow. Tim shared feedback from teachers who have used the course with great success and student engagement. Links Mentioned Four Chord Composing Course Buy the course for only $49 using the coupon code CHORDS100 Blog: The Power of 4 Chord Composing TopMusicPro Courses TopMusic Competition Composition 2025 Today’s Sponsor RSL Awards is leading the next generation of creativity. We are an international Awarding Organisation, creating qualifications in music, performing arts, and creative industries subjects. Our vision is to help teachers and students within the creative arts sector through a range of innovative, relevant, and rewarding resources and qualifications. This includes our flagship Rockschool graded resources for piano. The new edition of Rockschool Piano offers a holistic approach to piano education, shaped around the needs of today’s musicians. Exploring five centuries of music, from classical to classic rock, this genre-spanning syllabus features an expansive mix of popular Hit Tunes, bespoke Rockschool Originals, and brand-new suites of technical study, all packed with class-leading technology. Find out more about RSL Awards here. RSL Online Shop Pre-Order the New Rockschool Piano Syllabus 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 

Exams don’t have to feel like a chore. Today, I’m chatting with Nathan Theodoulou from RSL about the exciting changes in the new Rockschool Piano syllabus. Whether your students love pop, jazz, film music, or creative expression, this new syllabus has something for them. We dive into the vision behind the redesign, how it encourages musicality and flexibility, and what it means for modern piano teachers looking to inspire a new generation of players. Tim welcomed Nathan Theodoulou from RSL to introduce the new Rockschool Piano syllabus. Nathan shared how the syllabus combines classical, pop, film, and jazz influences. He explained how students are assessed on creativity, interpretation, and musicality. The new syllabus offers a balance of structured progression and modern flexibility. Nathan emphasized the importance of having music that students genuinely want to play. He described how they redesigned technical exercises to be musically engaging. The importance of global accessibility and flexible delivery modes was discussed. Tim and Nathan explored how the new syllabus empowers teachers without overprescribing. Nathan explained the rationale behind removing sight reading as a mandatory element. He highlighted new options for creativity in exams, such as improvisation or original composition. The syllabus aims to develop all-around musicianship—not just technical proficiency. Music teachers were encouraged to explore the new books and find pieces that excite their students. Links Mentioned RSL Website RSL Online Shop Pre-Order the New Rockschool Piano Syllabus Today’s Guest Nathan is Director of Product and Marketing for the RSL Group. This includes the flagship Rockschool brand, which operates across 60 countries. He oversees the creation of all RSL publications and has created over 50 books to date for the company. He also develops commercial partnerships with the music industry and manufactures, such as Marshall, Yamaha and Abbey Road Studios. Nathan has over 20 years of experience in the education sector. He was a consultant for global management firm Mott MacDonald. He has worked as a teacher trainer, trained PGCE students and Newly Qualified Teachers. Nathan also spent 10 years with the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance and helped to create the award-winning youth theatre now known as Company 3. He also served on the Board of Trustees for the European Piano Teachers Association (EPTA). Nathan maintains a career as a composer and musical director, composing music for stage and screen, and performing at venues including the Royal Albert Hall, Royal Shakespeare Company, Barbican and Royal Festival Hall. He has received a diverse selection of commissions including two concertos for cellist Guy Johnston, works for the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment and Academy of St Martin in the Fields, documentary soundtracks for Amazon and scores for theatre productions at the National Theatre. He loves all genres of music, regularly switching between classical, jazz, rock, latin and electronic music. Nathan is a multi-instrumentalist and had recorded on guitar, bass, piano, saxophones and flute. Today’s Sponsor

Method books can be incredibly helpful or incredibly overwhelming. Today, I’m having a chat with Anna Beth Rucker, the creator of Piano Method Navigator, a free online tool that helps teachers explore and compare method books with clarity. We dive into how this resource came to life, what it offers, and how it can support better decision-making no matter what stage of teaching you’re in. If you’ve ever felt stuck trying to choose the “right” book, this episode will definitely help. Anna Beth shared a brief overview of her background as the creator of the Piano Method Navigator. How the tool helps teachers explore method books with more confidence. She shared her motivation for creating a free, user-friendly tool for the teaching community. The value of method book comparison in choosing materials for different student needs. She highlighted the searchable filters and categories that make the Navigator so practical. How the tool reflects her belief in empowering teachers, not replacing judgment. Tim and Anna Beth explored the challenges teachers face when switching or mixing methods. The importance of understanding teaching priorities, sequencing, pacing and philosophy. Anna Beth encouraged teachers to be curious and experimental with new materials. She shared how her nonprofit and consulting experience shaped her approach to design and accessibility. Tim praised the Navigator as a much-needed tool for piano teachers of all levels. Since the recording of this podcast, Piano Method Navigator includes a new tool: the Lesson Planning Assistant—a time-saving feature that shows what your student has just learned, is learning now, and is about to learn, making lesson planning faster and more strategic. Links Mentioned Piano Method Navigator Website Piano Method Navigator Instragram Page: @pianomethodnavigator Today’s Guest Anna Beth Rucker is a pianist, educator, and the creator of Piano Method Navigator, a free online tool that helps teachers explore method books with clarity and confidence. With nearly two decades of teaching experience and two degrees in pedagogy, she brings both depth and curiosity to piano education. In addition to her work in music, she has spent years in the nonprofit sector—designing strategy, streamlining operations, and shaping messaging. She now leads Tree Frog Solutions, a refreshingly straightforward consulting firm that helps nonprofits and creative businesses do big things on a small budget. She lives in Portland, Oregon, with her husband, Ben, their goofy golden retriever, Clive, and their three-legged cat, Charles-François. Today’s Sponsor Piano Marvel is an innovative piano education platform designed to empower piano teachers and inspire students. Blending traditional methods with cutting-edge technology, Piano Marvel offers powerful tools to streamline teaching, track student progress, and enhance learning outcomes in both in-person and online lessons. With a digital piano connected via USB, MIDI, or microphone mode, students gain instant feedback on their playing, build...

Technology can’t replace the heart of great teaching, but when used well, it can supercharge our impact. Today, I’m chatting with Aaron and Heidi Garner, the founders of Piano Marvel and sponsors of this month’s podcast. We dive into their inspiring startup journey, explore how their platform supports practice, sight reading, and studio efficiency, and unpack why it’s more relevant than ever in today’s teaching landscape. Whether you’ve been curious about using tech in your lessons or are looking for ways to boost student motivation, this episode has something for you. Aaron shared how teaching group piano sparked the idea for Piano Marvel. The importance of allowing students to progress at their own pace was emphasized. Heidi explained how they secured early funding through friends and family. They discussed the challenge of early teacher resistance to technology. How the software helps students practice notes and rhythm accurately. Heidi highlighted how Piano Marvel supports teachers with time-saving tools. The value of using Piano Marvel during lessons to improve practice habits was shared. How the SASR (Standard Assessment of Sight-Reading) test tracks progress with gamified feedback. Tim and Aaron discussed how faster repertoire learning leads to deeper artistry. Heidi shared how Piano Marvel’s teacher community supports learning and tech adoption. The new Group Play feature allows synchronized ensemble performance across devices. Teachers can upload and annotate sheet music directly within the platform. Aaron emphasized that technology enhances, not replaces, the role of great teachers. Special Offer for Podcast Listeners Piano Marvel Back-to-School Sale - Kick off the school year with 15% off an Annual Premium Subscription, plus enjoy an extra month absolutely free, and get instant access to the PDF version of the FUNdamentals Book to supercharge your practice. Visit pianomarvel.com or go directly to store.pianomarvel.com to claim your discount. Links Mentioned Piano Marvel Website Standard Assessment of Sight Reading (SASR) Today’s Guest Aaron Garner did his undergraduate studies in piano performance and pedagogy, along with composition at Brigham Young University and the University of Southern Colorado. While doing his graduate studies in performance and pedagogy with a secondary emphasis in composition at the University of Northern Colorado, he taught class piano, where he faced teaching students of differing abilities simultaneously in one classroom. The difficulties of that task led Aaron to develop the Piano Marvel software. Piano Marvel was founded in January of 2008, and the first version of the software was released at MTNA in Atlanta, GA, in March of 2009. Heidi Garner helped start Piano Marvel with her husband, Aaron Garner, in 2008. Over the years, Heidi has taken on several positions within the company, and she currently serves as the Chief Marketing Officer. You might come across her on our social media platforms or at a conference! Furthermore, Heidi is a personal trainer and running coach specializing in fostering behavioral change. She obtained her bachelor's degree in Kinesiology at the University of Northern Colorado. Heidi and Aaron have four...

Let’s be honest, teaching students how to practice well is one of the most important things we do, and also one of the hardest to make stick. That’s why I’m so excited to spotlight our “Practice Hacks” Course by Noa Kageyama, now available on the TopMusic Courses platform. In this episode, I share a behind-the-scenes look at the course, explore what makes practice effective, and reflect on the mindset shifts that can completely change how we and our students approach progress. Tim introduced the “Practice Hacks” Course by performance psychologist Noa Kageyama. He shared how the course helps teachers and students overcome common practice pitfalls. The importance of deliberate, mindful practice over repetition was emphasized. How progress boosts motivation and builds consistent practice habits. Tim previewed key topics like the mastery illusion and skill retrieval. How the course breaks down strategies based on research in psychology and learning science. Teachers are encouraged to improve their own practice through this course. Tim highlighted the flexibility of TopMusic Courses for one-off purchases. Links Mentioned Find out more about Practice Hacks for Musicians Course by Noa Kageyama here Buy the course for only $49 using the coupon code NOAHACKS25 TopMusic Course Find out more about TopMusicSheets here. Today’s Sponsor Piano Marvel is an innovative piano education platform designed to empower piano teachers and inspire students. Blending traditional methods with cutting-edge technology, Piano Marvel offers powerful tools to streamline teaching, track student progress, and enhance learning outcomes in both in-person and online lessons. With a digital piano connected via USB, MIDI, or microphone mode, students gain instant feedback on their playing, build essential skills like sight-reading, rhythm, and ear-training, and stay motivated with real-time scoring and gamified learning. Teachers can assign exercises, monitor progress remotely, and access detailed analytics to tailor instruction more effectively. The platform features the Standard Assessment of Sight Reading (SASR)—the world’s only standardized sight-reading test—and a robust Music Library of over 30,000 songs, from classical to contemporary hits. Its three unique modes—Practice, Play, and Learn—support every learning style, helping students progress confidently at their own pace. Whether you’re teaching beginners or advanced students, Piano Marvel provides a flexible, engaging, and time-saving solution for modern piano studios. Piano Marvel: revolutionizing piano teaching, one student at a time. To learn more, visit pianomarvel.com. 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...

What if your beginner students could master all 24 scales in just a few weeks? Today, I’m chatting with the incredible Ambre Hammond, whose high-energy, no-limits approach to piano teaching is turning heads and transforming students. We dive into how she introduces advanced technique from lesson one, keeps things joyful and motivating, and uses creative challenges to make even Hanon exercises exciting. If you’ve ever wondered how to spark faster progress and deeper engagement in your students, this conversation will give you plenty to think about. Ambre shared a brief overview of her background and her unique approach to teaching. How she introduces all 24 scales from lesson one, even with beginners. She emphasized that the way teachers frame difficulty affects student mindset. The value of using simplified classics and Bach early on was highlighted. How she makes scales and technique fun, using imagination and humor. She explained her use of games, timing challenges, and playful psychological tricks. The importance of strong parent involvement and a supportive studio culture was discussed. Ambre emphasized setting high expectations regardless of age or level. How she motivates students with goal-setting, performance, and creative rewards. Her early training, being homeschooled and taught by her mother. The role of inspiration, joy, and student-teacher connection was central to her philosophy. Tim and Ambre explored why challenging students unlocks their musical potential. Guest Links Mentioned Ambre's website: www.ambrehammond.com Ambre's Instagram page: @ambrepianist and @ambreteacher Ambre's YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@ambrepianist Ambre's Facebook Page: Elite Piano School Links Mentioned Find out more about TopMusicSheets here. Join the upcoming Spotlight Session with Nicola Cantan - find out more here. Today's Guest Classical pianist, Ambre Hammond, completed her Associate and Licentiate Diplomas in Piano as an eleven year old, while being home-schooled in Moss Vale, Australia. Her debut with orchestra at age 16 was playing the Concerto No. 3 by Rachmaninoff with the Orquesta Sinfonica de Cordoba in Argentina as part of her first prize in the International Music Competition of Cordoba. More recently, Ambre has added composing to her list of accomplishments. She has released two albums of compositions for solo piano. Ambre is in demand as a motivational speaker, with regular appearances at venues throughout Australia. She has also had speaking engagements in America, and most recently (2018) was the keynote speaker for Corning Gorilla Glass in Singapore. Today's Sponsor

Repertoire can make or break a student’s motivation, and yet finding that just-right piece is one of the toughest parts of our job. In today’s episode, we’re having a chat with William Perry, the mastermind behind Piano Music Database, a powerful tool designed to help teachers discover ideal pieces using filters like rhythm, level, mood, and more. From public domain gems to modern compositions, this is a game-changer for anyone searching for truly personalized repertoire. William shared a brief overview of his background as the creator of Piano Music Database. How his own frustration with finding suitable repertoire led to creating the database. Tim explained the importance of matching repertoire to student skill and motivation. How the database helps teachers find “Goldilocks” pieces through specific search filters. How Piano Music Database categorizes pieces by level, rhythm, concept, key, mood, and theme. He emphasized the value of searching by musical concept rather than difficulty alone. The seven-level system and how it provides broad guidance. How the database supports teacher decision-making with curated recordings and purchasing links. The importance of community contributions, including composer-submitted entries. He encouraged teachers to use the database to explore lesser-known composers and repertoire. The benefit of refining repertoire choices to improve retention and engagement. Exclusive Discount for Podcast Listeners Use the code TOPCAST25 to get 25% off your first year of a Piano Music Database Plus subscription (applicable on monthly and annual payments). Click here to subscribe and claim your discount. Links Mentioned William Perry's List of Favorite Pieces in Piano Music Database Piano Music Database Website Piano Music Database Facebook Page Piano Music Database Facebook Group Piano Music Database Instagram Today's Guest William Perry is a pianist, educator, keyboardist, organist, and the founder of Piano Music Database, an online platform that helps piano teachers find the best music for their students. He holds degrees in piano performance and pedagogy from Stetson University and Florida State University. As a soloist, William has performed across the U.S. and in Europe. He performs regularly as an electronic keyboardist for large-scale tribute shows, serves as the organist for Holy Trinity–St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, and is the collaborative pianist for the Young Professionals Choral Collective. He lives in Cincinnati, where he runs the Woodmont Piano Studio and teaches private piano lessons. Today's Sponsor Just a year ago, the German music publisher Bärenreiter celebrated its 100th anniversary. The story began modestly, with editions of folk songs...

Too often, rote teaching is dismissed as basic or shallow. But in this episode with Laura Abshier, you’ll never see it the same way again. As one of our TopMusicSheets composers, Laura brings a fresh, imaginative approach to beginner teaching that's grounded in Music Learning Theory. We're going to explore her collection, learn how she uses movement, singing, and improvisation, and discover just how rich rote-based learning can be for young students. Laura shared her experience designing creative, beginner-friendly rote pieces. She explained how Music Learning Theory (MLT) shapes her composing and teaching. The role of movement, singing, and aural prep before notation. The importance of using simple rhythmic patterns in early pieces. She explained the use of call-and-response formats and fist pieces for young learners. Improvisation was highlighted as an essential, not optional part of the learning process. Laura demonstrated multiple pieces and how to unpack and teach each one. She encouraged teachers to reframe rote learning as deep, musical engagement. How these pieces can spark student creativity and compositional thinking. Freebie for Podcast Listeners Download your Free Beginner Piece Variations - 30 ideas for your students to create variations of their pieces. Links Mentioned Laura's Website: Piano Artistry Studio Laura's Music Cllections: PianoArtistryStudio.com/roots/ Laura's YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@RootsMusic88 Find out more about TopMusicSheets here. Today's Guest Laura Abshier enjoys the art of teaching and seeks to give engaging, systematic, and creative instruction to her piano students. She and her husband currently maintain a private piano studio, where her niche is teaching younger beginners. She has developed five rote collections over the past eight years. As a teacher of beginners, Laura recognized a need for engaging yet pedagogical pieces created specifically for young (and very young!) students. Laura earned her Master of Music in Piano Pedagogy at the University of Missouri, studying under Dr. Peter Miyamoto, and her Bachelor of Arts in Music at Millikin University, studying with Dr. Ronald YaDeau. Today's Sponsor Just a year ago, the German music publisher Bärenreiter celebrated its 100th anniversary. The story began modestly, with editions of folk songs and church music produced by the young founder, Karl Vötterle, in his parents’ living room. But the publishing house quickly expanded. After the Second World War, Bärenreiter increasingly focused on scholarly-critical editions, growing into one of the world’s leading classical music publishers. While the company’s early Urtext publications centered on Mozart, Bach, and Schubert, its catalogue now includes over 10,000 titles, featuring works by composers such as Beethoven, Brahms, Chopin, Debussy, Fauré, Mendelssohn, Schumann, Ravel, Satie, and many others. Bärenreiter's Urtext editions...

What if your role as a music teacher didn’t start and end with the method book? In this chat with Dr. Merlin Thompson, we're exploring how the curriculum models we choose can shape our students’ lifelong connection to music. From teacher-led to student-driven approaches and everything in between, Merlin offers a fresh perspective on how to rethink curriculum planning, repertoire, and even our own identity as teachers in the 21st century. Tim welcomed Dr. Merlin Thompson, a respected music educator and curriculum specialist. Merlin outlined four curriculum models: teacher-led, student-led, shared, and neurodiverse. He explained how shifting models supports lifelong musical engagement. They discussed the need to reframe teacher identity in today’s evolving music landscape. How students can take the lead in lessons while still receiving expert guidance. The importance of reflective teaching and adapting to students’ goals. How repertoire choices and improvisation can support different models. Teachers were encouraged to ask what musical activities their students will pursue as adults. Merlin highlighted project-based learning as a way to deepen student connections to music. He invited teachers to build community and continually reflect on their teaching values. Links Mentioned Merlin's Website: Teach Music 21C Merlin's Book: More than Music Lessons Teach Music 21C Instagram: @teachmusic21c Teach Music 21C LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/teachmusic21c Today's Guest Award-winning music educator, pianist, author, keynote speaker, and podcast host, Dr. Merlin B. Thompson is a leading Canadian authority on music studio teaching and the visionary behind Teach Music 21C - a thriving community of music teachers focused on 21st century teaching tools. With nearly five decades of studio teaching experience and an international impact - including Canada, USA, Australia, New Zealand, China, and Finland - Merlin has inspired hundreds of teachers, students, and parents. His passions? Empowering music teachers with strategies that work in today’s evolving teaching landscape. And helping students to develop lifelong musical connections right from their first music lesson. Today's Sponsor Just a year ago, the German music publisher Bärenreiter celebrated its 100th anniversary. The story began modestly, with editions of folk songs and church music produced by the young founder, Karl Vötterle, in his parents’ living room. But the publishing house quickly expanded. After the Second World War, Bärenreiter increasingly focused on scholarly-critical editions, growing into one of the world’s leading classical music publishers. While the company’s early Urtext publications centered on Mozart, Bach, and Schubert, its catalogue now includes over 10,000 titles, featuring works by composers such as Beethoven, Brahms, Chopin, Debussy, Fauré, Mendelssohn, Schumann, Ravel, Satie, and many others. Bärenreiter's Urtext editions are prepared by renowned musicologists, with no effort spared in locating and...

If you've ever wondered what exactly an Urtext edition is, or why it matters, you’re not alone. Today, I'm chatting with musicologist and editor Dr Mario Aschauer to explore what goes into creating these “original” scores and why they’re more complex and more fascinating than they first appear. From Beethoven’s messy handwriting to Mozart myths, this episode will open your eyes to how much history, detective work, and musical curiosity is wrapped into every note. Dr. Mario Aschauer explained musicology as the study of all aspects of music. He shared how his performance background led him into scholarly editing. The value of figured bass and continuo in modern training was discussed. Tim asked what makes an Urtext edition trustworthy or problematic. Mario emphasized that Urtext is a starting point, not an absolute truth. He explained why even beginners can benefit from using Urtext editions. The conversation highlighted editorial interpretation and creative freedom. Mario debunked common misconceptions about the ‘sacredness’ of Urtext. He shared behind-the-scenes stories of editing Beethoven and Mozart scores. How performance practice, research, and editing intertwine. Teachers were encouraged to explore the stories and context behind the scores. Links Mentioned Dr Mario Aschauer's website: mario-aschauer.info Dr Mario Aschauer's YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/marioaschauer Harmonia Stellarum Houston Today's Guest Dr. Mario Aschauer is an Austrian-born musicologist, conductor, and harpsichordist renowned for his work at the intersection of music scholarship and performance. He currently serves as Associate Professor of Musicology at Sam Houston State University, where he also directs the Center for Early Music Research and Performance. In addition to performing internationally as a specialist in historical keyboards and Austrian Baroque repertoire, Aschauer is a prolific editor of Urtext editions for publishers like Bärenreiter, including works by Beethoven, Mozart, and Schubert. He is the founder and artistic director of Harmonia Stellarum Houston and author of the influential book German Keyboard Treatises in the Second Half of the Eighteenth Century. Holding degrees from the University of Vienna and the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna, he has also held research roles at the Austrian Academy of Sciences and Yale School of Music, with ongoing interests in performance practice, editorial process, and the compositional sketches of Anton Bruckner. Today's Sponsor Just a year ago, the German music publisher Bärenreiter celebrated its 100th anniversary. The story began modestly, with editions of folk songs and church music produced by the young founder, Karl Vötterle, in his parents’ living room. But the publishing house quickly expanded. After the Second World War, Bärenreiter increasingly focused on scholarly-critical editions, growing into one of the world’s leading classical music publishers. While the company’s early Urtext publications centered on Mozart, Bach, and Schubert, its catalogue now includes over 10,000 titles, featuring works by composers such as Beethoven, Brahms, Chopin,...