431: My Favourite Framework for Piano Teachers: 4 Chord Composing
Update: 2025-09-08
Description
If you've ever felt unsure about how to teach chords or help your students create music from scratch, this episode is for you. Today, I’m sharing a deep dive into my all-time favourite course, 4 Chord Composing. I’ll walk you through why this framework works so well, how it connects theory and creativity, and how you can use it even if you’ve never composed a thing in your life. You’ll also hear from other teachers who’ve used this approach to transform their students' confidence and engagement.
RSL Awards is leading the next generation of creativity. We are an international Awarding Organisation, creating qualifications in music, performing arts, and creative industries subjects.
Our vision is to help teachers and students within the creative arts sector through a range of innovative, relevant, and rewarding resources and qualifications. This includes our flagship Rockschool graded resources for piano.
The new edition of Rockschool Piano offers a holistic approach to piano education, shaped around the needs of today’s musicians. Exploring five centuries of music, from classical to classic rock, this genre-spanning syllabus features an expansive mix of popular Hit Tunes, bespoke Rockschool Originals, and brand-new suites of technical study, all packed with class-leading technology.
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.
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.
- Tim reflected on how most teachers weren't taught chords or lead sheets in their own lessons.
- He explained how a chord-based approach improves sight reading, creativity, and understanding.
- The benefits of teaching harmony through popular styles were emphasized.
- Tim introduced his favorite course: 4 Chord Composing Course, offering a 10-week plan for introducing students to composing using just four chords.
- He highlighted how the framework builds theory, form, and improvisation skills naturally.
- How it simplifies teaching composition and makes learning feel intuitive.
- The course videos show Tim teaching a real student, making the approach easy to follow.
- Tim shared feedback from teachers who have used the course with great success and student engagement.
Links Mentioned
- Four Chord Composing Course
- Buy the course for only $49 using the coupon code CHORDS100
- Blog: The Power of 4 Chord Composing
- TopMusicPro Courses
- TopMusic Competition Composition 2025
Today’s Sponsor
RSL Awards is leading the next generation of creativity. We are an international Awarding Organisation, creating qualifications in music, performing arts, and creative industries subjects.
Our vision is to help teachers and students within the creative arts sector through a range of innovative, relevant, and rewarding resources and qualifications. This includes our flagship Rockschool graded resources for piano.
The new edition of Rockschool Piano offers a holistic approach to piano education, shaped around the needs of today’s musicians. Exploring five centuries of music, from classical to classic rock, this genre-spanning syllabus features an expansive mix of popular Hit Tunes, bespoke Rockschool Originals, and brand-new suites of technical study, all packed with class-leading technology.
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
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