TopMusic Piano Podcast

Tim Topham
TopMusic Piano Podcast

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.

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    044: Early Child Brain Development with Dr. Jane Bader

    Music is more than just sound — it’s the foundation of how our brains connect, grow, and thrive. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Jane Bader, DMA, whose remarkable journey from marine biology and medical labs to award-winning composer and educator has led her to uncover the transformative power of music in early childhood development. Drawing from her book, Music for the Developing Brain, Dr. Bader shares how music shapes young minds, strengthens cognitive abilities, and lays a foundation that lasts a lifetime. Join us as we explore the science behind music’s profound impact on early brain development, how to actively engage children in music, and why these skills create a foundation that benefits individuals throughout their entire lives. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or music enthusiast, this conversation will leave you inspired to make music an integral part of life’s earliest moments. Dr. Bader shared her unique career background, starting with 10 years of piano study, a computer programming job, and two diverse careers - medical laboratory science and music education.How she transitioned to music education after becoming a parent for more flexibility.Her research in sequencing elementary piano music, which emphasized teaching sound before sight, which aligns with her observations and research.Her research interest in neuroscience and music education.Key discoveries about music and brain development.Importance of teaching sound before sight, comparing it to how children learn spoken language before reading.Discussion about her book, Music for the Developing Brain.Rachels share about her experience with college students without inner pulse.Importance of establishing an early foundation in music during preschool or toddler years.Why it's important to adjust our expectations for young learners.Scientific insights on music’s role in development.Active vs. passive music listening.Recommendations and practical applications for older beginners. Links MentionedDr. Jane Bader's WebsiteDr. Jane Bader's LinkedIn PageDr. Jane Bader's Book: Music for the Developing Brain: A Simple, At-Home ProgramDr. Jane Bader's Email: Jane@DrJaneJBader.com Special Offer for Podcast ListenersDr. Jane Bader is giving away a free copy of her e-book. Listeners can send her a direct email for the free e-book at Jane@DrJaneJBader.com. Today’s Guest Dr. Jane J. Bader, DMA, didn’t set out to be a music teacher. In her first career, she performed research in marine biology, conducted routine testing in a blood bank in Alaska, and orchestrated the ins and outs of a medical laboratory thanks to a Bachelor of Science in cell biology and a certificate in medical technology. After becoming an award-winning composer, she earned a Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts in piano pedagogy and started teaching at a local university. She wrote Music for the Developing Brain to help parents everywhere share music with their children from the very beginning. 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 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...

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    043: Making Practice Fun with Leslie Thackeray

    Practice is the bridge between goals and accomplishments. In this episode, we're having a chat with Leslie Thackeray, a dedicated Suzuki violin teacher and the creative force behind The Practice Shoppe. Leslie shares her journey from receiving her first violin at age four to becoming a pioneering music educator known for her innovative teaching methods. They dive into practical tips for making practice fun and enjoyable, insights on parental involvement, and the story behind Leslie's unique products designed to aid music practice. Tune in to discover how Leslie combines her love for violin, teaching, and creativity to inspire young musicians. Leslie describes how she started The Practice Shoppe.She talks about managing a business with physical products from home.How she uses different methods incorporates fun games to motivate practice.Tools and tips for effective practice.Importance of parental support in organizing and encouraging practice.Strategies for parents who aren’t musicians to still effectively guide their children.Leslie shares how interactive and visual learning aids are used to reinforce musical concepts and improve practice habits.She encourages listeners to share ideas for new products they would like to see. Links MentionedThe Practice Shoppe WebsiteThe Practice Shoppe Instagram PageThe Practice Shoppe Facebook PageTopCast 391: Meet Brian Shepard, New CEO of MTNA Today’s Guest At the age of four, Leslie Thackeray's musical journey began when she received her first violin as a birthday gift. She pursued her passion for music and obtained a BA in Music from the University of Utah. In 2000, she started her teaching career, combining her love for the violin with her enthusiasm for education. Leslie has been an active member of the Suzuki community and is a past president of the Suzuki Association of Utah. In addition, she owns The Practice Shoppe, which allows her to connect her love of music with her creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. Leslie's life is a harmonious blend of family, music, and education. 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 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 https://rachelehring.com/Visit her Instagram page: @rachelehringVisit her Etsy shop at Dream Lavender Music TOPMUSICPRO MEMBERSHIP...

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    042: The Playful Piano with Jenny Boster

    Playing the piano is not just about hitting the right keys, it's about sharing the joy of music and inspiring others. Jenny Boster, owner of The Playful Piano and a dedicated piano teacher with over 25 years of experience, exemplifies this philosophy. In this episode, we explore Jenny's journey, from teaching over 25 students in her home studio to creating innovative resources like music history coloring books and comprehensive technique programs for young pianists. We’ll learn how she seamlessly integrates creative teaching methods into her lessons, making music history come alive. Balancing her professional life with being a mother of five, Jenny’s enthusiasm for music and commitment to her students are truly inspiring. Tune in to discover how she brings the joy of music to life for her students and beyond. Jenny shared a brief overview of background as a piano teacher.How she balances teaching with parenting.She share details about the creation of her website "The Playful Piano.”Importance of introducing students to classical music early.Various techniques for teaching music history in a fun and engaging manner.Jenny highlights the use of music and movement in teaching.Techniques for effective practice and memorization.Fun, engaging ways to reinforce learning and technique outside traditional method books.Importance of engaging young students with creative teaching methods.How to incorporate creative activities without straying too far from essential lessons.Strategies to ensure students have a balanced learning experience.Jenny shares her passion for highlighting female composers in her teachings.The importance of community and sharing resources with other educators. Links MentionedThe Playful Piano WebsiteFemale Composer Club WebsiteThe Playful Piano Facebook PageThe Playful Piano Instagram Page Today’s Guest Jenny Boster has loved teaching piano lessons for over 25 years. She earned her Bachelor of Music degree in piano performance from Brigham Young University, studying with Dr. Scott Holden. She is a nationally-certified teacher of music and currently serves as president of her local MTNA chapter. She teaches over 25 students in her piano studio each week, and she is passionate about piano pedagogy and about sharing the joy of music with her students. She is a frequent presenter and exhibitor at music teacher conferences, and she is the author of many books and resources about music history and piano teaching. Her website, The Playful Piano, features unique and engaging piano teaching resources, including a music history coloring book curriculum, a comprehensive technique program for young pianists and much more. She has studied and published about female composers for many years, and for the past four years has curated an annual “Female Composers Challenge” for Women’s History Month to help spread awareness of these composers. Jenny lives in Farr West, Utah with her husband and five children. 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 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...

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    041: The Legacy of Susan Paradis with Liz Boyd

    The profound influence of a passionate educator can ripple through generations, touching lives far beyond what they might ever envision. In this episode, we dive into an inspiring conversation with Liz Boyd, who now runs Susan Paradis Piano Teaching Resources, an online hub beloved by piano teachers globally. Liz shares her journey from a career in digital arts and academia to carrying forward her mother's mission after Susan's passing. We explore the rich legacy of Susan Paradis, whose innovative and colorful teaching materials have engaged young piano students for years. Liz also talks about the challenges and joys of taking over the family business, her creative process, and how she balances her role as a mom and entrepreneur. Join us as we celebrate the enduring impact of Susan Paradis's work and Liz's exciting plans for the future. Liz shared her brief background and her work with Susan Parody Piano Teaching Resources.Overview of the blog and online store for piano teaching materials.The legacy of Susan Paradis and her contributions to piano teaching.She shared her transition to managing the website and how she prepared to take over the business from Susan.Some of her challenges and plans for the future.Liz explains the process of developing new games and educational materials.Advice on organizing teaching materials and resources to easily find and use them.Strategies for maintaining an effective system of educational resources.Upcoming winter-themed fun sheets and seasonal games.Liz's excitement for future projects, including potential physical products. Guest Links MentionedSusan Paradis WebsiteSusan Paradis Piano Teaching Resources Facebook PageSusan Paradis Instagram PageSusan Paradis YouTube Page Links MentionedDownload your latest issue of TopMusic Magazine here.TopCast 389: Burnout, Cancer and a Learning Legacy with Dr Edward Gifford Today’s Guest Liz Boyd runs Susan Paradis Piano Teaching Resources (www.SusanParadis.com), an online blog and shop serving piano teachers around the world. She inherited this legacy from her mother, Susan Paradis, and creates whimsical, colorful teaching materials that make piano engaging for children. Music and art shaped Liz's early life through her mother's guidance. Susan encouraged Liz to follow her passions and pursue a career in visual arts. After earning her MFA in Arts and Technology, Liz worked as a 3D modeling artist in the animation film and video game industry before spending 15 years as a professor at The University of Texas in Dallas. Following Susan's passing, Liz took over her mother's website. Through Susan Paradis Piano Teaching Resources, Liz unites her three passions: music, art, and education. One of the many joys of this new career path has been meeting her mother’s fans and followers, some of whom have been coming to the website since it started in 2006. Additionally, Liz is a wife and a mother of two young boys. They live in north Texas with their sweet, old, shaggy dog named Scruffy. Here’s my interview with Liz. About Rachel EhringDr.

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    040: Dynamic Doodle Co with Megan Schraer

    Innovation thrives when creativity meets passion, and today's guest, Megan Schraer, embodies this perfectly. As the new owner of Dynamic Doodle Co., Megan has embraced the challenge of continuing the company’s legacy of providing music educators with engaging and interactive learning materials. In this episode, she shares the exciting, sometimes steep, journey of taking over the business, navigating everything from processing orders to expanding her vision for the company’s growth. Megan also reveals how she integrates Dynamic Doodle Co. resources into her own teaching practice, all while balancing her roles as a piano teacher and mother of two. She speaks to the power of her support system and gives a glimpse into the company’s future, including the introduction of boom cards and music bucks. Listen in for an inspiring conversation about creativity, entrepreneurship, and the transformative power of music education. Megan shared a brief overview of her background and her music teaching studio.How she started using Dynamic Doodle Co. products, leading to her taking over the business.How she uses Composer Chronicles in her studio, including monthly composer spotlights and integrating them into lessons and group activities.Discussion about using Rhythm Builders and Staff Puzzlers to teach note durations and music notation to students, enhancing visual and hands-on learning.Megan shared about the new skills she has acquired, such as processing orders, packaging products, and learning production techniques.How she balances teaching, business responsibilities, and family life.Some popular Dynamic Doodle Co. resources like Rhythm Builders, Staff Puzzlers, and Composer Chronicles, and how she uses them creatively in her own studio.Some discusses some future plans and new products like boom cards and music bucks. Links MentionedMegan Schraer's WebsiteDynamic Doodle Co. WebsiteDynamic Doodle Co. Facebook PageDynamic Doodle Co. Instagram PageDynamic Doodle Co. Etsy Shop Today’s Guest Megan Schraer enthusiastically strives to instill a passion for music in her students. Attempting to understand her student's learning style is a very important step to building a relationship with her students. Thereafter, she incorporates a variety of teaching approaches to appeal to each growing musician. Educating her students beyond just the pages of sheet music, Megan demonstrates the interworking of the piano and its mechanics to the student so they better understand how the instrument actually functions while they play. The students will also study famous composers, establish proper technique and artistry, learn music theory, and gain confidence in performing for others. With every lesson, she treasures the privilege of enriching the student's life and she deeply cares about each and every single one of them as individuals. 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 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...

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    039: Creative Recital Ideas with Olivia Ellis

    The power of creativity can transform the ordinary into the extraordinary, and today’s guest exemplifies that truth in her approach to piano teaching and recitals. In this episode, we are joined by the distinguished piano and pedagogy professor, Dr. Olivia Ellis, from Messiah University in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. Olivia is renowned for her innovative teaching methods and as an editor for Piano Magazine and the author of the Easy Piano Lead Sheets and Chord Charts series. She shares how her upbringing, with a crafty mother and inspiring teachers, shaped her passion for creativity in music education.  Tune in to learn how her creative recitals and teaching strategies can elevate your students' performances and create unforgettable musical experiences. Olivia shared a brief overview of her background and her roles in the piano teaching community.She shares her passion for creative teaching inspired by her mother and past teachers.Her preferred piano resources, favorite books and tools.Overview of Olivia's unique themed recitals.Importance of using creative ideas in teaching both young children and college students.How Olivia involves students in the planning and execution of creative recitals.Advice and tips for teachers feeling overwhelmed or on a budget.Olivia shares exciting future projects, including concerts and student recitals.Importance of integrating lead sheets in lessons for practical skills.Tips on how to start and progress with teaching lead sheets to students. Links MentionedOlivia Ellis Website - Creative Piano TeacherCreative Piano Teacher Instagram PageCreative Piano Teacher Facebook PageDownload your latest TopMusic Magazine here Today’s Guest Dr. Olivia Ellis teaches piano, group piano, pedagogy, and chamber music at Messiah University in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. She's an editor for Piano Magazine and has published several books including the Easy Piano Lead Sheets and Chord Charts series. She's constantly creating new activities and games to teach concepts, and loves helping other teachers find their niche. 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 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 https://rachelehring.com/Visit her Instagram page: @rachelehringVisit her Etsy shop at Dream Lavender Music TOPMUSICPRO MEMBERSHIP 14-DAY FREE...

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    038: Tips to Perform with Confidence

    Confidence on stage is built long before the performance begins. In this episode, we're diving deep into the strategies and tools that will help your students perform with confidence. Whether you're a piano teacher guiding your students or a musician getting ready for your own performance, preparation is key to managing nerves and feeling at ease on stage. We'll explore everything from building a preparation timeline to effective rehearsal techniques, the power of affirmations, and even some personal stories and tips to help both you and your students shine when it matters most. Join me as we explore how to make performance day a success! Why preparation is key to calming nerves, but why it’s normal to still feel anxious.The value of creating a detailed preparation timeline to guide your practiceHow to avoid common mistakes, like scheduling dress rehearsals too late or not practicing in the performance space.Importance of practicing in front of others, whether it’s friends, family, or even stuffed animals.How technology and video recordings can provide additional practice opportunities.Fun ways to help younger students practice bowing and stage presence to reduce anxiety.How practicing on the performance stage ahead of time can improve confidence on recital day.The power of affirmations to help both students and teachers replace negative self-talk with positive, empowering thoughts.Tips on handling students’ post-performance disappointment with encouragement and positive reframing.Simple breathing techniques to help calm nerves before and during a performance.How to prepare mentally and physically on the actual day of a performance.Why it’s important to take care of all logistical details well in advance.Personal rituals, like lucky socks or mints, that help performers feel grounded and confident.Advice on responding when a student feels disappointed after their performance. Links MentionedAffirmations for Student Musicians YouTube videoAffirmations for Performing Musicians YouTube videoTMPP Episode 037: Helping Teens Work through Performance Anxiety with Sonia PoonTMPP Episode 036: Never Stop Innovating with Will ArmstrongTMPP Episode 028: Music and Magic Journals with Tweena Vuong 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 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 https://rachelehring.com/Visit her Instagram page: a href="https://www.instagram.com/rachelehring/"...

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    037: Helping Teens Work through Performance Anxiety with Sonia Poon

    Performance anxiety is a significant hurdle for many young musicians, but Sonia Poon has mastered the art of helping students conquer it with grace. In this episode, we delve deep into effective strategies for teaching teens and tweens with the remarkable Sonia Poon, a dedicated piano teacher since high school and founder of Forte Music Studio. She shares her wealth of experience from decades of teaching, including her unique approaches to addressing performance anxiety, building student trust, and curating balanced repertoires that resonate with young musicians. We explore how Sonia utilizes technology, sets up ideal practice environments, and offers practical advice for both teachers and parents to support their children's musical journeys. Sonia’s engaging methods are shaped by her extensive background and passion for music education, making this episode a rich resource for anyone involved in teaching music. Sonia shared a brief overview of her teaching journey and her home studio.Teaching teens and tweens, their performance anxiety, and establishing a connection with this age group.Importance of eye contact, listening skills, and personalized communication to build trust.Why reading non-verbal cues and giving students the space to express their emotions during lessons is critical.Sonia stresses balance between necessary repertoire and pieces that resonate with students.How she uses video assignments to keep students accountable and help them get used to performing.Importance of setting up practice environment that is crucial for effective practice.Sonia advocates for a clear and structured approach to preparing for performances.Some tips and advice on handling performance anxiety.How group classes and overlapping lessons help students get comfortable in performing.Value of parental involvement by celebrating milestones. Links MentionedForte Music Studio WebsiteForte Music Studio Instagram PageDownload the latest issue of TopMusic Magazine here. Today’s Guest Sonia has been teaching passionately since she started high school. She specializes in intermediate/advanced private piano, and in contrast, also loves to work with her Music Explorers preschool programme. At seven years old Sonia was accepted under the tutelage of Constance Kline with whom she completed her RCM examinations, receiving top provincial marks five times. During her years of study, she also garnered numerous honours and scholarships at the Kiwanis Music Festival. She competed in the Canadian Music Competition, where she was a semifinalist. At the University of Alberta Sonia studied with Marek Jablonski, Alexander Sandler and Jean-Paul Sevilla. After completing her Bachelor of Music, she went to Paris to continue her studies for piano solo, chamber music, and analysis. In 2001 Sonia founded Forte Music Studio, and currently serves as the Vice President of the Alberta Piano Teacher’s Association. She is also a standing member of the Alberta Registered Music Teachers Association and is a registered Royal Conservatory of Music teacher. She has three wonderful children- Sascha, Luka, and Camila who play guitar, piano and violin. When possible Sonia also loves to play tennis, read and sleep in. 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 Accompanying from the University of Kansas. She currently...

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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.

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