The TopCast: The Official Music Teachers' Podcast Tim Topham

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.
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In this comeback episode of the TopCast, I'm excited to welcome listeners back and express my gratitude for your support and excitement to reconnect. Today, we're having a chat with Jared Metzger Abel, our TopMusicSheets' composer for the month of May with his diverse musical background and teaching experience. Jared shares insights into his composition process, the use of rote teaching methods, and his inspiration for creating pedagogical pieces. He also discusses his collaboration with Albert, TopMusic's publishing coordinator, and offers advice for aspiring composers contributing to TopMusicSheets. Don't miss this insightful conversation with Jared, filled with tips and inspiration for music educators and composers alike.

Jared expresses gratitude for being featured as the TopMusicSheets' composer for May.
Tim highlights the diverse styles and levels of Jared's compositions, particularly suitable for teens and adults.
Jared's process for choosing pieces, aiming to cover various levels and genres.
The use of rote teaching methods, particularly with rhythm, before transitioning to piano.
Jared shares his experience working with Albert, TopMusic's publishing coordinator, praising his knowledge and flexibility.
His background in music, including his experience teaching and studying voice and piano.
His early childhood teaching experience and its influence on his approach to composing pedagogical pieces.
How his compositions are often inspired by student struggles and aimed at teaching specific concepts or techniques.
Jared's advice for composers contributing to TopMusicSheets.
Some of his favorite composers and influences.


Guest Links Mentioned

Jared Metzger Abel's Website


Links Mentioned

Find out more about TopMusicSheets here
Download your copies of TopMusic Magazine Issues here
Check out TopMusic Piano Podcast here
Email sponsors@topmusic.co for our sponsorship media kit


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Today's Guest


Jared Abel has twenty-nine years of teaching experience, both as a general music teacher and a private piano and voice instructor. He work with students of all ages at his studio, The Metzger School of Music, in Chicago, Illinois. His education includes over thirty-five years of study with professional and concert pianists, a bachelor's degree in music education, a master's degree in vocal pedagogy, a certification in Orff early childhood music, and postgraduate studies in music composition. As a composer, he draws from my experiences as a soloist and member of many instrumental, choral, and orchestral ensembles. He enjoys studying and experimenting with various genres. He also find teaching to be a constant source of inspiration for his writing.

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Consider implementing the ideas from this podcast by writing several actionable steps for your teaching practice if it’s inspired you.

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Welcome back to another exciting bonus episode! Today, I'm thrilled to bring you a lineup of incredible updates and announcements, including the launch of the TopMusic Piano Podcast, hosted by the amazing Dr. Rachel Ehring. Our spotlight is on our latest episode, featuring Tara Mock on How to Have Conversations with Parents of Neurodiverse Students, emphasizing a valuable statement for every lesson moving forward.
Plus, we'll delve into the world of teaching neurodivergent students with insights from our successful webinar and our new course "Unfazed: Teaching Neurodivergent Students." And don't miss out on our upcoming workshop series on Exam Preparation and Performance Strategies. Make sure to subscribe to Rachel's podcast, join the workshop series waitlist, and mark your calendar for the MTNA conference next month. Let's dive in!
Links MentionedTopMusic Piano PodcastSubscribe to TopMusic Piano Podcast in Apple PodcastsSubscribe to TopMusic Piano Podcast in SpotifyJoin the waitlist for our workshop series on Exam Preparation and Performance Strategies
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 bonus episode of the Integrated Music Teaching podcast, we're announcing our upcoming webinar, "Unfazed: Teaching Neurodivergent Students in 2024 with Confidence and Success" featuring our expert educator Selena Pistoresi. This webinar aims to address concerns and provide guidance for teachers working with neurodivergent students, covering topics such as recognizing student learning needs, effective lesson planning, and managing difficult behaviors. This webinar is going to be relevant for teachers of all students, regardless of diagnosis. Join our free webinar on February 14th at 8 AM Melbourne time, which is February 13th at 4 PM Eastern time and 9 PM London time.
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

Welcome to a special episode where we're wrapping up the incredible journey that was 2023 and offering an exciting sneak peek into what's in store for 2024. This live recording brings together our fantastic community of registered participants to dive into the achievements of the past year and unveil our plans for the future. I'll be sharing some noteworthy highlights, including successful releases like my No Book Beginners book, TopMusic Quiz and the groundbreaking Top Music Certification program. Plus get ready for a big reveal as we introduce TopMusic Piano Podcast with our new host, Dr. Rachel Ehring. Get ready for an engaging session filled with insights, plans, and the vibrant energy of our incredible community. Let's dive in!
Tim shares an overview of TopMusic achievements in 2023 and plans for 2024.His announcement of taking a break from the podcast.Some highlights of 2023, recap of successful releases, including a No Book Beginners Book, TopMusic quiz and TopMusic Certification program.Introduction of the TopMusic Piano Podcast with Rachel Ehring as the new host.Other releases in 2023, including courses, TopMusicSheets, TopMusicGames, Piece by Piece videos, Method book reviews and Pop Song Solutions.Tim Topham discusses the upcoming MTNA conference in March.The focus for the upcoming year on helping teachers use existing content effectively and building a strong community.The special needs teaching course by Selena Pistaresi will be re-released, focusing on neurodivergent students.An upcoming challenge for the Advancing Students Course to support teachers in gaining confidence.Tim reflects on the history of the podcast, mentioning its name changes and the upcoming transition back to "TopCast."He shares the experiences and benefits of the certification program and emphasizes the importance of community building.
Links MentionedNo Book Beginners BookNo Book Beginners AudiobookRegister for the TopMusic Certification Q&AThe Ultimate TopMusic Guide to Intermediate Curriculum Planning for Piano TeachersTeaching Advance Students Self Assessment HandoutPlanning Challenge 2024Perfecting Performance and Exam Preparation Workshop 2024
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 today's episode, we're thrilled to share a major announcement. Dr. Rachel Ehring, our esteemed guest, takes us through her unexpected journey from our chance encounter at NCKP to her new role as the host of the TopMusic Piano Podcast. As a music teacher and director of a conservatory, Rachel shares insights into her unique career path, the challenges of reopening the conservatory post-COVID, and her passion for embracing creative resources in piano teaching. Don't miss this episode full of insights, reflections, and the unveiling of a new chapter in the Top Music Piano Podcast journey.
Rachel's background as a music teacher, the director of a conservatory, and her journey in reopening it.The focus on creative resources for piano teachers in Rachel's own podcast.Inspiration from Tim's podcast during the COVID period when she resumed teaching.Tim's decision to step back from the podcast after seven years and 360 episodes.Rachel's excitement about taking on the role of the new host for the Top Music Piano Podcast.Plans for the podcast, including exploring creative resources, the business side, and collaborative piano.Tim's encouragement for those with entrepreneurial ideas to give it a try.Rachel's invitation for listeners to share ideas for shows or guests for the new podcast.
Links MentionedTopMusic Piano PodcastSubscribe to TopMusic Piano Podcast in Apple PodcastsSubscribe to TopMusic Piano Podcast in SpotifyRegister for the TopMusic Q&A Session
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.
TOPMUSICPRO MEMBERSHIP 14-DAY FREE TRIALThank 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.