The TopCast: The Official Music Teachers' Podcast Tim Topham

In today's episode, we delve into the world of piano accompanying with Dr. Rachel Ehring, a distinguished pianist, teacher, and music administrator. With a DMA in Collaborative Piano from the University of Colorado Boulder, Rachel brings a wealth of knowledge and experience. She is passionate about empowering music teachers to create engaging lessons for students of all ages. Join us as we explore how to add piano accompanying to your income portfolio, discussing Rachel’s innovative course on collaborative piano, its creation, marketing strategies, and the invaluable skills required for effective accompanying. Don't miss out on Rachel's valuable tips and insights on expanding your musical skills and income opportunities and her upcoming free webinar.

Tim highlights and appreciates Rachel's role as the host of the TopMusic Piano podcast.
Discussion on Rachel's role as a course creator at Dream Lavender Music Studio.
Rachel explains collaborative piano as an equal partnership between musicians.
She shares her journey from a piano performance undergrad to earning a doctorate in collaborative piano.
Importance of sight-reading and listening skills.
Tim shares his experiences accompanying students and the challenges of repertoire.
The fun and educational benefits for students engaging in collaborative piano.
Advantages of collaborative piano for teachers.
Rachel’s motivation to create a course on collaborative piano.
She shares her course structure, target audience, course content, course launch and success.
She discusses the main modules and learning stages of her course.
She shares her course creation process, marketing and course launching.
Importance of repeated communication and personal engagement.
Rachel shared some advice for aspiring course creators.


Guest Links Mentioned

Rachel Ehring's website


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

Music Teacher Startup Course
CPTP166: From Piano Teacher to Wedding Pianist with Liz Craig


Today's Guest


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.
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I'm so thrilled to reconnect with you and appreciate all the positive feedback we've received about the podcast's return. In today's episode, I want to share highlights from my keynote at the MTNA conference in Atlanta this past March, titled "Dare to Dream: Why Students Need Your Vision." I'll discuss the importance of having a clear vision for your students, yourself, and your studio, and how sharing this vision can lead to greater success. We'll dive into the four D framework for realizing your dreams and share inspiring examples from teachers around the world. Plus, I'll provide details on an upcoming workshop that will help you refine your vision and achieve your studio goals. Don't miss this insightful episode as we explore how to transform our teaching practices and create thriving music studios.

Tim's keynote at the MTNA conference in Atlanta in March 2024 titled "Dare to Dream: Why Students Need Your Vision."
The importance of having and sharing a clear vision for both students' and the studio's success.
Three essential visions for music teachers and the importance of written and shared visions.
The four D framework for realizing visions and some examples of applying the four D framework.
Guidance for teachers on forming visions.
The concept of a "dream student" with technical mastery, which will guide lesson content and recitals.
Tim discusses TopMusic's student-centered approach, based on self-determination theory, which states that motivation is strongest when students have autonomy in learning.
He reflects on the ultimate goals for students, considering skills, mindset, and the role of music in their lives.
Importance of aligning your vision with students' goals to ensure engagement and retention.
Examples of successful visions from various music studios that illustrate the importance of a clear, aligned vision.
How a strong vision helps with branding, marketing, and differentiation in the competitive teaching market.
Some tips on implementing a vision, which requires writing it down, breaking it into smaller steps, and seeking accountability and community support.
Tim encourages teachers to think about their vision, share it, and focus on specific areas to improve their teaching business.


Links Mentioned

Register for the The 6 Cores Workshop here


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.
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In this solo episode, we're introducing an exciting new workshop, "The 6 Cores of Music Teaching and Studio Business Success." Drawing from my 14 years of experience, we're going to unveil essential strategies to help you streamline your studio operations and enhance your teaching effectiveness. Discover how focusing on six core fundamentals can transform your studio business, reduce overwhelm, and maximize your impact, with real-life success stories to inspire you. Join me for this engaging and practical session that promises to revolutionize your approach to music teaching and studio management.
Tim announces the Six Cores of Music Teaching and Studio Business Success workshop. He addresses the common feeling of overwhelm among studio owners due to various responsibilities. He highlights the inefficiency of manual processes like scheduling and invoicing. The importance of focusing on six core fundamentals for studio success. Success stories of three teachers who benefited from applying these principles.
Links Mentioned Register for the The 6 Cores Workshop here
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 MEMBERSHIP 14-DAY FREE TRIAL

In this episode, we're diving deep into the TopMusicPro membership for instrumental teachers. Launched in 2016, this membership has evolved significantly, and I'm excited to share our vision, mission, and the incredible resources we offer. From our extensive library of courses to our vibrant community and exclusive discounts, TopMusicPro is designed to inspire and support music teachers worldwide. Whether you're a current member, a past member, or considering joining, this episode will give you an inside look at the transformative benefits of our membership. Stay tuned as we explore the powerful ways TopMusicPro can enhance your teaching and connect you with a global network of passionate educators.

Tim discusses TopMusicPro membership for instrumental teachers, established in 2016.
The vision and mission of TopMusic.
Achievements in 14 years, with continuous efforts to improve.
Three primary ways to achieve the mission:

Free content
TopMusicPro membership
Coaching and certification programs



TopMusicPro membership benefits highlighted by member testimonials.
Details of the 3 membership tiers: Lite, Studio & Evolution.
Some features inside TopMusicPro Academy, including training courses, webinar archives, discounts and more.
The community aspects of the membership.
Monthly sheet music and games.


Links Mentioned

Look inside the membership
TopMusicPro Courses
Fons


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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.

In today's show, we are thrilled to have Marie Lee back for her third appearance on the TopCast. Marie is the visionary creator of the Group Teaching Blueprint and the owner of Musicality Schools in Las Vegas. With a bustling studio of 140 students, Marie uses innovative group teaching methods to inspire and motivate musicians. In this episode, we delve into the benefits and challenges of transitioning from one-on-one lessons to group teaching, explore the various models and methods she uses, and discuss her involvement in leading conferences like Group Illuminated. Marie shares her expert insights on how to implement group teaching, the structure and flexibility it offers, and the importance of showcasing its benefits to parents. Join us as we uncover the strategies and success stories behind Marie's remarkable approach to music education.

Tim welcomes Marie Lee back to the show for her third appearance.
Discussion on transitioning from one-on-one lesson to group teaching.
Marie highlights her involvement in conferences, including running her own Group Illuminated conference and attending MTNA.
Benefits of group teaching, including higher student retention and increased income potential.
Some challenges and considerations when teaching group piano lessons.
Variations in group teaching models.
Marie emphasizes various ways to implement group teaching based on different needs and preferences.
How she transitioned from private to group teaching.
How group teaching is beneficial for teaching structure and allows flexibility between stages.
She emphasizes the need to introduce group teaching gradually, showcasing its benefits to parents through demonstrations and performances.
Marie's conference, Group Illuminated, an online event for group teaching with sessions from various experts.
What the conference covers, including group teaching techniques, marketing strategies, technology in groups, and specific needs like neurodivergent students.
She encourages teachers to believe in group teaching, start with manageable steps, and adjust based on their goals and student needs.


Exclusive for Podcast Listeners

Five Reasons Group Piano Classes are Good for Kids Free Handout


Links Mentioned

TTTV037: Inspire your Teaching: Inside my Inner Circle with Marie Lee
TC294: Group Teaching QnA with Marie Lee, Melanie Bowes, and Dorla Aparicio
TC298: How Multi-Level Group Teaching Works with Dorla Aparicio
IMT325: How to Structure 15/30/30 Group Lessons with Lynnette Barney


Resources Mentioned

The Mayron Cole Piano Method (same-level classes)
Blast Off with Piano: 5-Lesson Course by Mayron Cole
Dorla Aparicio's Piano...

In today's episode, we're chatting with TopMusicPro Nikita Wilson, a piano teacher and electronics engineer hailing from the North West of England. Nikita shares insights into her creative teaching approach, spanning all music genres, and her passion for witnessing students' growth and personality development through music. Join us as Nikita discusses her crowdfunding campaign for piano technician training, aiming to address the shortage of technicians in her area and raise awareness of this critical issue impacting the world of music education. We delve into the roles of piano tuners, technicians, engineers, builders, and restorers, highlighting the importance of these professions in preserving and maintaining pianos. Nikita also shares her vision of passing on her skills to future generations and inspiring others to pursue careers in piano maintenance. Tune in for an enlightening conversation on the importance of accessible instrument maintenance and the relevance of piano maintenance education for music teachers.

Nikita shared a brief overview about her music teaching studio.
Her crowdfunding for piano technician training to address the shortage of technicians in her area.
Importance of accessible instrument maintenance for fostering interest in music education.
The roles of piano tuners, technicians, engineers, builders, and restorers, highlighting the need for these professions in maintaining and preserving pianos.
The relevance of piano maintenance education for music teachers.
Importance of opening up acoustic pianos to students during lessons, encouraging exploration of the instrument's inner workings.
Nikita shares her experience finding a mentor for piano technician training.
The lack of awareness surrounding piano technician careers and the challenges in promoting it as a viable profession.
The necessity of piano technicians even with the rise of digital and hybrid pianos.
She expresses her desire to pass on her skills and knowledge to future generations, to foster sustainability in piano maintenance.


Links Mentioned

Nikita's GoFundMe link
‘We’re running out’: decline of Australia’s piano tuners hits a sore note
AMA & APTTA Welcome Cert IV in Piano Technology Approval


Today's Guest


Nikita Wilson is a piano teacher and electronics engineer from the North West of England. Nikita teaches teens and adults in a creative way, exploring all genres of music. She loves seeing their progression, excitement and their unique personalities develop through their playing. Nikita’s goal is to attend an intensive piano technicians training course followed by several months of mentoring to fill the piano technicians skills gap impacting the world. She wants to raise awareness of this issue, inform teachers of what they can do to help and inspire others to take up this as a career.
TopMusicPro Membership 14-Day Free Trial
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...