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The Piano Pantry Podcast

The Piano Pantry Podcast
Author: Amy Chaplin
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© Amy Chaplin
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Welcome to The Piano Pantry Podcast where together we live life as independent music teachers. Listen in with Amy Chaplin, your host, as we talk about everything from running and organizing a studio business to getting dinner on the table and all that comes between.
163 Episodes
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Learn why margin—not just balance—is essential for a sustainable teaching life. This episode features real-life examples of tasks that only happened when margin was built in, showing how intentional space in your schedule can help you manage your studio, reduce overwhelm, and follow through on what truly matters.Support the podcastSubscribe to Amy’s email listEpisode Links & Transcript: https://pianopantry.com/podcast/episode162
Amy shares what’s feeling good—and what’s not—this summer in her piano teacher world. From chord chart fun and Gmail hacks to clock struggles and conference burnout, it’s a real-life peek into the wins and woes of the season. Studio talk, skirts, and all!Items Mentioned and Other Related ContentSupport the podcast Subscribe to Amy’s email listEpisode Links & Transcript: https://pianopantry.com/podcast/episode161
Four piano teachers share their experiences from a one-of-a-kind retreat focused on organizing the often-overlooked digital side of teaching. Hear how personalized coaching, tech tips, and shared stories helped them gain clarity, confidence, and control over their digital workflows—while enjoying community, great food, and a refreshing change of pace.Items Mentioned and Other Related ContentSubscribe to Amy’s email listEpisode Links & Transcript: https://pianopantry.com/podcast/episode160
After 25 years of piano teaching, I’m reflecting on how studio size shapes everything—from scheduling and group classes to communication and materials. Whether you teach 12 or 45 students, this episode explores five key areas where size matters—and how to adapt your studio to match your life and teaching goals.Subscribe to Amy’s email listEpisode Links & Transcipt: https://pianopantry.com/podcast/episode159
What does it mean to “gather with intention” when saying goodbye to long-time students? In this heartfelt episode, I share reflections, practical ideas, and meaningful rituals for the final piano lesson—celebrating growth, affirming identity, and creating a memorable close to your students’ musical journey.Items Mentioned and Other Related ContentSupport the podcast Subscribe to Amy’s email listEpisode Links & Transcipt: https://pianopantry.com/podcast/episode158
Celebrate the Easter season with lighthearted favorites—from lemon desserts and Reese’s egg dupes to festive piano sheet music, teaching tips, and a joyful playlist.Episode Links & Transcipt: https://pianopantry.com/podcast/episode157
Explore rhythm audiation through macro- and microbeat patterns. Learn how Music Learning Theory (MLT) reframes rhythm by sound and function, not notation, using enrhythmic rhythm syllables. Guided exercises, teaching applications, and new resources to help you and your students audiate with confidence and clarity.Items Mentioned and Other Related ContentSupport the podcastSubscribe to Amy’s email listEpisode Links & Transcipt: https://pianopantry.com/podcast/episode156
Relocating your piano studio can feel overwhelming, but it’s also an opportunity for growth. In this episode, Laura Harding shares her experience moving her studio after 30 years of teaching. From breaking the news to students to rebuilding in a new community, Laura offers practical tips and encouragement for teachers facing a similar transition.Items Mentioned and Other Related ContentSupport the podcast Subscribe to Amy’e email listEpisode Links & Transcipt: https://pianopantry.com/podcast/episode155
Struggling to keep up with studio tasks? In this episode, Amy shares how digital calendars and task management apps can help you automate recurring tasks—weekly, monthly, or annually—so nothing slips through the cracks. A practical tool that will help streamline your workflow for both studio and personal life!Items Mentioned and Other Related ContentSupport the podcast Subscribe to Amy’e email listEpisode Links & Transcipt: pianopantry.com/podcast/episode154
In this reflective episode, Amy shares six things she’s letting go of in 2025, from unrealistic expectations to daily habits that no longer serve her. Join the conversation and consider what you might release this year to create a more balanced studio and personal life.Episode Links & Transcript:https://pianopantry.com/podcast/episode153Support the podcast Subscribe to Amy’e email list
Explore audiation with "Lavender’s Blue" in this fun, ear-training episode. Sing, harmonize, and deepen your understanding of music—no sheet music required!Subscribehttps://PianoPantry.com/subscribeEpisode Links & Transcipt: https://pianopantry.com/podcast/episode152
Discover the art of progress as we explore strategies to tackle big, daunting projects. Learn how to break tasks into manageable small chunks or dive into focused larger sessions. Packed with practical examples, this episode offers insights for cultivating a balanced and productive mindset.
Transcript
Find the full transcript and show notes (including any links mentioned) here:
https://pianopantry.com/podcast/episode151
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https://pianopantry.com/patreon
In this special 150th episode, Amy chats with fellow piano teacher and podcaster Christina Whitlock. Following their “What’s Working” discussion on episode 198 of the Beyond Measure Podcast, they share what’s not working this season—honest reflections, relatable struggles, and lighthearted insights. Don’t miss this candid and fun two-parter!
Transcript
Find the full transcript and show notes (including any links mentioned) here:
https://pianopantry.com/podcast/episode150
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Support the Podcast
https://pianopantry.com/patreon
After the sudden shutdown of Coinhop, Amy explores new auto-payment processing options for music studios. From Stripe to studio management software and bank solutions, discover practical alternatives to streamline payments and make informed decisions for your teaching studio.
Transcript
Find the full transcript and show notes (including any links mentioned) here:
https://pianopantry.com/podcast/episode149
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https://pianopantry.com/patreon
Discover six non-musical performance skills to help piano students shine this holiday season. From speaking confidently to managing sheet music and creating impactful moments, these tips go beyond the music to elevate the art of performance.
Transcript
Find the full transcript and show notes (including any links mentioned) here:
https://pianopantry.com/podcast/episode148
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Support the Podcast
https://pianopantry.com/patreon
3 tools for your kitchen Amy thinks are necessities that are not generally considered basic kitchen staples.
Transcript
Find the full transcript and show notes (including any links mentioned) here:
https://pianopantry.com/podcast/episode147
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Support the Podcast
https://pianopantry.com/patreon
The most versatile Christmas book you'll ever own; Students will learn to play by ear, accompany singing, and use a variety of accompaniment patterns and keys.
Transcript
Find the full transcript and show notes (including any links mentioned) here:
https://pianopantry.com/podcast/episode146
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Support the Podcast
https://pianopantry.com/patreon
Amy chats with Jennifer Foxx of MusicEducatorResources.com. Jennifer shares many tools she uses for content creation, including one very surprising one!
Find the full transcript and show notes (including any links mentioned) here:
https://pianopantry.com/podcast/episode145
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Support the Podcast
https://pianopantry.com/patreon
Voice memos are a fun and easy way to help keep parents up to date in an informal way. Plus, the format is well received by families in today's mobile age.
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Support the Podcast
https://pianopantry.com/patreon
Transcript
Find the full transcript and show notes (including any links mentioned) here:
https://pianopantry.com/podcast/episode144
Janna Williamson shares advice for adjudicators, including preparation, mindset, essential elements to consider, difficulties related to time vs. feedback, and more. You’ll also hear how Janna’s local MTA takes intentional time to train their piano festival judges.
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Support the Podcast
https://pianopantry.com/patreon
Transcript
Find the full transcript and show notes (including any links mentioned) here:
https://pianopantry.com/podcast/episode143
I like this music. But I lack knowledge about it. This is a common problem these days. I stayed out of school for almost a year for various reasons. That's why my friend recommended this site to me https://steinway.co.uk/piano/model-k-132/ where I was able to find a suitable piano for myself and easily ordered it. You should try to use it either.