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. 4D AGO

    439: From Bankruptcy to 1000 Students with David Martin

    How do you go from total financial loss to building one of the biggest privately owned music schools in the country? Our guest today, David Martin, shares his incredible journey from teaching in his parents’ basement to serving 1,000 students weekly and eventually selling the business. This episode is packed with insights on marketing, team building, and how to grow your studio with purpose. We also touch on tools like Opus1 that are helping today’s school owners simplify operations and scale more sustainably. David shared how he went bankrupt in 2009 and rebuilt from scratch by teaching piano in his parents’ basement.He explained how early mistakes in pricing and business structure led to major financial challenges.The value of resilience and staying focused during adversity was a key theme.How he gradually scaled his business to 1,000 students across multiple locations.How strategic hiring helped him build a strong leadership team and scale with confidence.Marketing strategies like bold messaging and leveraging Google Ads were highlighted.The importance of clarity in branding and knowing your “why.”David described the process of preparing for a successful business exit and sale.How he now coaches other school owners to grow and avoid the mistakes he made.Tim and David emphasized the power of systems and automation in building sustainable music schools. Links Mentioned David Martin's LinkedIn PageExplore The Performing Arts School Entrepreneur Podcast with David Martin Today’s Guest David Martin is an entrepreneur and business coach who built one of the largest privately owned music schools in the country. Starting in his parents’ basement with no business background, he scaled to 1,000 weekly students across multiple locations before successfully selling the company. Today, he helps music school owners accelerate growth, improve marketing performance, and prepare for profitable exits. Today’s Sponsor Opus1 helps music school owners run their schools with ease, confidence, and connection. Created by fellow school owners, our all-in-one platform brings scheduling, billing, communications, and marketing together under one roof. By simplifying admin tasks and improving family engagement, Opus1 empowers music school owners to grow an average of 40% in just 18 months. Join a growing community of schools building stronger businesses — and stronger music programs — with Opus1. Book a Demo of Opus1 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...

    1h 19m
  2. OCT 27

    438: AI Music Teaching Software Tools with Katie Argyle

    This week, we're wrapping up our technology month with something really special, a replay from one of our Spotlight Sessions inside TopMusicPro, featuring the brilliant Katie Argyle from Midnight Music. Katie’s deep knowledge of music ed tech tools always blows me away. In this episode, she walks us through powerful AI tools for music teachers, including practice apps, notation scanners, and backing track software. Whether you're curious about rhythm generators or want to strip vocals from a pop track, Katie delivers practical ways to use AI to streamline your teaching and spark creativity in your studio. Tim shared that this episode is a replay from a Spotlight Session inside TopMusicPro. Katie highlighted the role of AI in music education and why it's not entirely new. She explained how Rhythm Randomizer can create infinite rhythm exercises for free. The benefits of Sight Reading Factory for customized sight reading were demonstrated. Katie showcased Moises, an AI tool that separates tracks into stems for backing practice. She shared how teachers can mute instruments, identify key and tempo, and export audio. Ultimate Vocal Remover was presented as a free alternative for basic stem separation. She explored AI-powered feedback tools like PracticeFirst and MakeMusic Cloud. Katie showed how AI improves music scanning and notation using digital PDF conversion. Links Mentioned TopCast 437: Unpacking AI for Music Teachers with Tara Wright Download your latest TopMusic Magazine here TopMusicPro Members Link Watch the Spotlight Session Replay – The Music Teacher’s Guide to AI With Katie Argyle Today's Guest Katie Argyle is a music technology in education trainer, consultant, blogger and podcaster who is passionate about helping music teachers through her business Midnight Music. She runs hands-on workshops, presents regularly at conferences in Australia and internationally and offers online training and support to music teachers all over the world. Katie’s workshops and courses focus on incorporating technology into the music curriculum and practical tips for resource creation and productivity. Katie has been a Keynote speaker at the Australian Society for Music Education National Conference, the Music Education New Zealand National Conference and the ACT Music Educators Network Conference. In 2016, Katie launched the Midnight Music Membership Community which has become a go-to hub for hundreds of music teachers who are seeking technology-focussed professional development. She regularly presents regular live online webinars which have been attended by thousands of music teachers. Katie is the host of the Music Tech Teacher podcast which has more than 150 episodes and runs the Midnight Music Youtube channel. 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

    23 min
  3. OCT 20

    437: Unpacking AI for Music Teachers with Tara Wright

    Today, we're diving into the world of AI for music teachers with none other than Tara Wright, our resident expert on all things tech and teaching. In this episode, we unpack what AI really is (and isn't), how it shows up in everyday studio tools, and how music teachers can use it to supercharge creativity, lesson planning, communication, and marketing. Tara also gives us a behind-the-scenes look at her new course, ChatGPT Made Easy, and the custom chatbots she's built to make AI accessible and practical for every studio. Tara explained that AI is not just chatbots, it powers many tools teachers already use. She described how AI systems learn from data and improve over time. How AI tools like notation software and backing tracks use AI under the hood. Tara highlighted that while AI can assist, it can’t replace the emotional connection of real teaching. The value of AI as a creativity partner was discussed, from songwriting to arranging. Examples of AI tools like Suno and how they can inspire student projects. How ChatGPT helps her respond to parent emails with professionalism and clarity. The importance of training ChatGPT to sound like you through tone and branding was emphasized. Tara demonstrated how AI can analyze studio data and summarize trends. She explained how AI helps with marketing tasks like writing captions and emails. How teachers can use AI to explain tricky concepts or offer analogies tailored to different learners. How AI helps personalize lessons for neurodiverse or non-visual learners. TopMusic’s custom AI chatbots like Paige, Studio Maestro, Chester and Cleo. Tara outlined the ChatGPT Made Easy course, which teaches teachers to use AI effectively. Links Mentioned 5 ChatGPT Prompts for Music Teachers in 2025 Practice Hacks for Musicians Course by Noa Kageyama TopMusic Guitar Podcast #054: 5 Ways to Use ChatGPT in Your Business TopMusic Courses Today's Guest Tara Wright is an Education and Operations Director, Creative Strategist, and Music Educator who helps music educators transform their teaching studios and businesses through innovative strategies, clear processes, and actionable tools. Known for her no-fluff advice, Tara blends creative thinking with real-world solutions to make complex systems simple and effective. With over 20 years of teaching experience and 10+ years in operations management, Tara brings expertise in branding, copywriting, and process improvement to the music industry. She has overseen the creation of impactful content, from managing digital media platforms to developing professional training materials. Tara’s work inspires music educators to build thriving studios while balancing creativity with practicality. When not optimizing workflows or mentoring teams, Tara raises ostriches, Great Danes, and other two- and four-legged friends on her farm near St. Louis. You’ll often find her taking her Jeep off-road or exploring a new hobby because learning is her ultimate joy. Tara’s advice is grounded in experience and designed to inspire action. Whether it’s simplifying studio operations, enhancing marketing strategies, or sparking creativity, Tara’s solutions resonate with educators ready to grow. Thank you for tuning in!...

    49 min
  4. OCT 13

    436: What’s Your Favourite Music Teaching Tech?

    There’s no shortage of amazing apps and tech tools for music teachers—but which one would you keep if you had to give up all the rest? For this fun and collaborative episode, I asked a group of creative, tech-savvy teachers from around the world to share their number one, can’t-live-without music teaching tool. You’ll hear their real-life tips, use cases, and why these tools are making a difference in their studios. Tim introduced October's tech focus across TopMusic, including blogs and magazine issues. The value of practical, studio-tested tools was emphasized through real teacher examples. Bec Stewart recommended Tonality for understanding chords and transposition. Samantha Coates praised Vivid Practice for organizing digital student notes and resources. Rebecca Singerman-Knight shared how she uses iReal Pro for backing tracks and improvisation. Amy Chaplin explained how Spotify supports chord chart work and jam sessions. Jennifer Fox recommended Practice Space for streamlined assignments and student motivation. Laura Kahar highlighted the power of the simple Voice Memos app for student reflection. Noreen Wenjen discussed how the Apogee HypeMic improves sound for online lessons. Tim encouraged listeners to try these tools and discover what could become their new favorite. The importance of experimentation, simplicity, and creativity in tech adoption was reinforced. Links Mentioned Download your TopMusic Magazine 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

    15 min
  5. OCT 6

    435: Should You Get a Lease For Your Studio? With Anamarie Sabbagh

    What makes a student stay with you for years, not just because of progress, but because they truly love your studio? In today’s chat, I’m joined by Anamarie Sabbagh, who’s built a thriving teaching business grounded in joy, connection, and community. We talk about how she creates a studio culture that students and families want to be part of for the long haul and the little things that make a big difference. Anamarie shared how her multicultural background helped shape a welcoming, inclusive studio environment. She explained the importance of building community and connection beyond just teaching piano. The value of play-based learning and engaging activities was emphasized for young beginners. How her studio culture focuses on joy, consistency, and nurturing long-term relationships. The strategies she uses to support both students and parents through musical development. She highlighted how small details—like communication, scheduling, and celebrations—build loyalty. The importance of teacher authenticity and showing up as your full self in the studio was discussed. Anamarie shared how she incorporates flexibility and structure to meet each family’s needs. Presenting at international events and how that affirmed the value of her studio model. How cultivating a supportive studio culture has led to strong word-of-mouth and long-term retention. Links Mentioned Anamarie's website: Keys To Success Music Anamarie's Instagram page: @latinafabulous Keys to Success Music Instagram page: @keys.to.success.music Keys to Success Music Facebook page: Keys To Success Music Today’s Guest Anamarie is a classically trained opera singer, doctoral candidate, published author, international speaker, and MBA holder in International Business with a diverse range of experiences that have shaped her approach to education. With fluency in multiple languages and extensive travel experience, she brings a unique perspective to teaching and learning. Outside of the classroom, Anamarie enjoys reading, singing, and spending time at the beach. She is also an interpreter of tarot cards, which helps her tap into the intuitive side of life and connect with others on a deeper level. Anamarie's journey to becoming a studio owner and teacher was unexpected, but her love for kids, music, and humanity has been a constant driving force. She has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of music education, particularly neuromusical education, which empowers children to develop self-awareness, critical thinking, and trust in their intuition. As a dedicated educator, Anamarie is committed to bringing this magic to young minds and helping them discover the full potential of music as a tool for personal growth and self-expression. 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...

    45 min
  6. SEP 29

    434: Is Teaching Pop Music Less Valuable Than Classical?

    Back in 2014, I set up a mic, hit record, and created my very first online course to help teachers feel confident teaching pop music. That course became PianoFlix, and it was the beginning of everything that would eventually grow into the TopMusicPro community. In this solo episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes to share how it all started, why it still matters today, and what makes this course one of my proudest creations. Tim reflected on the early days of creating his first online course to help teachers teach pop music. He explained how teacher feedback sparked the idea for what became PianoFlix. The importance of teaching pop music as a gateway to deeper engagement and theory understanding. How the success of PianoFlix Course led to the creation of TopMusicPro. Tim shared the original sales ad and Module 1 from the PianoFlix Course. How the course was intentionally designed to be evergreen and still relevant today. How attitudes toward pop music in piano education have shifted significantly since 2015. The value of practical, pedagogically-sound pop instruction was reinforced throughout. Tim outlined all 8 modules of the PianoFlix course, including rearranging and lead sheet strategies. Links Mentioned Watch the PianoFlix sales ad in YouTube here Purchase the PianoFlix Course here Find out more about TopMusic Courses Download your latest TopMusic Magazine here Today’s Sponsor RSL Awards is leading the next generation of creativity. We are an international Awarding Organisation, creating qualifications in music, performing arts, and creative industries subjects. Our vision is to help teachers and students within the creative arts sector through a range of innovative, relevant, and rewarding resources and qualifications. This includes our flagship Rockschool graded resources for piano. The new edition of Rockschool Piano offers a holistic approach to piano education, shaped around the needs of today’s musicians. Exploring five centuries of music, from classical to classic rock, this genre-spanning syllabus features an expansive mix of popular Hit Tunes, bespoke Rockschool Originals, and brand-new suites of technical study, all packed with class-leading technology. Find out more about RSL Awards here. RSL Online Shop Pre-Order the New Rockschool Piano Syllabus 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...

    29 min
  7. SEP 22

    433: Join Our 30-Day Back Pocket Sprint!

    When students show up without their books or in a mood, do you ever feel your lesson plan slipping through your fingers? That’s exactly why I created the 30-Day Back Pocket Sprint to help you build a reliable toolkit of creative activities you can use anytime. In this solo episode, I’m sharing all the details: how it works, what you'll learn, and how it will give you confidence, flexibility, and fun in every lesson. Whether you’re already a TopMusicPro member or just looking for a boost, this sprint is for you. Tim explained how unexpected lesson moments can be better managed with creative tools. The value of a flexible teaching toolkit as a way to stay confident and effective. Tim introduced the 30-Day Back Pocket Sprint starting September 29 until October 27. How the sprint helps teachers build a library of creative activities to use on the fly. How five mini-tasks per week lead to over 20 practical teaching tools by the end. Why novelty in lessons improves student focus, retention, and motivation. How remixing repertoire and adding pop progressions can energize regular lesson routines. The benefits of joining weekly Zoom calls and the optional Facebook group were discussed. Tim emphasized that the sprint is open to both TopMusicPro members and non-members. The importance of building sustainable creative habits through small daily actions was reinforced. Links Mentioned Join Our 30-Day Back Pocket Sprint. Visit topmusic.co/sprint. Today’s Sponsor RSL Awards is leading the next generation of creativity. We are an international Awarding Organisation, creating qualifications in music, performing arts, and creative industries subjects. Our vision is to help teachers and students within the creative arts sector through a range of innovative, relevant, and rewarding resources and qualifications. This includes our flagship Rockschool graded resources for piano. The new edition of Rockschool Piano offers a holistic approach to piano education, shaped around the needs of today’s musicians. Exploring five centuries of music, from classical to classic rock, this genre-spanning syllabus features an expansive mix of popular Hit Tunes, bespoke Rockschool Originals, and brand-new suites of technical study, all packed with class-leading technology. Find out more about RSL Awards here. RSL Online Shop Pre-Order the New Rockschool Piano Syllabus 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...

    13 min
  8. SEP 15

    432: 5 Tips for Motivating Teens with Andrea Dow from Teach Piano Today

    Teens can be some of the most rewarding and challenging students we teach. In this replay of our member-exclusive Spotlight Session, Turning Meh into Motivation: 5 Tips for Teaching Teens, Andrea Dow from Teach Piano Today shares practical strategies to help you connect with and inspire your teen students. From fostering creativity and confidence to embracing pop culture and structured choice, Andrea offers ideas that can make a real difference in your teaching. The value of a reliable teen toolkit to confidently navigate mood swings, low motivation, and inconsistent practice. How to reframe practice as “creation” to shift teens’ mindset from chore to self-expression. The importance of offering structured choices to foster motivation without sacrificing progress. Why balancing freedom and guidance in lessons helps teens feel seen, capable, and respected. How pop tutorials and TikToks can become teaching tools, not distractions, by focusing on transferrable skills. The role of identity formation in teen motivation, and how music supports emotional development. How to build musical confidence so teens proudly identify as piano players within their peer groups. Why lightness and humor matter, including how simple games can boost connection and retention. The importance of small, steady wins over dramatic breakthroughs in building long-term success. Andrea encouraged teachers to be curators, not dictators, guiding teens with intention and empathy. Links Mentioned TopCast 407: The Power of Storytelling with Andrea Dow from Teach Piano Today TopCast 431: My Favourite Framework for Piano Teachers: 4 Chord Composing Four Chord Composing Course Buy the course for only $49 using the coupon code CHORDS100 Download your latest TopMusic Magazine here Today’s Guest Andrea Dow, together with her husband Trevor, are the composers, authors, and educators behind TeachPianoToday.com and WunderKeys. Their collaborative work has transformed piano education, providing teachers with imaginative resources that engage students of all ages. From quirky piano books to game-based learning materials, Andrea and Trevor’s creations inspire piano teachers worldwide to bring creativity and joy into their lessons. Over the years, they have published 207 piano books, each designed to motivate students and make learning music fun. Andrea and Trevor live on Vancouver Island off the west coast of British Columbia, Canada. When not composing or creating, Andrea and Trevor balance family life with two teenage daughters, and spend most of their time at the hockey rink or track. Today’s Sponsor RSL Awards is leading the next generation of creativity. We are an international Awarding Organisation, creating qualifications in music, performing arts, and creative industries...

    48 min
4.8
out of 5
129 Ratings

About

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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