TopMusic Piano Podcast Tim Topham

In this episode, we're going to delve into the essential topic of self-care for piano teachers, exploring six distinct types: physical, emotional, social, personal, financial, and work self-care. Drawing from my own experiences and insights, I'll share some practical advice and strategies to help you prioritize your well-being amidst the demands of your busy life. Tune in to discover how small, intentional changes can make a big difference in managing stress and enhancing your overall quality of life.

Rachel shares her experience of being a new mom during a stressful period and learning the importance of self-care.
She introduces the six types of self-care: physical, emotional, social, personal, financial, and work self-care.
Physical self-care involves exercise, healthy eating, and hydration, with practical tips for teachers.
Emotional self-car, including meditation, journaling, and finding support.
Social self-care emphasizes boundaries and the importance of supportive social interactions.
Personal self-care highlights the joy of playing music for relaxation.
Financial self-care involves managing finances and setting appropriate lesson rates.
Work self-care focuses on setting boundaries and creating a manageable schedule.
Rachel encourages listeners to choose one type of self-care to focus on.


Links Mentioned

Music and Mind Book
Sharon Regier on Feeding a Hungry Family after Teaching All Day
TopMusic Piano Podcast 021: The Intersection of Piano and Yoga with Tiffany Pinhorn Smith
TopMusic Piano Podcast 024: Setting Your Piano Studio Rates with Andrea Miller
Whole Body Learning Teaching Beginner’s Course


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 https://rachelehring.com/
Visit her Instagram page: @rachelehring
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.

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Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Adam Gingery, founder of the Philadelphia Piano Institute and partner at a Philadelphia-based marketing agency. With a diverse background in collaborative piano and extensive experience in search marketing, Adam brings a wealth of knowledge on optimizing studio websites for music studios and private teachers. In this episode, he shares invaluable insights into building and optimizing a high-quality studio website, effective SEO strategies, the importance of a well-managed Google Business Profile, and effective marketing tips to attract more students. Tune in to learn how to enhance your online presence and attract more students to your music studio.

Adam shares a brief overview of his background and businesses.
He shared how he transitioned from teaching piano to marketing.
What his daily tasks and his daily responsibilities look like.
Importance of high-quality websites, SEO and website structure.
Discussion about high quality content and call to action.
Why reviews and testimonials are valuable.
Introduction to Google Business profile and why it's essential for any business.
Setting up and maximizing your Google Business profile.
NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number) consistency to boost your profile's authority.
Discussion on pricing and whether to list pricing on your website.
Importance of professional photos and videos on your website.
How to manage multiple roles and websites.
Tips for improving website SEO for piano teachers.


Guest Links Mentioned

Adam Gingery Website
Adam Gingery LinkedIn
Top 6 Motivation Reasons Your Adult Piano Students Love to Study Piano


Links Mentioned

Whole Body Learning Teaching Beginner’s Course


Today’s Guest


Adam Gingery is the founder of the Philadelphia Piano Institute and a partner at a Philadelphia-based agency. His piano playing is mostly collaborative in nature and he has worked with countless singers, string players, brass musicians, and woodwind players on their repertoire. He also helps about 50 other clients with search marketing in his private practice at Adam Gingery Consulting. Music schools and private teachers can learn more about his services at Musicstudiomarketing.com.
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 https://rachelehring.com/
Visit her Instagram page: @rachelehring
Visit her Etsy shop at Dream...

In this episode, we're joined by Ashley Danyew, a musician, educator, writer, and entrepreneur. Ashley is the Founder and Editor of Musician & Co., a platform dedicated to equipping classical musicians with essential business skills. With over 10 years of experience running an online business and 15+ years curating a portfolio career, Ashley brings a wealth of knowledge and insight. Join us as Ashley shares her expert tips on planning effective work retreats, reflecting on past successes, and setting strategic goals for the future. Whether you're preparing for the new school year or seeking to enhance your business strategies, this episode is packed with valuable advice to inspire and guide you.
Guest Links Mentioned

Ashley Danyew Website
Ashley Danyew Instagram
Virtual Work Retreat for Musicians and Teachers
Musician & Co Website
Work Retreat Workbook for Musicians


Today’s Guest


Ashley Danyew, Ph.D. is a musician, educator, writer, and entrepreneur. She is the Founder and Editor of Musician & Co., equipping classical musicians with the tools and education they need to be small business owners. A graduate of the University of Georgia and the Eastman School of Music, Ashley has over 10 years of experience running an online business and 15+ years of curating a portfolio career. Her website AshleyDanyew.com includes a blog, resource library, and courses for music educators and church musicians, and between that and Musician & Co., she serves an email list of 25,000 and had a combined readership of 344,000 people last year.

At Musician & Co., Ashley is dedicated to providing educational tools, resources, and services to support self-employed musicians and music freelancers so they can build and manage a music career that’s as diverse and unique as they are—one that’s financially secure, artistically fulfilling, and made to last.
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 https://rachelehring.com/
Visit her Instagram page: @rachelehring
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...

In this episode, I am joined by Andrea Miller, the dynamic piano teacher and entrepreneur behind the Music Studio Startup podcast and blog. Andrea shares her journey from teaching piano in high school to launching a music school that quickly expanded to five teachers and over 100 students. With a double-major in Entrepreneurship and Piano Performance, Andrea brings a wealth of knowledge to music teachers seeking to build financially sustainable studios. Our conversation delves into practical advice for setting studio rates, creative solutions for affordability, and the importance of maintaining confidence in business decisions. Tune in for an insightful discussion that will help you navigate the financial aspects of running a successful music studio.

Andrea shared a brief overview of her background as a piano teacher, helping music teachers build financially sustainable studios.
How her interest in entrepreneurship began early, leading her to combine it with her passion for piano.
Her approach to helping teachers with finances, branding, marketing, and building websites.
Her background working with non-music business owners, particularly in STEM education.
Importance of setting lesson rates based on personal financial sustainability rather than market rates alone.
Andrea's formula for determining lesson rates based on studio expenses, desired salary & taxes.
Considering the value of big box studio rates and positioning oneself in the market based on their unique offerings.
The mindset shifts needed for raising rates, emphasizing the value of teachers' work in the market.
Response for teachers when faced with complaints about rates.
Some creative solutions for affordability include alternating private and group lessons.
Why it's crucial to separate business sustainability from affordability.
Andrea's talks about her Business Building 101 course, guiding new studio owners through foundational decisions, and a grant competition to support new teachers.


Links Mentioned

Andrea Miller Website
Music Studio Startup Instagram
Music Studio Startup Podcast


Today's Guest


Andrea Miller is the piano teacher and entrepreneur behind the Music Studio Startup podcast and blog. She talks about all things business and coaches musicians who want to build financially sustainable studios. She started teaching piano in high school and decided she wanted to open a music school. After she graduated from college with a double-major in Entrepreneurship and Piano Performance, that goal to open a music school became a reality and she launched a school that quickly expanded to five teachers, an intern, and 100+ students. Eventually, that experience led to other entrepreneurial endeavors and consulting opportunities in all sorts of fields. She loves working with entrepreneurs and small businesses. And in 2016, she decided it was time to bring her expertise back to the music world so she launched Music Studio Startup.
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...

In this episode, we delve into the world of injury prevention and peak performance for pianists with our guest, Helen Aun. Helen, a leading expert in her field and the founder of The Helen Aun Institute, has developed a unique method that combines the Alexander Technique, EFT Tapping, efficient piano technique, and mindset transformation to help pianists unlock their full artistic potential. With over 25 years of teaching experience and a background in both piano pedagogy and performance, she shares invaluable insights on preventing injuries, managing performance anxiety, and creating a supportive learning environment for students. Join us as we explore Helen's innovative approach to piano training and her journey in helping pianists around the world achieve their best.

Helen shared a brief overview of her background and work experience.
Her initial training in Alexander Technique, a tool for musicians and performers.
Some benefits of Alexander Technique, including improved coordination, biomechanics understanding, and stress management.
Helen shared her personal experience with injuries and her history of pain.
How her discovery of Alexander Technique provided significant changes in her performance and physical state.
She shared about developing her own system, focusing on injury-free piano technique, emotional, and mental aspects.
Common physical mistakes in pianists.
Advice for teachers of young piano students to help prevent future problems.
The importance of teachers having adequate training in movement and body coordination.
Why proper hand positioning is crucial.
Performance anxiety and advice on managing it in young students.


Guest Links Mentioned

Helen Aun's Website
Helen Aun YouTube Channel
Get in touch with Helen via a Consultation Call here!


Links Mentioned

Download the latest TopMusic Magazine here.
Register for the Teaching Beginners Course with Paul Myatt & Tim Topham here.


Today's Guest


Helen Aun is a leading expert in pianists’ injury prevention and peak performance. She is the founder of The Helen Aun Institute, a comprehensive training and rehabilitation program for pianists. Combining the body-mind wisdom of the Alexander Technique, the healing power of EFT Tapping, the precision of efficient, injury-free piano technique and a deep journey of mindset transformation, Helen has developed a unique method that helps pianists unlock their full artistic potential.

Helen has a degree in piano pedagogy and performance and over 25 years of piano teaching experience. She is a certified teacher of the Alexander Technique, having studied at The Alexander Teacher Training School, one of the most prestigious schools in England, where she was later invited to return as a teacher trainer. Helen has held an Alexander Technique teaching position at the Junior Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London and she now trains pianists from all over the world. Her students range from the graduates of the Royal Academy to Juilliard. Helen is also an international speaker, giving lectures and workshops at various organisations globally.
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...

Hello, my piano teacher friends! Today’s episode is all about keeping your students engaged through the summer with whole body activities. This month’s theme at TopMusic focuses on full-body learning, and I’m excited to share some creative, easy-to-implement ideas that require no extra training or planning. These activities, inspired by my experiences and wonderful suggestions from Instagram followers, will not only keep your wiggly students focused but also make learning musical concepts memorable and fun. Let’s dive into these practical strategies and keep our lessons lively all summer long!

Rachel shares creative, no-extra-training-needed ideas for incorporating full-body learning into piano lessons.
Understanding full-body learning, which is beneficial for students with short attention spans and reinforcing musical concepts.
Steady beat examples by having students walk or tap the beat without distractions that improve rhythm understanding.
Rachel provides rhythm activities, including using rhythm sticks and egg shakers.
Ideas from other teachers, such as interpretive dance, hopping to learn stem directions, dynamic movements, and animal dances.
Some activities involving moving like animals and improvising music based on those movements.
Simon Says Game - A simple game for teaching right and left hand finger numbers is explained.
Red Light Green Light Game - A rhythm game where students follow a metronome beat and freeze when the "cop" turns around.
Rachel introduces her new sound effects story "If Dinosaurs Came to Your Piano Lesson," designed to include whole-body activities.


Podcast Exclusive Freebie:

“A Whale of an Excuse” Sound Effect Story 


Register for Rachel’s Live Webinar

How to Earn Extra Income by Playing the Piano Webinar (Monday, June 24th, 7:00 AM PST)


Links Mentioned

TopCast 370: How to Add Piano Accompanying to Your Income Portfolio with Dr Rachel Ehring
Download the latest TopMusic Magazine here.
Rachels' Etsy Store for new sound effect story - If Dinosaurs Came to Your Piano Lesson


Resources Mentioned

Musikgarten Rhythm Sticks
Max Found Two Sticks (Reading Rainbow Book)
Jess Homewood (Not Your Mother's Studio)


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....