The TopCast: The Official Music Teachers' Podcast

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,...

I’m so excited to finally share something we’ve been working on for a long time—our brand new TopMusic Courses platform. This isn’t just a redesign; it’s a complete rethinking of how we support teachers with practical, inspiring, and flexible professional development. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your skills, reignite your teaching mojo, or explore something totally new, there’s a course waiting for you—and now you don’t need a membership to access it. Tim introduced the new TopMusic Courses platform for teacher PD. He explained it’s a standalone platform, separate from the membership. The platform offers on-demand, expert-led courses across key teaching topics. Tim shared that many teachers feel overwhelmed and want simple course access. He emphasized the flexibility of self-paced learning with one-time payments. The value of PD was compared to an investment that multiplies returns. He encouraged teachers to view online learning as part of their creative growth. The platform supports piano, guitar, and soon, more instruments. Tim invited teachers to explore the site and try one idea in one lesson. Links Mentioned Click here to find out more about TopMusic Courses and use TOPCOURSE50 upon checkout to get 50% off any course. 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

Too often, I see well-meaning parents unknowingly limiting their child’s potential by holding onto outdated ideas of what music lessons should be. In this episode, I’m sharing a personal message I wrote to help shift that mindset—an open letter to piano parents. It’s a heartfelt invitation to move beyond exam-driven expectations and embrace a more creative, joyful, and lasting approach to learning music. Drawing on my own experiences and conversations with educators around the world, I’ll share why it’s time to rethink how we define success in music education.Tim shared his open letter to help parents support modern music education.He explained the shift from exam-based to creative learning in piano teaching.The value of music lessons goes beyond exams and competitions.He emphasized the long-term benefits of music on brain development and life skills.Tim outlined the real costs—time, energy, money—involved in music education.He warned against the “exam express” that can lead to student burnout.The importance of curiosity, creativity, and relevance in music lessons was discussed.Tim encouraged parents to trust teachers using new, student-focused approaches.He urged parents not to push exams unless guided by the teacher.Tim highlighted that lifelong musical enjoyment should be the real goal.Links MentionedAn Open Letter to Parents of Piano StudentsContact 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 14-Day Free TrialHeard 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

In this episode, we’re chatting with TopMusicSheets composer Anna Robinson for a deep dive into the teaching strategies behind her engaging, pedagogy-rich pieces. Anna shares how her compositions are often sparked by her students’ needs, interests, and even their pets—and how fun, pattern-based writing can make tricky concepts more accessible. We explore how she uses rhythm phrases, movement, and articulation from the very first lesson, and how her journey from arts administration to full-time teaching and composing has shaped her creative voice. If you’ve ever wanted to bring more musical storytelling and intention into your teaching, this masterclass is full of practical, inspiring takeaways. Anna shared how her pet-themed compositions were inspired by connecting with students’ pets during lockdown. The use of phrases like “ice cream for breakfast” to help students internalize tricky rhythms. The importance of tailoring rhythm games and phrases to each student’s interests. How she integrates movement and conducting to teach articulation and phrasing. Why she considers herself a pedagogical composer, writing with specific teaching goals in mind. How modulation and pivot chords are introduced naturally in her compositions. Tim noted how Anna’s left-hand writing often uses patterns that look complex but are easy to teach and break down. How composing often begins as a response to a specific student need or learning gap. Modeling creativity and improvisation during lessons as a way to normalize student composition. Anna's advice to teachers and composers. Links Mentioned Anna's website: Flying Ivories Music Anna's YouTube Channel: Flying Ivories Music Find more about TopMusicSheets here. Download the latest TopMusic Magazine edition here. Today's Guest Anna Robinson started learning the piano at age 6 and flute at age 12. After graduating in Mathematics from University College London, she worked in administrative roles in classical music in London for several years before moving to Melbourne and working in the world of opera and artist management. After gaining performing and teaching diplomas in piano, Anna left the opera world to focus on teaching. Her student roster quickly grew, and she currently teaches at two government schools whilst maintaining a busy home studio. An experienced accompanist, Anna enjoys collaborating with fellow musicians of all ages and welcomes further opportunities to perform in this special supportive role. She regularly accompanies AMEB and VCE exam candidates; at eisteddfods and auditions; for choirs, musicals, school ensembles and instrumental teachers’ studio concerts. 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,...

In today’s show, I’m walking you through exactly how to set up automated monthly billing in your music studio, a change I made that’s saved me hours of admin time and created consistent, predictable income. I’ll break down the full process step by step, from calculating your rates to including admin expenses and using software to automate the entire system. If you’ve been curious about making the switch, this episode will help you get started with confidence. Tim shared his personal experience switching to monthly billing in his own studio. The benefits of monthly billing, including consistent income and automated payments. How this model removes the need for invoicing and chasing late payments. The importance of using software like My Music Staff to streamline billing. The 4-step process of setting up monthly billing. Tim encouraged teachers not to undercharge and to price confidently based on their value. He suggested bundling costs like recital fees and materials into the monthly charge for simplicity. The value of automation was emphasized—once set up, teachers no longer worry about billing. Links Mentioned Download your Free Monthly Billing Template Find more about Fons 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

In this episode, I’m joined by returning guest Dr. David Cutler, an award-winning composer, pianist, educator, and one of the world’s leading voices in arts entrepreneurship. David is back to share fresh insights from his upcoming book, The Savvy Musician 2.0. We explore how music teachers can amplify their income, impact, and inspiration while building innovative and fulfilling careers. From creative performance practice to defining your unique niche, this conversation is packed with bold ideas to help you grow as both an educator and entrepreneur. David shared his new book The Savvy Musician 2.0, a sequel to his widely influential original. Why success is not about choosing between money and meaning but about aligning all three. He highlighted that being “savvy” means being strategic, creative, and intentional. The value of cross-industry inspiration as key to fresh thinking and innovation in music education. How listening to diverse stories helped him discover unexpected, deeply inspiring ideas for the book. David noted that innovation often comes from applying ideas in new contexts. He challenged the perception that classical musicians should only recreate composers’ intent. The concept of Creative Performance Practice, which invites students to co-create with composers. How teachers can help students build ownership and decision-making by embracing creativity. The limitations of popular terms like “entrepreneur” or “innovator” and why “savvy” is more inclusive. He encouraged music teachers to ask better questions that unlock bold, unconventional answers. David predicted that by 2050, music education will rely on immersive virtual environments and AI, but human creativity will remain irreplaceable. He emphasized that savvy teachers of the future will be those who help students develop the human skills that technology can’t replicate. Guest Links Mentioned David's Website: SavvyMusician.com David's Book: The Savvy Musician 2.0: Amplifying Impact, Income, and Inspiration David's Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/drdavidcutler David's LinkedIn Profile: www.linkdin.com/in/davidjcutler The Puzzler Company Links Mentioned TTTV043: Building Impact and Income with David Cutler TopCast 412: Cracking the Code: Studio Business Lessons from My Chiropractor TopCast 416: Bundling: How to Position Your Music Studio for Value, Not Price If you’d like to read David’s full article, download your copy of TopMusic Magazine, free at topmusic.co/magazine. Today's Guest An award-winning, multi-genre composer, pianist, and Yamaha Master Educator, Dr. David Cutler balances a varied...

Today, I’m diving into one of the most effective ways to stand out in a crowded teaching market: bundling. If you’ve ever felt pressured to lower your rates to compete with the teacher down the street, this strategy is for you. I’ll show you how to reframe your offer so families focus on the value and experience you provide—not just your hourly rate. From lesson extras and welcome packs to creative group events, bundling can transform how your studio is perceived and help you confidently charge what you're worth. Tim explained that lowering prices isn’t the solution—raising your value is. He shared that parents often compare studios on price when all the offerings seem the same. The importance of differentiation either through your lesson experience or bundled offerings. Identifying your “zone of genius” and build their studio around what energizes them. How to structure standout lessons like focusing on specific students or unique teaching methods. Bundling as a strategy to include extras like group classes, welcome packs, and app subscriptions. Why bundling shifts the conversation from “Why so expensive?” to “Wow, that includes everything?” Marketing your studio as a full musical experience and not just a service. Real-world examples of how to reframe your pricing with bundled value and perks. Links Mentioned Make More, Teach Less with Pairs, Buddies and Labs Course 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

In this solo episode, I’m sharing some of my favorite fast, free (or super low-cost) ways to find new music students with a little help from my AI co-hosts, Jono and Sarah. Whether you’ve got a few schedule gaps or you’re starting fresh in a new area, we’ll walk you through practical, actionable ideas for studio growth, from referral strategies and community outreach to online tools that boost visibility. Just pick one and try it out this week! Tim shared some practical, low-cost ideas for finding new students fast. He introduced the “Find Students Fast” checklist, available as a free download for music teachers. Jono and Sarah explained that your current students and their families are your best starting point for referrals. The value of testimonials, reviews, and word-of-mouth as powerful trust-builders. Optimizing your Google Business profile and Facebook page for local visibility. Offering events like “Bring a Friend Day” or casual group sessions to attract new interest. Connecting with school teachers, music stores & local groups to build long-term referral networks. They recommended joining local teacher directories and online platforms. The value of old-school promotion like flyers, signs, and community noticeboards. Tim encouraged teachers to take just one actionable idea and try it this week for results. Links Mentioned Download your Find Students Fast: The Essential Music Teacher Marketing Checklist 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  

Great music teaching isn’t just about what’s on the page, it’s about what students can create beyond it. In today’s episode, I’m thrilled to introduce you to Juan Cabeza, our featured TopMusicSheets composer and a passionate educator from Madrid. Juan shares how his love of pattern-based teaching led him to compose music that supports creativity, improvisation, and confident reading—pieces designed to be pulled apart, explored, and reimagined. We discuss how he teaches in both school and private settings, his influences from Piano Safari and Forrest Kinney, and why his pieces are meant to be a starting point, not a final product. If you’ve ever been curious about teaching with patterns, or how composing can grow naturally out of your teaching, you’ll love hearing from Juan. Juan shared his passion for composing pattern-based piano pieces to support student learning. How pattern-based pieces help students read, improvise, compose, and perform more confidently. He demonstrated how simple changes in rhythm, direction, or hand position can transform a piece. How understanding musical patterns helps students play more fluently and memorize more easily. The value of teaching patterns from the start as key to developing strong sight readers. How his music encourages creativity and motivates students through ownership of their learning. How his compositions use just a few notes or hand positions, making them highly adaptable. He suggested using these pieces to teach transposition, rhythmic variation, and full-keyboard exploration. The importance of improvisation was stressed as a powerful teaching tool. His journey into composing, influenced by Forrest Kinney and the Piano Safari method. How student recitals and parent feedback encouraged him to publish his compositions. He encouraged teachers to view his pieces as starting points for creativity, not fixed endpoints. Links Mentioned Juan’s website: Me Gusta El Piano Juan’s books on Piano Safari TopMusic Piano Podcast 062: Inspiring Creativity with Juan Cabeza Find out more about TopMusicSheets here Become a TopMusic Content Partner today Today's Guest Juan Cabeza is a pianist, pedagogue and composer. He teaches private and group piano students at his studio, in Madrid, where he specializes in students in the elementary and intermediate stages of study. As a result of his research in piano pedagogy, Juan created a blog, megustaelpiano.com. Here he expresses his ideas about teaching and learning piano, provides teaching resources, and suggests interesting piano repertoire. Juan Cabeza is the author of Piano Train Trips, Miniatures and the two Diversions books published by Piano Safari. He has translated into Spanish the Piano Safari Method and Create First by Forrest Kinney. He has also created the online improvisation course Piano Patterns in Harmony, which has been recently nominated for The Art of Piano Education Awards 2025. 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 a...

Olivia Riddell shares her passion for early childhood music education and the unique benefits of starting musical training at a young age. Drawing on her experience with Music for Young Children (MYC), a globally recognized program founded by her parents, Olivia explains how movement, play, and exploration form the foundation of lifelong musical engagement. She discusses the importance of delaying reading, involving parents, and teaching through all the senses. Whether you're curious about early childhood pedagogy or considering adding MYC to your studio, Olivia’s insights will leave you inspired to nurture creativity from the very first notes. Olivia shared that early childhood music education typically spans ages 2 to 8. How younger children absorb music more naturally through movement, play, and exploration. The importance of starting music education at age 2 or 3. How younger learners are less self-conscious and more open to experimentation. Why teaching should begin with exploration and experience, not with books or reading. She encouraged teachers to delay formal reading and instead focus on movement and creativity. The importance of involving parents as children mirror their parents’ attitudes and behaviors. Olivia introduced Music for Young Children (MYC), a structured early childhood group music program founded by her parents in 1980. She described MYC’s program and use of multi-sensory learning to engage young learners. She highlighted that MYC graduates often achieve level 3 piano and level 5 theory by age 8. How MYC is a closed curriculum, and teachers must complete training to access materials. Links Mentioned Olivia's website: Music for Young Children Free Download: Early Childhood Music Program Comparison Handout Leave a review for TopCast Today's Guest Olivia Riddell is the President and International Director of MYC (Music for Young Children) and a specialist in early childhood music education. Olivia has a well-rounded approach to teaching, and is passionate and dedicated to teaching young children to intermediate levels, ensuring the strongest foundation and love of music she can within her students at an early age. In her current position, Olivia’s focus is on maintaining and reviewing the MYC Method, MYC Teacher support, evaluation and guidance, as well as training all North American and Asian (Singapore and Malaysia) teachers in the multiple levels of the Method. 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. a...

In this solo episode, I’m sharing some surprising business lessons I picked up, not from another music educator, but from a recent visit to my chiropractor. From clever onboarding to creative pricing and streamlined systems, I’ll walk you through how this experience got me thinking differently about how we run our studios. If you’re looking for fresh, practical ideas to help you stand out and grow your teaching business, this episode is packed with takeaways you can start using right away. Tim shared how a visit to a chiropractor inspired powerful lessons for music studio owners. He explained that great teaching alone isn’t enough—smart business strategy matters. How a simple Google search and strong online presence helped him choose a practitioner. The importance of SEO, good website design, and glowing reviews for building trust. Key takeaways: SEO visibility, reviews, clear calls to action, special offers, and easy booking systems. How an automated email and smooth onboarding created a great first impression. Using tech or simple tools to make that first experience more memorable and modern. The value of studio systems and consistent onboarding processes. Tim recommended booking follow-up sessions right away to increase retention and build momentum. Creative scheduling, like offering two or more lessons in the first week for stronger engagement. The importance of bundling and creative pricing as a way to stand out and increase revenue. Offering personalized folders and curriculum plans to show professionalism and vision. Links Mentioned No Book Beginners Book Kawai's The Educator's Opus Conference 2025 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

In this special episode, we’re honored to share with you a webinar with the late Forrest Kinney, one of the most thoughtful and inspiring voices in music education. With warmth, wit, and deep insight, Forrest walks us through his framework for teaching and playing from lead sheets—starting with ear-based learning, nurturing creativity, and progressing to rich styles and arrangements. His heartfelt belief that all students can improvise, arrange, and compose, Forrest reminds us why creativity is central to joyful music-making. Whether you're a seasoned teacher or just starting with lead sheets, Forrest’s gentle wisdom and practical strategies will leave you inspired to nurture confident, creative students who can play with freedom, flexibility, and joy. Tim shared his goal of creating “all-rounder musicians” who can play by ear, accompany, transpose, improvise, and use lead sheets confidently. Why skills like transposing, improvising, and reading lead sheets matter. He highlighted how chord work improves reading, composing, and playing flexibility. The importance of introducing lead sheet reading even if teachers haven't taught it before. Forrest explained a lead sheet as melody plus chord symbols. He highlighted that chords represent flexible families of notes, not just fixed triads. How lead sheet skills can lead to diverse career opportunities. The value of ear training and improvisation from the first lesson. How to prepare beginners through ear games, bass note additions, and transposition before introducing notation. The importance of left-hand styles in creating rhythmic impact. Forrest demonstrated how to build solo playing from basic chords to rich accompaniments using inversion, syncopation, and style variations. He shared a shortcut for adding 7ths and 2nds by moving the root note up or down. How inversions help with smoother playing, especially in basslines. Forrest recommended fake books and lyric sheet websites (like Ultimate Guitar) as resources for lead sheet practice and repertoire building. Links Mentioned Forrest Kinney Website Blog: What’s the Difference Between a Chord Chart and a Lead Sheet? Blog: 9 Reasons Why Playing Lead Sheets is Essential for Piano Students Special Offer for Podcast Listeners Go to topmusic.co/lead and get access to Forrest Kinney's Taking the Lead Course for only $49 with 1 year access ($100 off the regular price of $149). About Forrest Kinney Forrest Kinney was an educator who taught music for over four decades. He was a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music (NCTM) as recognized by the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA). His goal in life was to help others become creative, whole musicians capable of enjoying the Four Arts of Music: improvising, arranging, composing, and interpreting. Forrest lived amongst mossy trees in the mountains east of Seattle, generally preferring what he called “a 19th-century lifestyle.” He was immensely grateful to be able to make his living by creating music and books, and by sharing his belief that creativity is a key to happiness. Thank you for tuning in! Consider implementing the ideas from this podcast by writing several actionable...