TopMusic AI Podcast

010: Why Bribing a Student with Sour Patch Kids Made Me a Better Teacher

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We've all had that one student—the perfectionist who gets frustrated, the reluctant learner who shuts down, or the one who just needs a little extra motivation. In this episode, I’m sharing a story about Blake, a student who taught me a valuable lesson in leadership, patience, and the surprising power of Sour Patch Kids. We’ll explore different leadership styles in music teaching, how AI can help us adapt, and why sometimes, the smallest incentives can lead to the biggest breakthroughs. Let’s dive in!
The Three Leadership Styles in Music Education
  • Authoritative Leadership – Structured, clear expectations, like a conductor leading an orchestra.
  • Coaching Leadership – Encourages personal growth, guiding students toward independent learning.
  • Affiliative Leadership – Focuses on emotional support and building student confidence.

    • How Leadership Styles Impact Student Motivation
    • Perfectionists thrive with coaching leadership—helping them celebrate progress over perfection.
    • Creative Learners respond well to affiliative leadership—offering flexibility and emotional connection.
    • Structured Learners benefit from authoritative leadership—clear instructions and goal setting.

      • How AI Can Help Teachers Improve Their Leadership Styles
      • Analyzing Teaching Patterns – AI identifies trends in lesson structure and feedback styles.
      • Adaptive Lesson Planning – AI suggests lesson plans based on individual student learning styles.
      • Engagement Prompts – AI-generated phrases and encouragements help teachers motivate students.

        • Real Talk: The Story of Blake and the Sour Patch Kids
        • Tara shares the challenges of teaching Blake, a perfectionist student who struggled with frustration.
        • Attempts at strict discipline and flexibility both failed—until Tara realized Blake needed emotional support.

          • Key takeaways from the experience:
          • Leadership isn't about control—it’s about patience and consistency.
          • Meeting students where they are leads to long-term growth.
          • Small wins build confidence, even if it takes time.

            • Final Thoughts & Takeaways
            • Leadership is about adaptability—students' needs shift over time.
            • AI can be a helpful tool in recognizing when and how to adjust teaching approaches.
            • Personal reflection and patience can transform student-teacher relationships.

              • Want to see how you can use AI in your studio?
              Click here to SUBSCRIBE and get your first taste of how AI can support your teaching journey.
              About Tara Wright
              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.
              Tara’s certifications include Google Project Management, Google Workspace Administration, and Google E-commerce Marketing. She also holds degrees in photography, music education, genetic engineering, and marketing, which fuel her unique approach to problem-solving and innovation.
              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!
              Consider implementing the ideas from this podcast by writing several actionable steps for your teaching practice if it’s inspired you.
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              TopMusic AI PodcastBy Tim Topham