The TopCast: The Official Music Teachers' Podcast

Tim Topham

The original podcast for growth-minded instrumental music and voice teachers since 2015. Our mission at TopMusic is to empower music teachers to find and nurture their innate creativity so they can teach lessons that are innovative, integrated and inspiring, and that will have a positive, life-long impact on their students. Tune in weekly as we interview teachers and creators from around the world and unpack fun and exciting ideas to maximise your teaching and studio business success.

  1. hace 5 días

    474: How to Teach Guided Composition for Music Teachers with Chrissy Ricker

    Most of us grew up being trained to be accurate at the piano, not necessarily inventive, and it's a mindset many teachers are still trying to unlearn. Today, I'm chatting with composer Chrissy Ricker about guided composition, a practical way to lead students through creating their own music using melody, harmony and rhythm as building blocks. We dig into her roll the dice worksheets for reluctant composers, why she starts every student on pencil and paper before notation software, and how repertoire pieces can double as composition models. Tim explained why creativity was rarely a focus of music lessons decades ago.Why Chrissy believes all musicians are inherently creative performers.How guided composition uses templates to ease students into composing.She explained functional music theory as putting concepts into musical context.How guided composition builds on melody, harmony and rhythm as building blocks.Why splitting composition projects across several lessons reduces time pressure.How roll-the-dice worksheets help reluctant composers get started.Tim highlighted Mozart's own musical dice game as the inspiration.Why Chrissy always starts students with pencil and paper before notation software.How composing strengthens students' aural skills and note-reading ability.How repertoire pieces can be reverse engineered into composition models. Links Mentioned TopMusic Piano Podcast 055: Catching Up with Composer Chrissy RickerChrissy's Website:www.chrissyricker.comChrissy's Facebook Page:Chrissy Ricker MusicChrissy's Instagram Page:@chrissyrickermusicCreature Features Series (Piano Pronto)Mission: X (Piano Pronto) Today’s Guest Chrissy Ricker is a pianist, teacher and composer from North Carolina, holding a Master's degree in piano performance and pedagogy and certification as a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music (NCTM). A prolific composer and arranger, she has published over 40 collections of piano solo and duet music for students through Piano Pronto Publishing and Neil A. Kjos Music Company. As a "Signature Artist" arranger with Musicnotes.com, she also maintains a catalogue of over 1,000 arrangements spanning video game themes to pop songs for pianists at every level. Chrissy Ricker is a pianist, teacher, and composer from North Carolina. She holds a Master’s degree in music with a concentration in piano performance and pedagogy. A Nationally Certified Teacher of Music (NCTM), Chrissy enjoys sharing her ideas with other piano teachers. Her articles on piano teaching have been featured in American Music Teacher magazine, and she blogs regularly about piano teaching and composing at her website, chrissyricker.com. A prolific composer and arranger, Chrissy specializes in creating exciting music for piano students of all ages and skill levels. She has published over 40 collections of piano solo and duet music for students that are available from Piano Pronto Publishing and Neil A. Kjos Music Company. Chrissy is also a “Signature Artist” arranger with Musicnotes.com, where she has a catalog of over 1,000 arrangements, from video game themes to pop songs, for pianists at every level. 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

  2. 10 ago

    473: Why Boundaries Make Students More Creative with Leila Viss

    Creativity isn't just a nice-to-have for our students, it might be the very thing that eases their anxiety and helps them build a lifetime love of music. Today, I'm chatting with one of my favourite return guests, Leila Viss, who's back to talk about the link between creativity and anxiety, her book Found in the Wake, and the four principles she uses to get even the most hesitant improviser playing beyond the page. We also dig into her composiums for teachers and what's really changed for piano teachers in the ten years since we first talked creativity together. Tim explained why creativity and improvising is this month's show theme.Why "Calm is not the opposite of anxiety, creativity is" resonated deeply with Leila.Tim highlighted stats showing art and writing reduce anxiety and trauma.Why Leila co-wrote Found in the Wake with her family.How creativity has shifted from a soapbox topic to mainstream over ten years.She explained her four principles: permission, choice, boundaries, curiosity.How the "choice architecture" idea uses a spaghetti sauce aisle analogy.How composiums help teachers create and give feedback together.Why boundaries reduce students' anxiety around too many options.How movement and drumming keep students actively engaged in lessons.Why connecting theory to repertoire matters for students. Links Mentioned Find out more about the Spotlight Session with Kevin Olson here.Get sample of Stuart Storer's TopMusicSheets collection here:topmusic.co/tms76472: 3 Super Quick But Super Fun Improv Activities with Susan Staples BellGet sample of Susan’s TopMusicSheets collection here:topmusic.co/tms53Search TopCast podcast episodes here: topmusic.co/podcastsearch Guest Links Leila's website:www.leilaviss.comLeila's Instagram:@leilavissLeila's Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/88pianokeys/ Today’s Guest Leila Viss creates imaginative, tech-savvy resources for her in-person and online piano studio and website. She founded Space to Create where she empowers pianists and teachers to connect with their creativity through improvisation, composition, and arranging. A longtime church musician and dynamic speaker, she co-authored Found in the Wake, a memoir of loss and resilience. Leila is Colorado’s 2024 MTNA Foundation Fellow and a 2025 Frances Clark Center Outstanding Service Recognition Award recipient. 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

  3. 3 ago

    472: 3 Super Quick But Super Fun Improv Activities with Susan Staples Bell

    Creativity doesn't have to take over your whole lesson to make a big impact. Today, I'm chatting with Susan Staples Bell about three super quick improvisation activities that you can use with students of any age, even if you've only got a few minutes to spare. We also explore how simple, creative moments can strengthen musicianship, build confidence, and help students become more independent musicians. Tim introduced TopMusic's August theme on improvisation and composition.Susan shared a simple black-key improv activity called Swimming With Koi.She explained how patterns make improvisation feel more natural.Tim highlighted why creativity belongs throughout every lesson.Susan shared ways to encourage reluctant improvisers.She demonstrated how pentascales create quick improvisation success.Tim explained how improvisation reinforces theory and harmony.Susan showed how limiting note choices sparks creativity.She highlighted the importance of connecting improvisation with repertoire.Tim explained how integrated teaching builds stronger musicianship.Susan shared practical resources for teaching composition.The importance of giving students ownership of their music was highlighted. Links Mentioned Get sample of Susan's TopMusicSheets collection here:topmusic.co/tms53Find out more about the Spotlight Session with Kevin Olson here.TopCast 381: Meet TopMusicSheets Composer: Susan Staples BellSearch TopCast podcast episodes here:topmusic.co/podcastsearch Guest Links Susan's Website:susanstaplesbellmusic.comSusan's YouTube Channel:www.youtube.com/@SusanStaplesBellMusicSusan's Facebook page:www.facebook.com/susan.staples.bell.composerSusan's Instagram:@ssmbell.music Today's Guest Susan Staples Bell is a composer, piano educator, and clinician whose creative teaching resources are used by independent teachers worldwide. With over 30 years' experience, she helps students become not just confident readers but expressive, creative musicians, blending solid pedagogy with storytelling, improvisation, and hands-on play. Through her original music and method books like Exploring Improvisation, she gives teachers practical ways to bring creativity into everyday lessons, even when time is tight.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

  4. 20 jul

    471: She Doubled Her Income Without Working More Hours with Lynnette Barney

    Group teaching doesn't have to mean giving up individual attention. Today, I'm sharing a chat I had with Lynnette Barney about how she's refined her overlapping lesson model to give students the best of private instruction, collaborative learning, and independent work in a single visit. Even though we recorded this a little while ago, the ideas are just as relevant today for building stronger communities and more sustainable music studios. Tim explained how Lynnette redesigned her overlapping lesson model.She shared why shorter private lessons improved student focus.She explained how lab time builds independent learners.The benefits of combining private and group learning.Lynnette shared how Tonara extends learning between lessons.She explained why she hired teaching assistants to support her studio.Tim highlighted the value of collaborative lesson planning.Lynnette shared how community improves student retention.She explained why making music together motivates students.Tim highlighted the flexibility of different group teaching models.Lynnette encouraged teachers to experiment and stay focused on their why.The importance of building a sustainable teaching business was highlighted. Links Mentioned Lynnette's website: Creative KeysTopCast Episode 35: Teaching outside the box with Lynnette BarneyDownload the Financial Case Study of Overlapping Group Teaching with Lynette Barney Today's Guest Lynnette Barney has been a music educator in Tucson for over thirty years. She is a member of Music Teachers National Association (MTNA), Arizona State Music Teachers Association (ASMTA), and Tucson Music Teachers Association (TMTA) and has served as treasurer, state conference co-chair, committee chair and member, and in other positions. Ms. Barney was chosen as the ASMTA Janice McCurnin-Beatrice Searles Honored Teacher in May, 2025. As a collaborative musician she has accompanied choirs, musical theater productions, voice lessons, and ballet classes. She also serves as a church musician and enjoys presenting at state, national and online music teacher conferences. She has studied with Dr. Rex Woods, Dr. Jeffrey Shumway, and David Glen Hatch. She’s been featured on podcasts and blogs with Nicola Canton, Jennifer Foxx, and Tim Topham. Ms. Barney seeks to preparing students to be lifelong musicians and has enjoyed preparing her students to accompany school, college, and church choirs; earn college piano scholarships; serve as church organists; share music with their families; and play for their own love of the piano. 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

  5. 13 jul

    470: Lab Time: Where Independent Learning Happens

    If you've ever wondered what students can do independently while you're teaching another lesson, this episode is for you. I'm sharing a training from one of our TopMusicPro group teaching courses, where Nicola Cantan introduces the concept of "lab time"— a simple but powerful way to keep students engaged in meaningful, independent learning. Whether you're already experimenting with overlapping lessons or just curious about group teaching, this episode will give you plenty of practical ideas to explore. Tim introduces lab time as a key strategy for successful overlapping lessons.Nicola Cantan explains how lab time supports purposeful independent learning.Lab stations can include iPads, digital pianos, games, theory books, or computers.Students use lab time while another student receives individual instruction.Lab activities reinforce lesson concepts through additional guided practice.Independent work is best suited to students who can read and follow directions.Nicola recommends using headphones, MIDI-enabled apps, and durable equipment.Teachers can charge a small additional fee to cover equipment and software costs.Lab time helps build student independence while increasing studio efficiency.Tim encourages teachers to start small by adding a short lab session to one lesson. Links MentionedLearn more about Make More, Teach Less with Pairs, Buddies and Labs CourseCheck out TopMusic Courses 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 Mondays weekly. TopMusicPro 14-Day Free TrialHeard 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

  6. 6 jul

    469: Group Teaching’s Best-Kept Secret

    When people think about group teaching, they often focus on the financial benefits. While teaching more students at once can certainly increase income and reduce burnout, I've discovered an even greater advantage. In this episode, I'm share why building a strong community in your studio is the real secret behind successful group teaching, and how it can improve student engagement, retention, and the overall learning experience. Why community is the greatest benefit of group teaching.How making music together helps students build friendships and feel a sense of belonging.How strong social connections improve student retention and encourage regular attendance.Why group teaching does not always require teaching many students at the same time.Fflexible group teaching models, including rotating sessions and monthly group classes.How group teaching can help teachers reach more students while reducing burnout.He encouraged teachers to explore group teaching gradually Links Mentioned Find out more about the Spotlight Session with Marie Lee 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 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

  7. 29 jun

    468: Why Automated Tuition is a No-Brainer for Music Teachers

    This month, we’ve been focusing on studio transformation, and sometimes the biggest improvements come from solving the simplest problems. In this episode, I’m sharing a replay of a conversation from the TopMusic Piano Podcast hosted by Dr. Rachel Ehring. Rachel dives into one of the most common frustrations music teachers face, billing and invoicing, and explains why moving to automated tuition can save time, reduce stress, and help create a more sustainable studio business. Rachel explores common studio pain points that create unnecessary stress for teachers.How systems and procedures can make studio management significantly easier.Why creating SOPs helps reduce repetitive work and save valuable time.Rachel discusses using videos to clearly communicate studio policies to parents.She highlights why make-up lesson requests often become a recurring challenge.How automated billing systems eliminate the need for manual invoicing and payment chasing.Examples of teachers losing income because of weak payment systems.How studio management software helps separate business processes from personal relationships.Why automatic payments improve cash flow and reduce administrative workload.Rachel explains why software costs are often outweighed by time savings and efficiency gains.Tim encourages teachers to explore monthly billing and automated tuition systems. Links Mentioned Blog: How to Change to Monthly Billing for Piano LessonsTopMusic Piano Podcast with Rachel Ehring 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. Visit her website at RachelEhring.comVisit her Instagram page: @rachelehringVisit her YouTube channel: @dreamlavendermusic6694Visit 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 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

  8. 22 jun

    467: Find Your #1 Studio Fix in 10 Minutes (The New Studio Audit)

    Most teachers know there’s something in their studio that could be improved, but figuring out where to start is often the hardest part. In this episode, I’m introducing the new TopMusic Studio Audit, a quick self-assessment designed to help you identify your biggest opportunity for growth and give you a practical 30-day plan to tackle it. Whether you want to streamline your systems, refresh your teaching, or grow your business, this tool is designed to help you focus on what matters most. Tim introduces the new TopMusic Studio Audit designed to help teachers identify their biggest growth opportunity.He explains why trying to fix everything at once often leads to overwhelm and burnout.How the audit helps teachers focus on the one area that will create the biggest impact first.Three key areas are assessed: studio systems, teaching practice, and business growth.The Streamline My Studio pathway focuses on admin, policies, billing, and automation.The Refresh My Teaching pathway helps teachers reignite creativity and student engagement.The Grow My Business pathway focuses on marketing, visibility, and attracting new students.Tim explains that the audit includes a personalized 30-day action plan based on results.How each action plan includes small weekly tasks designed to create steady progress.Tim highlights the importance of understanding your effective hourly rate as a studio owner.The audit is designed to provide clarity, accountability, and a practical path for studio improvement. Links Mentioned Find out more about the 12-Week Studio Transformation (12WST) 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 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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The original podcast for growth-minded instrumental music and voice teachers since 2015. Our mission at TopMusic is to empower music teachers to find and nurture their innate creativity so they can teach lessons that are innovative, integrated and inspiring, and that will have a positive, life-long impact on their students. Tune in weekly as we interview teachers and creators from around the world and unpack fun and exciting ideas to maximise your teaching and studio business success.

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