TopMusic Piano Podcast

Linda Gould has spent decades proving that small hands don’t have to limit big musical dreams. From overcoming a hand injury to co-founding Narrow Key Pianos, Linda has championed the design and launch of Athena, the first portable digital narrow keys piano. In this episode, she shares how this groundbreaking instrument helps pianists of all ages play with greater freedom, confidence, and joy. Linda shared her journey from early success as a performer to facing a career-stopping hand injury. How learning left-hand repertoire kept her connected to piano during recovery. How meeting David Steinbuhler, inventor of the narrow key action, transformed her playing. The importance of narrow keys in making once-impossible repertoire accessible for small-handed pianists. The benefits of the first retrofit narrow key action, which reignited her performing career. Why portability became essential after years of moving her acoustic grand piano to concerts. Linda introduced Athena, the first portable digital narrow keys piano, as a milestone for accessibility. How Athena’s narrower octave allows pianists to play large chords and stretches with ease. The value of Athena’s professional features, including weighted action and string resonance. She highlighted how narrow keys reduce fatigue and promote healthier technique for students. Linda explained why students adapt quickly between narrow and standard keys without losing skill. The benefits for teachers who want to offer instruments that fit their students’ hands. Her success stories of both children and professionals who expanded their repertoire on Athena. The long-term vision of narrow keys becoming a standard option for pianists worldwide. Links Mentioned Linda's Website: NarrowKeys.com YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@narrowkeys Today’s Guest Linda Gould is the author of Play Piano Chords Today and has been teaching and performing for 5 decades, debuting at age 11 when she performed a Bach Piano Concerto with the Mount Royal College Orchestra. Linda has B Mus in performance with distinction, and a minor in Math. She is a competition and exam award winner and recently won Tech Teacher of the year. In her late 30s, she met David Steinbuhler, the inventor of the narrow keys piano action. Within two years, Linda was back performing big works with orchestras. This spring she completed a two-piano concert tour with her sister, Sue Gould, performing 11 concerts in 6 days on her new narrow digital piano keys. About Rachel Ehring Dr. Rachel Ehring is a pianist, teacher, music administrator, and lover of piano teaching gadgets. She holds a DMA in Collaborative Piano from the University of Colorado Boulder and a MM in Accompanying from the University of Kansas. She currently serves as Director at St. John’s Conservatory of the Arts in Orange County, CA. Previously, she held positions at Concordia University Irvine and Henderson State University. Rachel is passionate about empowering music teachers to create engaging and exciting lessons for students of all ages. When she isn’t playing the piano, you might find Rachel reading books with her son or walking her beagle Frieda. Visit her website at RachelEhring.com Visit her Instagram page: @rachelehring Visit her YouTube channel: 

Lydia Tomita’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and community. From her early days as a pianist in northern England to becoming the founder of a thriving teaching network in the Cotswolds, Lydia has combined her love of music with an entrepreneurial spirit. In this episode, she shares how she built a multi-teacher studio, balances gigs with teaching, and inspires students of all ages to embrace piano learning at every stage of life. Lydia shared how her musical journey began in a musically rich home with supportive parents. She described how playing for fun as a child built her strong sight-reading skills. How moving to the Cotswolds reignited her teaching career and led to new opportunities. How she built her studio gradually and expanding into multiple schools. Managing a team of five teachers across six schools with more than 100 pupils. The benefits and challenges of 20-minute lessons in UK schools. Lydia discussed the transition from solo teacher to studio owner, balancing admin with teaching. How Instagram and her website bring steady inquiries for wedding and event gigs. How her gig playing began with word-of-mouth and has grown into regular weddings and choir accompaniment. She encouraged teachers to step outside their comfort zones and say yes to opportunities. Technology she used like iPads with ForScore and apps like Note Rush to enhance teaching. Links Mentioned Lydia's website: CotswoldPianist.com Lydia's Instagram: @cotswoldpianist and @cotswoldpianostudio Lydia's Youtube Channel: www.youtube.com/@cotswoldpianist TopCast 429: Piano Method Navigator with Anna Beth Rucker Today’s Guest Lydia Tomita is a pianist, teacher and piano studio owner based in the beautiful Cotswolds, UK. Lydia graduated from Royal Holloway, University of London with a BMus, where she specialised in piano performance. In the 20 plus years since then she has had a portfolio career consisting of a mixture of teaching, performing and accompanying. Since moving to The Cotswolds 11 years ago Lydia has become more and more in demand as a teacher. As a result she now runs a team of 5 teachers, teaching over 100 pupils across the Cotswolds, with more to come! She also loves teaching adults and is passionate about the idea that it is never too late to do the things you love, whether you are the pupil or the teacher! She enjoys playing for weddings and events at stunning locations nearby, and regularly accompanies choirs. When she isn't teaching Lydia loves walking in the surrounding countryside with her two not-so-little-anymore children. About Rachel Ehring Dr. Rachel Ehring is a pianist, teacher, music administrator, and lover of piano teaching gadgets. She holds a DMA in Collaborative Piano from the University of Colorado Boulder and a MM in Accompanying from the University of Kansas. She currently serves as Director at St. John’s Conservatory of the Arts in Orange County, CA. Previously, she held positions at Concordia University Irvine and Henderson State University. Rachel is passionate about empowering music teachers to create engaging and exciting lessons for students of all ages. When she isn’t playing the piano, you might find Rachel reading books with her son or walking her beagle Frieda. ...

Kenneth Thompson brings a wealth of insight into what makes music lessons truly transformative. Drawing from his experiences as a performer, educator, and founder of Musical Arts Centers of San Antonio, Inc. (MACSA), Ken shares how lesson atmosphere shapes the student experience. In this episode, he unpacks the five pillars of effective teaching, the balance between trust and intensity, and the powerful role teachers play as guides and leaders in their students’ journeys. Kenneth shared his journey from pianist to founder of Maxa Musical Art Center in San Antonio. The importance of lesson atmosphere—the environment between teacher and student. Why building connection is essential? Kenneth introduced his Five Pillars of Effective Teaching. Pillar 1: Teachers create masterpieces inside of other people. Pillar 2: Responsiveness builds trust—being reliable and listening to students. Pillar 3: Teachers are guides, not heroes—the student is the hero of their story. Pillar 4: Great teachers are leaders who inspire and hold a vision for their students. Pillar 5: Understand the spectrum of demander vs. teacher and balance both roles. He warned against negative atmospheres: undervaluing teaching and “teaching at” rather than “teaching with.” Kenneth highlighted how a school’s “vibe” shapes teaching and learning. Helping teachers transition from a university-level demander mindset to private teaching. Why parents play a big role and sometimes conflict with parents prevents student progress. He encouraged patience, trust, and responsiveness to open up closed-off students. Links Mentioned Musical Arts Centers of San Antonio, Inc. (MACSA) Ken's Instagram Page: @ken.creativecoach Today's Guest Kenneth Thompson is a recipient of the Texas Music Teachers Association’s (TMTA) Pre-Collegiate Teacher of the Year Award, the Lifetime Achievement Award and MACSAthe Leadership in Education Award from Musical Bridges Around the World (MBAW). He received a BM in Piano Performance from the Eastman School of Music where his teachers were Nelita True and Anton Nel. He has been featured in articles about music business and the study of music in USA Today and on MSN.com. Kenneth has performed extensively as a chamber musician and soloist. Feeling a calling to teach, Mr. Thompson turned his attention to the development of pre-college advanced pianists. His piano students have performed more than 120 complete solo recital programs and performed more than 40 times as soloists with orchestra including many performances with the San Antonio Symphony. He has had several students perform in New York at Carnegie Hall and has had two students perform on National Public Radio’s hit show “From the Top”. About Rachel Ehring Dr. Rachel Ehring is a pianist, teacher, music administrator, and lover of piano teaching gadgets. She holds a DMA in Collaborative Piano from the University of Colorado Boulder and a MM in Accompanying from the University of Kansas. She currently serves as Director at St. John’s Conservatory of the Arts in Orange County, CA. Previously, she held positions at Concordia University Irvine and Henderson State University. Rachel is passionate about empowering music teachers to create engaging and exciting lessons for students of all ages. When she isn’t playing the piano, you might find Rachel reading books with her son or walking her beagle Frieda. Visit her website at RachelEhring.com Visit

After attending the NCKP conference, I’m excited to share some of my favorite takeaways from this fantastic week. From one-question interviews with fellow teachers to insightful conference sessions, I learned so much that I’m eager to share with you. In this episode, you’ll hear short clips of teachers from around the world sharing their advice, favorite method books, and thoughts on practicing. Plus, I’ll dive into the new resources I picked up, including a Piano Safari decorating kit, and reflect on some memorable moments that will help shape my teaching moving forward. Rachel shared clips of teachers discussing their practice habits and favorite method books. Some valuable insights she gained from the exhibit hall. Rachel highlighted the conference sessions she attended in NCKP. The networking opportunities at the conference. Best advice for piano teachers and their favorite supplemental repertoire. Importance of attending conferences to stay inspired and connected to a piano teaching community. She encouraged teachers to attend conferences like NCKP to deepen their knowledge and foster valuable connections. About Rachel Ehring Dr. Rachel Ehring is a pianist, teacher, music administrator, and lover of piano teaching gadgets. She holds a DMA in Collaborative Piano from the University of Colorado Boulder and a MM in Accompanying from the University of Kansas. She currently serves as Director at St. John’s Conservatory of the Arts in Orange County, CA. Previously, she held positions at Concordia University Irvine and Henderson State University. Rachel is passionate about empowering music teachers to create engaging and exciting lessons for students of all ages. When she isn’t playing the piano, you might find Rachel reading books with her son or walking her beagle Frieda. Visit her website at RachelEhring.com Visit her Instagram page: @rachelehring Visit her YouTube channel: @dreamlavendermusic6694 Visit her Etsy shop at Dream Lavender Music Thank you for tuning in! Consider implementing the ideas from this podcast by writing several actionable steps for your teaching practice if it’s inspired you. If you enjoyed today’s show, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, which helps other teachers find our show. Stay updated by subscribing to this show, and get automatic delivery to your device every time a new episode goes live! We publish on Fridays weekly. TopMusicPro 14-Day Free Trial Heard about TopMusicPro Membership? As a valued podcast listener, I’d like to offer you a special chance to try our community free for 14 days. You can access a treasure trove of teaching resources, professional development courses, and creative lesson ideas. Click the link below to access your exclusive 14-day free trial for our Studio Membership. TOPMUSICPRO MEMBERSHIP 14-DAY FREE TRIAL

Bridey Gibson from Pianosaurus Rex is on a mission to make music lessons more fun through creative practice incentives and engaging resources. Based in Christchurch, New Zealand, she has grown her small studio into a thriving business by blending play-based learning with structured practice challenges. Bridey explains how incentives like the musical Monster Mania and simple practice charts keep students motivated and excited about their progress. Her passion for making piano education both enjoyable and rewarding shines through in this conversation. Bridey shared a brief overview of her music teaching studio in Christchurch, New Zealand. Her experience with different teaching formats like preschool groups and individual piano lessons. Her favorite teaching format, rotating lessons, which include group workshops and time spent in practice and theory labs. How she uses practice incentives to motivate students. The importance of setting clear goals and tracking progress. Her approach to practice incentives, focusing on achievable rewards like music challenges. She recommended using short-term challenges to maintain student interest and motivation. How to simplify practice incentives, using practice charts for students to track their practice. The benefits of having studio-wide challenges, encouraging students to see each other’s progress. She shared her creative rewards, like food treats or small prizes, to keep students motivated and excited about their practice. Links Mentioned Pianosaurus Rex Website Pianosaurus Rex Instagram Page: @pianosaurusrex Free Resource for Top Music Listeners: Lucky Dice Practice Resource Download your latest issue of TopMusic Magazine here. Today’s Guest Bridey Gibson from Pianosaurus Rex is on a mission to make music lessons even more fun through innovative teaching ideas, play based learning, creative expression, and engaging resources. What began in 2010 as a side hustle teaching piano to a handful of students has grown into a music studio with over fifty pupils, located by the beach in Christchurch, New Zealand. In addition to teaching, Bridey loves creating resources that make music lessons and practice more playful and organized. Outside of the music studio you can find Bridey road tripping with her family, reading science fiction and fantasy, slowly working on creative projects, and learning to surf. About Rachel Ehring Dr. Rachel Ehring is a pianist, teacher, music administrator, and lover of piano teaching gadgets. She holds a DMA in Collaborative Piano from the University of Colorado Boulder and a MM in Accompanying from the University of Kansas. She currently serves as Director at St. John’s Conservatory of the Arts in Orange County, CA. Previously, she held positions at Concordia University Irvine and Henderson State University. Rachel is passionate about empowering music teachers to create engaging and exciting lessons for students of all ages. When she isn’t playing the piano, you might find Rachel reading books with her son or walking her beagle Frieda. Visit her website at RachelEhring.com Visit her Instagram page: 

Building a solid practice routine and involving parents in the process are key to student success, as Holly Hornyan, founder of Clever Keys Music Lessons, knows all too well. In this episode, Holly shares her insights on how to help students develop good practice habits and how to communicate effectively with parents to support their child's musical growth. Whether it's through setting realistic goals, creating a dedicated practice space, or fostering strong parent-teacher relationships, Holly’s approach helps both students and teachers thrive. Holly shared a brief overview of her background and her music teaching studio in Phoenix, Arizona. Establishing a daily practice routine and creating a dedicated practice space at home. Strategies for communicating with parents to ensure effective practice. The significance of having open lines of communication between teachers and parents. Holly recommended using tools like practice trackers and setting realistic practice goals for both students and parents. The role of modeling good practice habits and demonstrating effective practice strategies. Her experience using short-term challenges to motivate students before recitals. A parents' guide to piano practice, which helps parents set up practice routines and stay involved. Importance of seeing parents as allies in the teaching process to support student success. How building strong relationships with parents makes the teaching experience more enjoyable for both the teacher and the student. Links Mentioned Holly's Website: Clever Keys Music Lessons Holly's Instagram Page: @cleverkeysmusiclessons Today’s Guest Holly Hornyan is a passionate piano educator based in Phoenix, Arizona, with over 16 years of teaching experience. After earning her Master of Arts in Teaching Music from the University of Southern California, Holly began her career in K–8 general music and choir before transitioning to what she loves most: teaching beginning students to play piano. She’s also a graduate of The Royal Conservatory of Music’s Teaching Elementary Piano course and has been featured on the Music Studio Startup and Dynamic Piano Teaching podcasts. Holly is known for her practical, parent-friendly approach to music education - helping young students thrive by equipping families with tools for effective, low-stress home practice. She believes that every child is musical and is committed to making piano learning fun, accessible, and confidence-building. About Rachel Ehring Dr. Rachel Ehring is a pianist, teacher, music administrator, and lover of piano teaching gadgets. She holds a DMA in Collaborative Piano from the University of Colorado Boulder and a MM in Accompanying from the University of Kansas. She currently serves as Director at St. John’s Conservatory of the Arts in Orange County, CA. Previously, she held positions at Concordia University Irvine and Henderson State University. Rachel is passionate about empowering music teachers to create engaging and exciting lessons for students of all ages. When she isn’t playing the piano, you might find Rachel reading books with her son or walking her beagle Frieda. Visit her website at RachelEhring.com Visit her Instagram page: @rachelehring Visit her YouTube channel: @dreamlavendermusic6694 Visit...

Leading a business and teaching from a place of authenticity can be challenging, but it’s exactly what Kristina Lee embraces in her work. As the founder of Live Love Piano, Kristina combines her background in performance, intercultural studies, and decades of teaching experience to create an online space for adult learners. In this episode, she shares how authenticity plays a crucial role in both her teaching approach and her business, helping students reconnect with their creativity, build solid technique, and experience the joy of playing piano at any stage of life. Kristina shared a brief overview of her background and her music studio in Bellevue, Washington. Her story of immigrating from Korea and how piano became a way for her to communicate in a new country. Her shift from a performance career to teaching and coaching after a personal loss at age 40. Running both a physical studio and an online space for adult piano learners called Live Love Piano. Belief in teaching from a place of authenticity and embracing life experiences to shape her teaching. Why making space for rest & self-reflection is crucial for finding authenticity in both life & teaching. Using journaling and asking yourself deep questions to reconnect with your authentic self. How she uses a mix of coaching and piano teaching to help students align with their goals. Importance of not letting fear or comparison dictate decisions, especially in business and teaching. She introduced her online course Simple and Beautiful Piano for Adult Beginners. Links Mentioned Kristina's website: Live Love Piano by Kristina Lee Follow Kristina on Instagram: @kristinaleemusic Kristina's Article: How I Traded in my Mercedes for a Hyundai - A Piano Story Visit her YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@kristinaleemusic Today's Guest Kristina Lee is a pianist, educator, and founder of Live Love Piano, where she creates online courses designed especially for adult learners. With a background in performance, intercultural studies, and decades of teaching experience, Kristina brings a soulful and thoughtful approach to music education. She’s passionate about helping students reconnect with their creativity, develop solid technique, and experience the joy of playing piano — no matter their age or background. About Rachel Ehring Dr. Rachel Ehring is a pianist, teacher, music administrator, and lover of piano teaching gadgets. She holds a DMA in Collaborative Piano from the University of Colorado Boulder and a MM in Accompanying from the University of Kansas. She currently serves as Director at St. John’s Conservatory of the Arts in Orange County, CA. Previously, she held positions at Concordia University Irvine and Henderson State University. Rachel is passionate about empowering music teachers to create engaging and exciting lessons for students of all ages. When she isn’t playing the piano, you might find Rachel reading books with her son or walking her beagle Frieda. Visit her website at RachelEhring.com Visit her Instagram page: @rachelehring Visit her YouTube channel: a...

Elaina Burns, founder of Resonance: Mind-Body-Music, blends yoga and piano to help students build awareness and overcome performance anxiety. With a focus on mindfulness and body alignment, she shares how she empowers students to become independent learners while fostering a love for music. Elaina’s approach goes beyond technique, encouraging creativity and emotional expression in every lesson, creating a supportive and dynamic environment for growth. Elaina shared her diverse career as a pianist, organist, and music educator. How yoga has influenced her approach to teaching piano, focusing on mindfulness and alignment. Integrating yoga exercises with piano lessons, helping students to develop awareness. The importance of mindfulness in teaching, especially when preparing students for performance. Strategies for helping students overcome performance anxiety. Her practice of using a metronome to gradually increase tempo. Elaina recommended using listening lessons, where students listen to recordings and analyze different elements of music. Using vision boards to help students visualize long-term goals and map out their musical journey. Her innovative methods for engaging students. How she uses fun tools like lollipop drums and large music staffs to make lessons exciting. Links Mentioned Elaina's website: ElainaBurns.com Today's Guest Elaina Burns is an active pianist, chamber musician, and nationally certified teacher based in Pearl River, New York. Burns is a pianist for Parlando, a professional chamber orchestra in New York City, and she performs regularly with Spanish dancer and teaching artist, Anna de la Paz. Burns is founder and director of Resonance: Mind-Body-Music, a piano studio dedicated to the creative and healing arts, where she encourages students to develop mind-body awareness in order to improve their artistry, musicianship, and overall well being. She is always eager to discuss pedagogy, wellness, and all aspects of music. Burns holds a doctoral degree in piano performance and pedagogy from the University of Oklahoma. Notable performances include Beethoven’s Choral Fantasy and Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue. Please visit www.elainaburns.com to learn more. About Rachel Ehring Dr. Rachel Ehring is a pianist, teacher, music administrator, and lover of piano teaching gadgets. She holds a DMA in Collaborative Piano from the University of Colorado Boulder and a MM in Accompanying from the University of Kansas. She currently serves as Director at St. John’s Conservatory of the Arts in Orange County, CA. Previously, she held positions at Concordia University Irvine and Henderson State University. Rachel is passionate about empowering music teachers to create engaging and exciting lessons for students of all ages. When she isn’t playing the piano, you might find Rachel reading books with her son or walking her beagle Frieda. Visit her website at RachelEhring.com Visit her Instagram page: @rachelehring Visit her YouTube channel: @dreamlavendermusic6694 Visit her Etsy shop at Dream Lavender Music Thank you for tuning in! Consider implementing the ideas from this podcast by writing several actionable steps for your teaching practice if it’s inspired you. If you enjoyed today’s show, please leave...

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

From dueling pianist to studio owner, Whitney Maxwell shares her remarkable journey of pivoting during the pandemic to open Bloom Music Studio in 2021. In this episode, she talks about how her studio grew rapidly after being featured in the Des Moines Register and how she’s created a welcoming, community-driven environment for students. Whitney also explains her unique lab-based teaching model, which fosters independent learning and helps students progress faster than in traditional private lessons. Whitney shared how she opened Bloom Music Studio in 2021 during the pandemic. Her transition from a corporate job to full-time teaching after growing her piano studio. She discussed her experience of being featured in the Des Moines Register, which led to a dramatic increase in students. How her studio offers piano lessons for all ages and is considering expanding to other instruments. The importance of infusing personality into her studio's website to attract the right families. The benefits of a lab-based teaching structure, encouraging independent learning for students. How group lessons allow students to progress faster than in private lessons. Advice on managing a teaching team and the benefits of co-teaching in creating community. Her passion for creating a strong teacher-student bond through activities and worksheets. She recommended that teachers find the pulse of their local community to align their studio’s offerings with what students truly want. Links Mentioned Whitney's website: Bloom Music Studio Whitney's Instagram page: @bloommusicstudio Whitney's TikTok page: bloommusicstudio Today’s Guest Whitney Maxwell grew up reading beautiful classical music, studying for 10 years under a Juilliard and Harvard trained teacher and concert pianist. She loved her piano teacher and she loved her lessons. But after some time in corporate America, Whitney somehow ended up traveling the world as a full time dueling piano player. She has been teaching since 2001, and has extensive experience in a variety of curriculums, teaching methods and lesson styles. About Rachel Ehring Dr. Rachel Ehring is a pianist, teacher, music administrator, and lover of piano teaching gadgets. She holds a DMA in Collaborative Piano from the University of Colorado Boulder and a MM in Accompanying from the University of Kansas. She currently serves as Director at St. John’s Conservatory of the Arts in Orange County, CA. Previously, she held positions at Concordia University Irvine and Henderson State University. Rachel is passionate about empowering music teachers to create engaging and exciting lessons for students of all ages. When she isn’t playing the piano, you might find Rachel reading books with her son or walking her beagle Frieda. Visit her website at RachelEhring.com Visit her Instagram page: @rachelehring Visit her YouTube channel: @dreamlavendermusic6694 Visit her Etsy shop at Dream Lavender Music Thank you for tuning in! Consider implementing the ideas from this podcast by writing several actionable steps for your...

As a classical pianist, I’ve always felt a bit intimidated by jazz. But in this conversation with jazz pianist and educator Quentin Walston, I step out of my comfort zone and dive into the world of jazz improvisation. Quentin shares his journey from self-taught pianist to the founder of This Is Jazz, a company dedicated to making jazz more accessible to teachers and students. He also discusses his book How to Teach Jazz and Improvisation, offering valuable insights on how educators can confidently introduce jazz concepts and improvisation to students, even beginners. Quentin shared his journey from self-taught pianist to jazz educator to promote jazz education. His early classical piano lessons and how his love for improvisation led him to jazz. Discussion of his book, How to Teach Jazz and Improvisation, designed for teachers to confidently teach jazz. How the book includes simple compositions for students to improvise and play jazz right away. Tips for teaching swing, articulation, and improvisation to beginners. He stressed that starting with easy exercises helps students build confidence in improvisation. Advice for classical pianists looking to explore jazz, focusing on rhythm and swing feel. He explained that improvisation is a skill that can be learned gradually over time. Quentin mentioned that even adult learners can start improvising within a few months. He recommended his courses on jazz theory and history, along with his album Retro Future for inspiration. Links Mentioned Quentin's website: This Is Jazz Quentin's Instagram page: @quentinwalston Quentin's YouTube channel: This Is Jazz Today's Guest Quentin Walston is an active pianist, educator, and founder of This Is Jazz, a company dedicated to jazz education and appreciation. He brings jazz into classrooms and lessons nationwide by equipping educators through his book How to Teach Jazz & Improvisation. A Virginia Commission for the Arts "Teaching Artist" and Maryland State Arts Council "Touring Artist," he draws on over a decade of professional teaching and performing experience to his work. He performs with his jazz trio and as a solo pianist, blending memorable melodies and striking rhythms with adventurous improvisations. His album Retro Future features original works inspired by masters from Thelonious Monk to Jason Moran. Through workshops and seminars for all ages covering jazz, composition, and music history, Quentin brings passionate expertise to jazz performance and education in any setting, classroom or concert hall. About Rachel Ehring Dr. Rachel Ehring is a pianist, teacher, music administrator, and lover of piano teaching gadgets. She holds a DMA in Collaborative Piano from the University of Colorado Boulder and a MM in Accompanying from the University of Kansas. She currently serves as Director at St. John’s Conservatory of the Arts in Orange County, CA. Previously, she held positions at Concordia University Irvine and Henderson State University. Rachel is passionate about empowering music teachers to create engaging and exciting lessons for students of all ages. When she isn’t playing the piano, you might find Rachel reading books with her son or walking her beagle Frieda. Visit her website at 

In this conversation with Celeste Watson, we explore the challenges of piano-related injuries and how musicians can retrain their bodies for pain-free playing. Celeste shares her personal experience overcoming a playing-related injury caused by hypermobility, offering valuable insights into injury prevention and rehabilitation. With a focus on proper alignment, kinesthetic awareness, and mindful technique, she provides practical advice for teachers working with both children and adults, as well as transfer students struggling with tension and poor technique. Whether you're a teacher or a pianist, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge on building a healthy, sustainable practice. Celeste works with musicians recovering from injuries, offering rehab and teaching services. She shared about her diverse studio, including private lessons and early childhood music education. The importance of proper alignment to prevent injuries. She discussed overcoming a playing-related injury due to hypermobility. Celeste shared her retraining experience at the Lister-Sink Institute. How movement from the elbow, not the shoulder, aids in proper technique. The role of proprioception in injury prevention. Some challenges in retraining older transfer students with bad habits. Celeste discussed teaching young students by focusing on center finger coordination. She recommended resources like books and professional guidance for injury prevention. Links Mentioned Celeste's website: Watson Music Paula Dreyer's Little Gems for Piano Keyboard Games by Marilyn Lowe (Music Moves for Piano) Lister-Sink Method Book: What Every Pianist Needs to Know About the Body Today's Guest Celeste Watson has a passion for helping others enjoy music by playing the piano with exciting musically and scientifically-informed technique. After experiencing several playing-related injuries and an intensive period of retraining and rehabilitation, Celeste returned to an active schedule of playing, teaching, and speaking. Playing the piano continues to challenge and grow her both as an artist and as a human being, and she works to help each of her students experience that same joy and growth. About Rachel Ehring Dr. Rachel Ehring is a pianist, teacher, music administrator, and lover of piano teaching gadgets. She holds a DMA in Collaborative Piano from the University of Colorado Boulder and a MM in Accompanying from the University of Kansas. She currently serves as Director at St. John’s Conservatory of the Arts in Orange County, CA. Previously, she held positions at Concordia University Irvine and Henderson State University. Rachel is passionate about empowering music teachers to create engaging and exciting lessons for students of all ages. When she isn’t playing the piano, you might find Rachel reading books with her son or walking her beagle Frieda. Visit her website at RachelEhring.com Visit her Instagram page: @rachelehring Visit her YouTube channel: 

How do we create a studio environment where students support each other instead of competing? In this episode, we're having a chat with Jessie Hill about building a culture of encouragement—one where students cheer each other on, give thoughtful feedback, and learn that kindness and music go hand in hand. Jessie shares how she uses simple strategies like compliment cards, intentional praise, and reflective group discussions to make her studio a place where students feel seen and valued. We also talk about her creative resources for teaching note reading and rhythm, and how she balances strong pedagogy with a whole lot of heart. Jessie shared a brief overview of her music studio from her home in Tennessee. Her note-reading approach using nine landmark notes and intervallic reading, instead of mnemonics. She emphasized teaching note reading as a long-term process, aiming for accuracy over speed. Using worksheets and visual aids to help students find notes using known landmarks and intervals. The importance of cultivating a supportive studio culture was a key theme of the conversation. Studio culture as how students and teachers think about and interact with one another. Why comparison is human nature, but teachers can model encouragement over competition. A recital idea where students write compliment cards to one another to celebrate their strengths. Gving specific praise rather than vague compliments to foster genuine encouragement. The idea of using the poem “Am I a Builder?” as a studio theme to encourage kindness and support. The importance of intentionality in preventing negativity and promoting positive interactions. Her creative teaching resources, like Interval Wars and Rhythm Tumble. Practical studio organization tips. Links Mentioned Jessie's website: Hill Piano Studio Jessie's Instagram page: @hillpianostudio TopMusic Piano Podcast Episode 069: The Note Reading Struggle is Real Today's Guest Jessie Hill is a dedicated piano teacher based in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, where she teaches from her welcoming home studio. As a mother of four daughters, Jessie understands the challenges families face when choosing extracurricular activities, and she’s passionate about making music education a lasting and meaningful choice. With a firm belief that piano is a lifelong skill that grows with you, she inspires students of all ages to discover joy, confidence, and lasting progress through music. Jessie’s teaching philosophy emphasizes strong foundational skills in music reading, rhythm, and technique, supported by a thoughtfully chosen method book series. She also enriches her students' experience through recitals, group lessons, and festival opportunities, creating a vibrant and supportive learning environment for every child. About Rachel Ehring Dr. Rachel Ehring is a pianist, teacher, music administrator, and lover of piano teaching gadgets. She holds a DMA in Collaborative Piano from the University of Colorado Boulder and a MM in Accompanying from the University of Kansas. She currently serves as Director at St. John’s Conservatory of the Arts in Orange County, CA. Previously, she held positions at Concordia University Irvine and Henderson State University. Rachel is passionate about empowering music teachers to create engaging and exciting lessons for students of all ages. When she isn’t playing the piano, you might find Rachel reading books with her son or walking her beagle...

Lately, I’ve been having a lot of conversations with other teachers about something we’re all seeing—students who can play pretty well but still guess at basic notes. In this solo episode, I’m diving into why note reading continues to be such a challenge, even for students who seem to be progressing. I’ll talk about how method books might be part of the problem, why students get overwhelmed, and what we can do to slow things down and build stronger foundations. I’m also sharing practical tools and a sneak peek at the sight reading framework I’ve been developing to help students become confident, fluent readers. Rachel shared that note reading struggles came up during a conversation with her teaching team. The importance of not rushing through method books as a common teaching pitfall. Why some students rely on hand positions and interval cues instead of truly reading notes. How the layout of certain method books, like Faber, might unintentionally contribute to the problem. She suggested separating elements like rhythm and pitch during lessons to reduce overwhelm. Recommended hands-on tools like Easy Notes tiles and magnetic whiteboards for reinforcement. How anchor notes like middle C, treble G, and bass F can serve as visual reference points. Her success using Flashnote Derby with limited note sets to build confidence. Rachel introduced her view of sight reading as advanced note reading, built on strong fundamentals. She previewed a new seven-part sight reading framework she’s developing for pianists. Links Mentioned Podcast Freebie: 5 Simple Ways to Improve Sight-Reading Immediately About Rachel Ehring Dr. Rachel Ehring is a pianist, teacher, music administrator, and lover of piano teaching gadgets. She holds a DMA in Collaborative Piano from the University of Colorado Boulder and a MM in Accompanying from the University of Kansas. She currently serves as Director at St. John’s Conservatory of the Arts in Orange County, CA. Previously, she held positions at Concordia University Irvine and Henderson State University. Rachel is passionate about empowering music teachers to create engaging and exciting lessons for students of all ages. When she isn’t playing the piano, you might find Rachel reading books with her son or walking her beagle Frieda. Visit her website at RachelEhring.com Visit her Instagram page: @rachelehring Visit her YouTube channel: @dreamlavendermusic6694 Visit her Etsy shop at Dream Lavender Music Thank you for tuning in! Consider implementing the ideas from this podcast by writing several actionable steps for your teaching practice if it’s inspired you. If you enjoyed today’s show, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, which helps other teachers find our show. Stay updated by subscribing to this show, and get automatic delivery to your device every time a new episode goes live! We publish on Fridays weekly. TopMusicPro 14-Day Free Trial Heard about TopMusicPro Membership? As a valued podcast listener, I’d like to offer you a special chance to try our community free for 14 days. You can access a treasure trove of teaching resources, professional...

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

What if the key to reconnecting with your creativity wasn’t more discipline—but less pressure? In this episode, pianist and writer Rhonda Rizzo invites us to let go of perfectionism and the constant stream of “shoulds” that often weigh down music teachers and performers. She shares how returning to beloved repertoire, collaborating with composers, and giving herself permission to simply play helped her rediscover joy at the piano. Whether you’re feeling stuck, uninspired, or disconnected from your own playing, Rhonda’s honest reflections and gentle wisdom will remind you that it’s never too late to reclaim the music that moves you. Rhonda shared that she’s had a multifaceted career as a pianist, writer, teacher, and blogger. How her blog No Dead Guys celebrates the music of living composers and new creative paths. Her deep love for collaborative piano and chamber music, calling it her favorite way to make music. Letting go of perfection and "shoulds". Why returning to her favorite pieces helped reignite her joy and motivation. Importance of choosing performance repertoire based on passion, not pressure or expectations. Why performing new music offers freedom from preconceived interpretations and a chance to “leave the first footprints.” The empowering experience of working directly with composers How collaborative interpretation brings music to life. Last piece of advice: Drop the pressure of “should” and follow the music that brings you joy. Links Mentioned Rhonda Rizzo's Website: No Dead Guys Rhonda's Book: The Waco Variations Rhonda's YouTube Channel: Rhonda (Ringering) Rizzo Today's Guest Rhonda (Ringering) Rizzo is a writer and a performing and recording pianist. Her novel, The Waco Variations , was released in the summer of 2018, and her numerous articles have appeared in national and international music magazines, including Pianist Magazine, American Music Teacher, Clavier, Piano & Keyboard, and Flute Talk. A specialist in music that borrows from both classical and jazz traditions, Rizzo released four CDs, Made in America, Oregon Impressions: the Piano Music of Dave Deason, 2 to Tango: Music for Piano Duet, and A Spin on It. Recordings can be found on streaming platforms (under the name Rhonda Ringering) and on YouTube. She holds a BA from Walla Walla University and a MM from Boston University and is a passionate advocate of new music and living composers. About Rachel Ehring Dr. Rachel Ehring is a pianist, teacher, music administrator, and lover of piano teaching gadgets. She holds a DMA in Collaborative Piano from the University of Colorado Boulder and a MM in Accompanying from the University of Kansas. She currently serves as Director at St. John’s Conservatory of the Arts in Orange County, CA. Previously, she held positions at Concordia University Irvine and Henderson State University. Rachel is passionate about empowering music teachers to create engaging and exciting lessons for students of all ages. When she isn’t playing the piano, you might find Rachel reading books with her son or walking her beagle Frieda. Visit her website at RachelEhring.com Visit her Instagram page: @rachelehring Visit her YouTube channel: 

Branding isn’t just about pretty colors and a polished logo—it’s about knowing who you serve and how you want to be known. Sara Campbell dives deep into what studio branding really means for independent music teachers and how it shapes the students you attract. From defining your ideal client to writing authentic website copy and using real studio photos, Sara shares practical strategies that help teachers stand out without burning out. If you’ve ever struggled to put your teaching vibe into words or want your online presence to reflect the magic happening in your studio, this episode will give you clarity, confidence, and next steps. Sara shared an overview of her background and how she helps independent music teachers build sustainable studios through mindset, marketing, and branding strategy. Why branding goes far beyond logos and colors. The importance of identifying your ideal client as the first step in building an authentic brand. Why teachers should clarify their mission, core values, and what transformation they offer students. How niching down doesn’t mean excluding everyone—it means attracting the right students. Advise for teachers to reflect on what kind of students they don’t want to teach to better understand their fit. Why your website should reflect your teaching style and personality. She emphasized writing website copy that sounds like your real voice. Why parents care more about the student experience and transformation than your credentials. She warned against generic branding phrases like “all ages and levels” without explaining your unique value. Importance of using real photos from your studio over stock images to create a personal feel. Sara recommended investing in branding photo shoots to reflect your teaching in action. Some simple branding updates like refining your homepage copy or swapping one key image. Podcast Exclusive Freebie: Free Branding Clarity Kickstart - If you’ve ever felt stuck writing about your studio — unsure what to say on your website, awkward in social posts, or paralyzed by Canva captions — this free workbook is your first step toward clarity! Links Mentioned Sara's Website: Savvy Music Studio Sara's Facebook Page: Savvy Music Studio Sara's Instagram Page: @savvymusicstudio Today's Guest Sara Campbell is a business and marketing coach for independent music teachers who want to run thriving studios without losing their minds (or their weekends). She’s the founder of Savvy Music Studio, where she helps teachers clarify their offers, streamline their systems, and show up online with confidence. With 20+ years of teaching experience and over a decade of coaching, Sara is known for her strategic brain, casual style, and her ability to make business feel way less overwhelming. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and three extremely opinionated cats. About Rachel Ehring Dr. Rachel Ehring is a pianist, teacher, music administrator, and lover of piano teaching gadgets. She holds a DMA in Collaborative Piano from the University of Colorado Boulder and a MM in Accompanying from the University of Kansas. She currently serves as Director at St. John’s Conservatory of the Arts in Orange County, CA. Previously, she held positions at Concordia University Irvine and Henderson State University. Rachel is passionate about empowering music teachers to

In this solo episode, I’m doing a mid-year check-in on the seven things I said I’d take into 2025. From reading more eBooks and simplifying my systems, to experimenting with AI, setting better boundaries, and staying connected with fellow teachers, I’m sharing what’s working, what still needs work, and how I’m navigating it all. If you’ve set goals this year and are feeling behind or unsure, you’re not alone. There’s still plenty of time to adjust and move forward, with a little momentum and maybe a cinnamon-topped coffee along the way. Rachel shared a mid-year check-in on her “7 Things I’m Taking Into 2025” January solo episode. She explained how reading eBooks on her phone has helped her make better use of downtime. She highlighted The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins as especially relevant for piano teachers dealing with boundaries. How reading Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina Garten was inspiring and uplifting. The importance of simplifying and automating tasks and using tools like Google Docs. How automation supports her collaborative piano business without losing personal connection. How she’s been using ChatGPT as a creative assistant while maintaining her personal voice. She noted that AI helps her understand her ideal customer, brainstorm content, and get unstuck. She reported steady progress on her goal to post weekly YouTube videos. The value of connecting with fellow teachers both online and in person. The importance of creativity and experimentation, inspired by a playful coffee shop experience. She shared that setting and honoring personal boundaries remains an ongoing challenge. She reflected on her 2025 word “momentum” and encouraged listeners to keep showing up, even when progress feels slow. Links Mentioned TopMusic Piano Podcast 048: 7 Things I’m Taking Into 2025 TopMusic Piano Podcast 028: Music and Magic Journals with Tweena Vuong TopMusic AI Podcast About Rachel Ehring Dr. Rachel Ehring is a pianist, teacher, music administrator, and lover of piano teaching gadgets. She holds a DMA in Collaborative Piano from the University of Colorado Boulder and a MM in Accompanying from the University of Kansas. She currently serves as Director at St. John’s Conservatory of the Arts in Orange County, CA. Previously, she held positions at Concordia University Irvine and Henderson State University. Rachel is passionate about empowering music teachers to create engaging and exciting lessons for students of all ages. When she isn’t playing the piano, you might find Rachel reading books with her son or walking her beagle Frieda. Visit her website at RachelEhring.com Visit her Instagram page: @rachelehring Visit her YouTube channel: @dreamlavendermusic6694 Visit her Etsy shop at Dream Lavender Music Thank you for tuning in! Consider implementing the ideas from this podcast by writing several actionable steps for your teaching practice if it’s inspired you. If you enjoyed today’s show,...

Great teaching doesn’t just happen—it’s intentionally nurtured, modeled, and passed on. In this episode, I’m joined by Megan Desmarais, who shares how she balances running a large, thriving piano studio with mentoring college pedagogy students through hands-on teaching experience. Megan talks about her group/private hybrid model, how she customizes lessons for every student, and why she’s passionate about teaching all ages, from toddlers to seniors. We also dig into how she uses tools like Easy Notes and the Learning Style Inventory to create engaging, multi-sensory lessons. Whether you're a new or seasoned teacher, Megan’s approach to creative, modern pedagogy will spark fresh ideas for your own studio. Megan shared a brief overview of her background and her music studio. She explained that her pedagogy program fills a gap in teacher training for music majors in her area. How she standardizes teaching methods so student teachers can deliver consistent instruction. How she uses the Waco Keyboarding method to blend group and private teaching. How early teaching experiences and a master’s in pedagogy shaped her current approach. The importance of adapting teaching methods beyond “how you were taught”. She advised teachers not to treat preschoolers as miniature piano students. How early childhood lessons focus on foundational skills like keyboard geography and coordination. She discussed the Learning Style Inventory, a tool to help teachers understand how students process and retain information. She shared how Easy Notes products like magnetic staff boards support hands-on learning. How she integrates games and group learning into lessons through a hybrid group/private model. Guest Links Mentioned Megan's Websites: VeryPiano.com & Teach Preschool Music Megan's Instagram Page: @verypiano Megan's Facebook Page: Megan's Piano Lessons & VeryPiano Blog Today’s Guest Megan Desmarais is your Piano Teacher North Star. In addition to running a successful piano studio for students ages 1-75, she is also committed to mentoring the next generation of piano teachers through modern, creative piano pedagogy. As a teacher of both students and teachers, she has a knack for finding innovative approaches to piano lessons. She strives to make every lesson a special, one-of-a-kind learning experience for students and equips other teachers with tools, techniques and ideas to do the same. Megan runs verypiano.com and teachpreschoolmusic.com, which are online resource hubs for music teachers. Her Very Piano Shop is full of digital and physical teaching tools, including E-Z Notes products, Piano Progress Pins and other resources. She studied piano at the University of Tulsa and earned a Masters in Piano Pedagogy from Wichita State University. She has extensive training and experience with Preschool Music and Recreational Music Making. About Rachel Ehring Dr. Rachel Ehring is a pianist, teacher, music administrator, and lover of piano teaching gadgets. She holds a DMA in Collaborative Piano from the University of Colorado Boulder and a MM in Accompanying from the University of Kansas. She currently serves as Director at St. John’s Conservatory of the Arts in Orange County, CA. Previously, she held positions at Concordia University...

Today, we are joined by brand and web designer Erica Neubauer shares practical advice for piano teachers looking to create a polished, professional studio brand. With over 15 years of experience, Erica breaks down what makes a strong brand—from knowing your story and defining your niche to choosing fonts, colors, and a logo that truly represent you. She explains why consistency matters, how to avoid common DIY mistakes, and what to consider when deciding between a personal name or studio name. Whether you're just starting out or ready to rebrand, Erica’s insights will help you design a studio brand with clarity and confidence. Erica shared a brief overview of her background as a designer working with creatives, small businesses, and nonprofits. She explained her work helps businesses communicate who they are through visuals. The importance of telling your story was emphasized as the foundation of strong branding. She encouraged teachers to define what makes them unique, not try to appeal to everyone. How clear branding attracts the right students and builds trust. The value of consistency across social media and marketing was emphasized. She warned against using Canva logo templates or Etsy graphics due to copyright issues. Erica explained that logos should be custom and vectorized for clarity and flexibility. Tips for using your signature as a logo and keeping things simple when DIY-ing. She recommended having a website, business cards, and one piece of print collateral. Discussed between using your name or a studio name for your brand. The benefits of hiring a designer to save time and ensure quality. Guest Links Mentioned Erica's Website: EricaSNeubauer.com Erica's Facebook: Erica Neubauer Graphic Design Erica's Facebook: @ericasneubauer Erica's LinkedIn Page: Erica Neubauer Today’s Guest Erica Neubauer is a brand and web designer specializing in high-end branding and WordPress websites. She has a Masters in Graphic Design and has over 15 years of experience as a self-employed designer, working with small businesses, solo entrepreneurs and non-profits. About Rachel Ehring Dr. Rachel Ehring is a pianist, teacher, music administrator, and lover of piano teaching gadgets. She holds a DMA in Collaborative Piano from the University of Colorado Boulder and a MM in Accompanying from the University of Kansas. She currently serves as Director at St. John’s Conservatory of the Arts in Orange County, CA. Previously, she held positions at Concordia University Irvine and Henderson State University. Rachel is passionate about empowering music teachers to create engaging and exciting lessons for students of all ages. When she isn’t playing the piano, you might find Rachel reading books with her son or walking her beagle Frieda. Visit her website at RachelEhring.com Visit her Instagram page: @rachelehring Visit her YouTube channel: @dreamlavendermusic6694 Visit her Etsy shop at Dream Lavender Music