Bonus Episode: Celebrating Piano Teachers Around the World

We talk all the time about music being universal.But teaching is universal too.

This is a special bonus episode of The Scrappy Piano Teacher Podcast, created to help ring in the new year and celebrate independent piano teachers from around the world.

I invited teachers from different places to send in a short voice note. Just a quick reflection on teaching, creativity, challenges, and what they’re carrying with them as they look back on 2025 and ahead to 2026.

What stood out to me right away was how similar so many of the thoughts were. Different countries. Different studios. And yet the same questions, the same care for students, and the same love for the work.

This episode is meant to feel light, encouraging, and connective.

It’s a reminder that no matter where you teach, you’re part of something much bigger than your own studio.

Teachers featured in this bonus episode:

• Tim Topham — Melbourne, Australia

• Lydia Tomita — Cotswolds, England

• Juan Cabeza — Madrid, Spain

• Sibusiso Mash Mashiloane — Durban, South Africa

• Mark Weathers — Alaska, USA

• Shannon Saravia— California, USA

• Elizabeth Swift — Ohio, USA

Whether you’re feeling reflective, excited, tired, hopeful, or all of the above, I hope this episode reminds you that you’re not alone in this work.

Happy New Year, and thank you for being part of this community.