Integrated Music Teaching Podcast Tim Topham

In this episode, we're joined by Rebecca Stewart, the community manager and the head of certification at TopMusic. Join us as we explore the overview of TopMusic Certification Program, reflecting on the first cohort's experiences, and uncover some of the unique features that set this program apart. We discuss the value of certification in terms of live cohort learning, flexibility, and its sharp focus on practical, real-world teaching. Listen in for exclusive excerpts from cohort meetings, where teachers passionately discuss teaching tools, share transformative experiences, and express the profound impact of the certification program. And stay tuned for a special announcement about the upcoming enrollment for the next cohort of the Top Music Certification program. Get ready to be inspired and informed on the latest and greatest in instrumental music education!

Bec shares some insights into her life and into her dual role as a piano teacher at a school and at her home.
Overview of the Top Music Certification Program.
Reflections on the first cohort of Top Music Certification.
Some unique features of the certification program.
The value of certification in terms of live cohort learning, flexibility, and focus on practical, real-world teaching.
Bec and Tim express their enthusiasm for the cohort learning model, gaining insights and building connections with teachers worldwide.
Some excerpts from the cohort meetings, featuring teachers discussing teaching tools, sharing experiences, and expressing the impact of the certification program.
Announcement that enrollment for the next cohort of the Top Music Certification program will be opening soon.
Systematic approach to the playbook, resembling a course guide based on the Presto framework for certification.


Links Mentioned

TopMusic Certification Program
Register for the TopMusic Q&A Session


Today’s Guest


Rebecca grew up listening to her three older sisters practice their musical instruments. She delighted in her childhood music lessons and wanted to teach young children in a fun and creative way. Her piano teacher at Melbourne University recommended the Yamaha method, and Rebecca taught with Yamaha Music Education Centres from 1998 to 2018. She loved being a national teacher trainer with Yamaha, and enjoyed opportunities to travel to Toronto and Tokyo for Yamaha teacher development events. In 2016 Rebecca went to Jakarta where her 8-year-old Yamaha student performed his original  composition at the Asia Pacific Junior Original Concert. Her first book "Sight Reading Secrets Grade One" was published in 2004, and there are now nine books in the series. In 2023, Rebecca worked with Tim Topham in developing the TopMusic Certification program.
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As we approach the end of November, I would like to extend warm Thanksgiving wishes to our American listeners. This month, we've delved into teaching early advanced students. And today marks a special announcement - the launch of our brand new online course, the Advancing Pianist Course, created by the incredible Janna Williamson. In this episode, we'll walk through the course modules, covering diverse musical eras from Baroque to 20th-century repertoire, providing insights into interpretation, techniques, and strategies for effective teaching. Whether you're exploring teaching advanced students for the first time or seeking to enhance your existing approach, this course is a game-changer. Stick around for details on an exclusive Black Friday discount and exciting bonuses. Without further ado, let's jump into the show!

Tim highlights TopMusicPro's new course, "Advancing Pianist Course," by expert teacher Janna Williamson.
Introduction Modules: Overview, importance of teacher self-study, early advanced technique, teaching practice.
Baroque Era: Styles, ornaments, detailed look at Prelude and Fugue in B flat major.
Classical Era: Stylistic interpretation of Sonatas by Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven.
Romantic Era: Overview of 19th-century early advanced repertoire, in-depth study of Chopin Nocturne in E flat Major.
20th Century Repertoire: What makes an expressive 20th-century performance, overview of early advanced repertoire, examples of pieces with 20th-century idioms.
Memorization, performance anxiety, practicing for performance, university and conservatory auditions and competitions.
Sneak peak to the course bonuses.


[topmusic-button label="Black Friday Flash Sale for TopMusicPro Membership" url="https://topmusic.co/blackfriday" type=default]




Links Mentioned

Teaching Advance Students Self Assessment Handout


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, one of our favourite podcast guests and TopMusic friend, Mike Grande, is back on the show. We dive into a rich conversation with him, spanning from the latest at his music schools and his platform Rock Out Loud Live, to his life-changing experience and trip to Africa. Mike shares insights from his new book, "From Teacher to Coach (And why you would NEVER want to be a Teacher)," delving into the profound impact of coaching in music education. Throughout the conversation, Mike emphasizes the power of building rapport and techniques like anchoring positive behavior. Tune in for an inspiring journey through the realms of music, education, and the transformative power of coaching.
Mike shared an update on his music schools and his platform, Rock Out Loud Live.He reflects on his experience building music schools from scratch and buying an existing school.His life-changing experience and the impact on the children in his trip to Rwanda.Discussion about Mike's new book: "From Teacher to Coach (And why you would NEVER want to be a Teacher).The difference between a coach and a teacher.The importance of developing rapport with its three elements - focus, language, and physiology.The concept of anchoring positive behavior through consistent reinforcement.Mike shares personal experiences of impactful coaches from his life and underscores the importance of expressing gratitude to mentors while they are still alive.Some takeaways and the goal of his book.
Guest Links MentionedRock Out LoudMike's book on Amazon: From Teacher to Coach (And why you would NEVER want to be a Teacher)Mike's book on Book Baby: From Teacher to Coach (And why you would NEVER want to be a Teacher)
Links MentionedTopCast 199: How Rock Out Loud Outperforms Zoom for Music Lessons OnlineTopCast 244: Supporting your local community with Mike GrandeTopMusic Guitar Podcast Episode 2: Creating Your Dream Studio with Mike Grande of Rock Out LoudTopMusic Guitar Podcast Episode 39: Managing Multiple Music Schools with Successful Amazon Side Hustles feat. Mike Grande
Today’s GuestMike Grande is the founder of Rock Out Loud Live and the owner of two elite music schools in New York and New Jersey. In November 2019, after spending over $650,000 building out his New Jersey school, Rock Out Loud, he was told he had to close due to COVID-19. As the music education world went to ZOOM for virtual music lessons, Mike decided to accelerate the production of his own Virtual Music Lesson Portal – RockOutLoud.live. RockOutLoud.live is the world’s FIRST Virtual Music Lesson portal designed for music educators that is three years in the making. When Mike is not rocking out at one of his music schools, he wears his corporate suit as Chief Technology Officer...

If you’ve ever questioned your ability to guide advanced students or perhaps felt lacking in confidence as your students have moved into late intermediate and early advanced repertoire, then this episode is for you. Many teachers toil for years, nurturing their students' skills only to pass them off when they reach an advanced stage, sacrificing both the connection and the fruits of their earlier labor. Join us today as we dive into the potential of taking on advanced students and continuing the journey. In today's show, our guest, Janna Williamson, joins us to discuss essential skills necessary for piano students before tackling early advanced repertoire and so much more. Tune in for insights and valuable teaching strategies that can transform your approach to advanced students. Plus get a sneak peak to Janna's new course for teaching early advanced students within TopMusicPro membership.
Janna's definition of advanced music.She recommends that students should gain experience with rhythm, pitch and technique before venturing into advanced music.Essential skills necessary for piano students prior to encountering early advanced repertoire.Her recommendation on playing and experiencing certain pieces before moving to advanced repertoire.The importance of teaching stylistic interpretation and preparing students for performance.She emphasizes the difference between practicing and practicing for performance.The importance of editions, recommending Urtext editions for advanced students.Investing in quality sheet music for students who are passionate about the piano and will continue playing.Sneak peak to Janna's new course for teaching early advanced students within TopMusicPro membership.The importance of teaching students how to practice effectively.Tim and Janna discusses and bust some myths.The benefit of teachers experiencing competitions, auditions, or exams themselves, or sending students for outside lessons.
Links MentionedIMT Episode 354: Can You Teach Advanced Students? Suzanne Andrews Shares Her StoryAMusA and Diploma General Knowledge Study Guide
Today’s Guest

Janna Williamson is a highly sought-after teacher of students of all levels with two decades of professional teaching experience. She maintains a home studio in West Chicago and taught at the Wheaton Yamaha Music School from 2001-2020. She has been an MTNA Nationally Certified Teacher of Music since 2004 and holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in piano performance. Janna enjoys performing solo or collaboratively and can be heard throughout the Chicago area on a regular basis.
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.

Have you ever found yourself at a crossroads, questioning whether you can continue guiding your students as they reach the advanced stages of their musical journey? The thought of passing them on to another teacher can be daunting, especially after years of building a strong bond with both students and their families. In this insightful interview, we're here to challenge those doubts and inspire you to reconsider. Our guest today, Suzanne Andrews, knows this feeling all too well and will share her journey, offering valuable insights and practical tips for nurturing advanced students. So if you've ever pondered, "Can I do this?" when confronted with advanced repertoire, this episode is your guide to rethinking, reevaluating, and revitalizing your role as a music teacher.

Suzanne provided some insights into her music studio.
The distinction between AMusA and LMusA.
Her email to Tim about preparing a teenage student for an AMusA examination in piano.
Suzanne's approach to getting ready to work with Maddie and preparing her for the AMusA examination.
Her thoughts on imposter syndrome.
Biggest tips for other teachers taking on advanced students.
How useful is having a session with an examiner.
The nature of the general knowledge component of the exam and her methods in aiding Maddie's preparation.
Suzanne gave an update on Maddie who was awarded her Amusa.
The importance of mentorship and community for Suzanne.


Links Mentioned

AMusA and Diploma General Knowledge Study Guide


Today’s Guest


Suzanne Andrews has been a music educator, performer and accompanist since her teenage years. Whilst her university degree is in classical piano she has much experience teaching and performing a diverse range of musical styles. Her passions include creating performance spaces that foster a sense of safety and self expression, the role of embodiment in music making, and leading all manner of singalongs, both in and out of the teaching room. She teaches piano at a couple of secondary schools in Melbourne, supplemented by a small private studio.
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 delivery to your device every time a new episode goes live! We publish on Fridays weekly.

 

Today, we're delving into the art of goal setting and planning for our students using the Ultimate Guide to Intermediate Curriculum Planning. We'll be taking a close look to another student of Janna Williamson who's journey is a testament to the challenges many students face, even those with musical backgrounds in their families. This episode will not only provide insights into her unique situation but also explore how to set clear and attainable milestones for students, ensuring that they can enjoy their musical journey and make steady progress. So listen in for a valuable discussion on helping students like Ella thrive in their musical endeavors.

Janna introduced her student, Ella, and background context about her.
The challenges faced by Ella, including moving, illness, and a busy schedule.
The importance of setting appropriate goals based on Ella's context and needs.
Creating a goal to foster consistent, smart practice habits for her.
Specific milestones set for Ella.
Ensuring that goals are practical and measurable.
Janna encourages other teachers to consider similar goal-setting approaches for their intermediate students.


Links Mentioned

Download the Ultimate Guide to Intermediate Curriculum Planning Handout
IMT Episode 351: Announcing the Ultimate Guide to Intermediate Curriculum Planning
IMT Episode 352: [Case Study] How to Set Intermediate Student Goals with Janna Williamson


Today's Guest


Janna Williamson is a highly sought-after teacher of students of all levels with two decades of professional teaching experience. She maintains a home studio in West Chicago and taught at the Wheaton Yamaha Music School from 2001-2020. She has been an MTNA Nationally Certified Teacher of Music since 2004 and holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in piano performance. Janna enjoys performing solo or collaboratively and can be heard throughout the Chicago area on a regular basis.
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 delivery to your device every time a new episode goes live! We publish on Fridays weekly.