In this solo episode, I’m doing a mid-year check-in on the seven things I said I’d take into 2025. From reading more eBooks and simplifying my systems, to experimenting with AI, setting better boundaries, and staying connected with fellow teachers, I’m sharing what’s working, what still needs work, and how I’m navigating it all. If you’ve set goals this year and are feeling behind or unsure, you’re not alone. There’s still plenty of time to adjust and move forward, with a little momentum and maybe a cinnamon-topped coffee along the way.

• Rachel shared a mid-year check-in on her “7 Things I’m Taking Into 2025” January solo episode.
• She explained how reading eBooks on her phone has helped her make better use of downtime.
• She highlighted The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins as especially relevant for piano teachers dealing with boundaries.
• How reading Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina Garten was inspiring and uplifting.
• The importance of simplifying and automating tasks and using tools like Google Docs.
• How automation supports her collaborative piano business without losing personal connection.
• How she’s been using ChatGPT as a creative assistant while maintaining her personal voice.
• She noted that AI helps her understand her ideal customer, brainstorm content, and get unstuck.
• She reported steady progress on her goal to post weekly YouTube videos.
• The value of connecting with fellow teachers both online and in person.
• The importance of creativity and experimentation, inspired by a playful coffee shop experience.
• She shared that setting and honoring personal boundaries remains an ongoing challenge.
• She reflected on her 2025 word “momentum” and encouraged listeners to keep showing up, even when progress feels slow.

Links Mentioned

• TopMusic Piano Podcast 048: 7 Things I’m Taking Into 2025
• TopMusic Piano Podcast 028: Music and Magic Journals with Tweena Vuong
• TopMusic AI Podcast

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.com
• Visit her Instagram page: @rachelehring
• Visit her YouTube channel: @dreamlavendermusic6694
• Visit 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

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