TopMusic Piano Podcast

Tim Topham
  • 5.0 (10)
  • MUSIC
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The TopMusic Piano Podcast is a weekly show that provides piano teachers with inspiration and ideas for teaching piano in a way that engages and motivates students. Your host, Dr. Rachel Ehring, is a pianist, teacher, music administrator, and lover of piano-teaching gadgets. Rachel holds a DMA in Collaborative Piano from the University of Colorado Boulder and an MM in Accompanying from the University of Kansas. Join Rachel as she interviews guests from the music education industry and shares tips and advice to help you run your dream piano studio.

  1. 6D AGO

    101: Real Talk About Performance Anxiety

    Performance anxiety is something I’ve struggled with for years, despite playing hundreds of times as a collaborative pianist. In this solo episode, I'm openning up about my personal journey with stage fright, how it shows up unexpectedly, and what strategies have helped me manage it. I’m sharing real talk about nerves, preparation, and tips you can use for yourself and your students. Rachel shared her personal experience with stage fright and performance anxiety.How frequent performances as a collaborative pianist shaped her confidence.She highlighted how anxiety can still appear suddenly, even after years of experience.How her anxiety is often triggered by feeling she needs to prove herself.The challenges of performing in unfamiliar venues or with new audiences.The importance of acknowledging nerves without shame.The impact of being judged, especially during grad school performances.Rachel explained how breathing and physical awareness help calm anxiety.She encouraged focusing on musical phrasing to direct energy away from fear.She recommended mock performances and rehearsing in the performance space.The importance of a mindful, slower starting tempo.Rachel suggested normalizing mistakes to reduce fear of imperfection.The value of teachers performing for and with their students.She encouraged teachers to challenge themselves to perform, even in low-stress settings. Links Mentioned Get your SUPER EARLY BIRD tickets for TopMusicLive 2026 here.TMPP 100: The Teacher Who Shaped Me as a Pianist with Dr. Un-Young WhangTMPP 038: Tips to Perform with Confidence 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 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 Fridays weekly. TopMusicPro 14-Day Free Trial...

    18 min

  2. FEB 6

    100: The Teacher Who Shaped Me as a Pianist with Dr. Un-Young Whang

    Reaching episode 100 feels surreal, and I couldn’t imagine marking this milestone with anyone else. For this very special episode, I’m joined by the teacher who shaped me as a pianist, Dr. Un-Young Whang, whose guidance, artistry, and mentorship have had a lasting impact on my life and career. This conversation is a full-circle moment as we reflect on teaching, perseverance, and the joy of music across generations. Rachel shared why episode 100 felt deeply personal and meaningful.She reflected on how her own piano journey began with curiosity rather than clarity.Dr. Un-Young shared how her early performing career began at a remarkably young age.How discipline and structure supported her development as a concert pianist.The importance of imagination in musical interpretation.Why storytelling and character shape expressive playing.The value of perseverance through challenge and transition.Dr. Un-Young shared how studying abroad shaped her resilience and independence.How learning from multiple master teachers broadened her artistic voice.Rachel reflected on how mentorship builds confidence beyond technical skill.Dr. Un-Young discussed the responsibility teachers have to nurture the whole person.She highlighted how teaching and performing inform each other in powerful ways.The importance of joy, warmth, and humor in lessons was reinforced.Why long-term consistency matters more than short-term results.Rachel reflected on how her teacher’s influence continues to guide her leadership today.Dr. Un-Young emphasized that music education is an act of service and generosity. Links Mentioned Get your SUPER EARLY BIRD tickets for TopMusicLive 2026 here. Today's Guest Dr. Un-Young Whang was born in Seoul, Korea, and began concertizing at 10 years of age as a soloist with Seoul Symphony Orchestra. At 14, she won the Presidential Award for Excellence in piano and received a grant from the Korean government to study abroad. She was accepted as a scholarship student in the Pre-College Division at The Juilliard School in New York, where she earned Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees in piano performance. She continued her studies under Dr. Robert Pace at Teachers College, Columbia University, earning Master of Education and Doctor of Education degrees. Her principal piano teachers were Ania Dorfmann, William Masselos and Ann Schein. She is recently retired from the faculty of Moody Bible Institute where she taught for 35 years. In addition, she was given opportunities by her generous teachers to study with Lillian Kallir, Aube Tzerko, Hebert Stessin, and Leon Fleisher during the summers while she was at Juilliard. 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 RachelEhring.comVisit her Instagram page: @rachelehringVisit her YouTube channel: a href="https://www.youtube.com/@dreamlavendermusic6694"

    43 min

  3. JAN 30

    099: Reflections on 99 Episodes of the TopMusic Piano Podcast

    As I approach episode 100, I wanted to pause and reflect on what the first 99 episodes of this podcast have meant to me. In this solo episode, I'm going to share memories from my own early piano lessons, the lessons I’ve learned from incredible guests, and how hosting this podcast has shaped me as a teacher and leader. It’s a look back filled with gratitude, growth, and excitement for what’s coming next. Rachel shared why episode 99 felt like the right moment to pause before episode 100.How her early piano lessons began with confusion and the need to start simpler.The importance of meeting students where they are rather than pushing ahead too fast.Rachel shared how enjoyment and exploration at the piano fueled her long-term growth.She reflected on the teachers and incentives that shaped her love for music.How saying yes to hosting the podcast came with excitement and imposter syndrome.She highlighted how curiosity has driven meaningful conversations with guests.Rachel shared how the podcast has made her a better teacher and conservatory leader.She reflected on standout guest episodes that reshaped her thinking on teaching and careers.Rachel expressed gratitude to listeners, guests, Tim Topham, and the TopMusic team as she looks ahead to episode 100. Links Mentioned TopCast 448: Well… This Is Happening!TMPP 001: Using Stories in Beginner Piano LessonsTMPP 002: How to Have Conversations With Parents of Neurodiverse Students with Tara MockTMPP 031: The Power of Music with Robin SpielbergTMPP 049: Growing Creative Cultivation Studio with Shannon SaraviaTMPP 057: Performing in the Context of YouTube with Annique GöttlerTMPP 082: Introducing the Athena Narrow Keys Piano with Linda GouldTMPP 086: What Happens When You Double Your Rates with Eric Branner 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 RachelEhring.comVisit her Instagram page: a href="https://www.instagram.com/rachelehring/" target="_blank" rel="noopener...

    15 min

  4. JAN 23

    098: Behind the Scenes with Wedding Pianist James Roscoe

    Many pianists tell me they’d love to play more weddings but feel unsure about where to start. In this episode, we're having a chat with James Roscoe, a full-time wedding pianist based in the UK, who takes us behind the scenes of building a thriving wedding music business. We talk about repertoire, marketing, Instagram, working with venues, pricing, and what it really takes to succeed as a wedding pianist. James shared how he transitioned from general performing into weddings as a focused niche.He explained how playing for friends and family weddings helped him gain early experience.He shared why weddings now make up 90–95% of his performance work.How Instagram became a major source of inquiries for wedding bookings.The importance of treating Instagram like a visual portfolio for couples.How posting short performance clips helps couples imagine their own wedding day.Why behind-the-scenes stories build trust and connection with potential clients.James discussed how SEO and a well-optimized website drive direct inquiries.He highlighted how word-of-mouth referrals grow naturally over time.Why strong relationships with wedding venues lead to consistent referrals.He explained how playing at venue open days introduces him to many couples at once.James discussed how reading, lead sheets, and improvisation all support wedding work.James explained why aesthetics matter and how his white baby grand shell elevates the setup.The importance of bringing backup gear to every wedding.He explained how he prices by sections of the day rather than by the hour.James emphasized setting clear expectations with couples around repertoire and requests.He encouraged pianists to start small, build repertoire, and gather testimonials early. Links MentionedJames wesbite:www.jamesroscoe.co.ukJames Instagram page:@jamesroscoepianoJames Facebook page:James Roscoe: Wedding Pianist Today's GuestJames Roscoe is a professional wedding pianist based in the Midlands, UK. He specialises in performing beautiful instrumental arrangements of classic and contemporary pop and rock...

    44 min

  5. JAN 16

    097: When Technique Goes Wrong (and How to Fix It) with Stephanie Archer

    Dr. Stephanie Archer brings a thoughtful and experience-driven perspective to piano technique and pedagogy. Drawing from her work as a university professor, private teacher, and researcher in injury prevention, she shares practical strategies for teaching healthy movement from the very first lesson. In this episode, Stephanie explores beginner technique, arm weight, warmups, and how thoughtful teaching choices can support both musical growth and long-term physical well-being. Stephanie shared a brief overview of her background and her music teaching studio.She shared how a playing-related injury reshaped her approach to piano technique.Why technique issues often develop gradually rather than from a single event.The importance of teaching healthy movement from the very first lesson.Why beginner technique plays a major role in preventing injury later on.The value of delaying five-finger position for very young students.How one-finger playing supports arm weight and reduces tension.Stephanie explained why non-legato playing helps establish healthy motion before legato.She shared how imagery and hands-on guidance support relaxed technique in young learners.Why arm weight is often misunderstood or overlooked in early teaching.Common technique mistakes caused by focusing only on finger numbers.Strategies for helping students feel arm release away from the piano first.She explained how adult beginners often carry more tension than children.The importance of warming up to prepare the body for playing.Why scales and technical exercises matter only when played with awareness.Stephanie shared how Hanon and scales can support healthy playing when used intentionally.Why curved-finger language can sometimes create unnecessary tension.The importance of an engaged hand bridge rather than forced finger shape. Links MentionedStephanie's website:Stephanie Archer PianoStephanie's Instagram page:@stephaniethepianoteacherTopCast...

    37 min

  6. 12/12/2025

    096: 10 of My Favorite Things from 2025

    As I wrap up 2025, I’ve been reflecting on the moments, conversations, and discoveries that made this year so meaningful. In this episode, I’m sharing 10 of my favorite things, from standout podcast interviews and inspiring books to teaching resources, conservatory highlights, and the incredible connections I’ve made along the way. It’s a look back at what brought joy, growth, and encouragement to my teaching life this year, and I can’t wait to celebrate it all with you. Rachel shared a look back at her favorite moments and discoveries from 2025.She highlighted episode 68 with Florence Phillips as one of the most inspiring interviews of the year.Connecting with more than 40 podcast guests and learn from their experiences.Rachel shared her admiration for a TopCast episode with David Martin.She highlighted the new podcast The Four 40 with Eric Branner.Her favorite book of the year was Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina Garten.Rachel celebrated Nicola Canton’s new piano method Piano Paint Box.She shared her gratitude for rebuilding a strong, reliable teaching team at her conservatory after a challenging previous year.The value of attending NCKP and connecting with piano teachers from around the world. Podcast Links MentionedTopCast 417: Being a SAVVY Music Teacher with David CutlerTopCast 439: From Bankruptcy to 1000 Students with David MartinTopMusic Piano Podcast 068: Piano Behind Bars with Florence PhillipsTopMusic Piano Podcast 086: What Happens When You Double Your Rates with Eric BrannerEric’s Podcast:The Fourforty (440) with Eric Branner Book Links MentionedBe Ready When the Luck Happens: A Memoir by Ina GartenThe Savvy Musician 2.0 by David Cutlera...

    21 min

  7. 12/05/2025

    095: The Intersection of Piano and Organ with Kelsey Berg

    Kelsey Berg brings a fascinating perspective to the worlds of piano and organ. With roles spanning church music, university teaching, and private instruction, she shares how her unexpected transition from piano to organ opened a new musical path. In this episode, she explores the key differences between the instruments, the challenges of technique and registration, the realities of practicing without an organ at home, and how injury-preventive training shaped her approach to healthy playing. Kelsey shared a brief overview of her background as multifaceted organist and music teacher.How she switched from playing the piano after unexpectedly taking a church organ job.She explained why the myth “piano players can automatically play organ” is false.Kelsey how the organ’s sound production differs from the piano.How organ musicality relies on timing, articulation, phrasing, and managing silence rather than varying touch like on the piano.Why practicing organ music at the piano improves musical shaping.The challenge of accessing instruments, since organists depend on churches for practice time.How to approach churches or universities politely to request practice access.She explained why the organ is not a dying art.Kelsey highlighted that there are more organ jobs than organists.She encouraged pianists to consider the field for stable employment.How studying injury-preventive technique at the Lister-Sink Institute transformed her playing and resolved pain from overuse.Common technique misconceptions, including misunderstanding anatomy and finger independence. Links MentionedKelsey's Instagram page:@kelseymbergKelsey's Facebook profile:Kelsey BergKelsey's YouTube page:www.youtube.com/@kelseyberg3278 Today's Guest Praised by Cleveland Classical for her “subtlety, depth, and affect” in performance, Kelsey Berg is a multifaceted organist, music theorist, and teacher. She currently serves as the Assistant Organist-Choirmaster at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Akron, OH. Kelsey is also a Guest Lecturer in Organ at the Cleveland Institute of Music (CIM), where she teaches secondary organ lessons to both graduate and undergraduate students, as well as applied organ at Case Western Reserve University as part of the Joint Music Program. Kelsey maintains a private piano and organ studio, with students of all levels. Kelsey recently graduated with a Doctor of...

    41 min

  8. 11/28/2025

    094: From Piano Teacher to Novelist with Jerald Simon

    Jerald Simon’s creativity knows no bounds—from composing hundreds of piano pieces to writing motivational poetry and now fiction. In this episode, he shares how his debut novel The Musical Realm brings music to life through an imaginative fantasy world. Jerald also offers valuable insights into self-publishing, branding, and marketing for teachers and creatives who want to share their work with the world. Jerald shared his journey from piano teacher and composer to author and entrepreneur.How his company, Music Motivation®, helps students learn theory, improvisation, and composition through a practical, creative approach.He shared about his new book, The Musical Realm, as his first full-length fictional novel.He discussed his creative process, explaining how he outlines all five books in advance.The challenges and rewards of self-publishing, including handling editing and cover design.The importance of marketing and retaining rights as an independent author.Jerald discussed his marketing strategies, including sending out 500–1,000 review copies, using press releases, and building grassroots engagement before paid ads.How branding, consistency, and niche focus help authors and teachers stand out.He encouraged teachers and creators to “think like a business”. Exclusive Offer for Podcast ListenersEnjoy 15% off any purchase fromMusic Motivation®for life using the discount codeTOPMUSIC, which can be used multiple times on any product. Links MentionedJerald's website:Music Motivation®Jerald's YouTube channel:YouTube.com/jeraldsimonJerald's book:The Musical Realm (Amazon link) Today's Guest Jerald Simon is the founder of Music Motivation® and focuses on helping piano students and piano teachers learn music theory, improvisation, and composition. He refers to these areas as: Theory Therapy, Innovative Improvisation, and Creative Composition. Simon is an author and composer and has written 29 music books featuring almost 400 original compositions, 14 albums, three motivational poetry books featuring over 400 original poems, and is the creator of the best-selling Cool Songs Series, the best-selling Essential Piano Exercises Series and Essential Piano Lessons for piano students and also Essential Piano Teachers for piano teachers. About Rachel EhringDr. 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...

    53 min
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About

The TopMusic Piano Podcast is a weekly show that provides piano teachers with inspiration and ideas for teaching piano in a way that engages and motivates students. Your host, Dr. Rachel Ehring, is a pianist, teacher, music administrator, and lover of piano-teaching gadgets. Rachel holds a DMA in Collaborative Piano from the University of Colorado Boulder and an MM in Accompanying from the University of Kansas. Join Rachel as she interviews guests from the music education industry and shares tips and advice to help you run your dream piano studio.

Information

  • Creator
    Tim Topham
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    101
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2023
  • Show Website
    TopMusic Piano Podcast

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