February 03, 2025

400: It’s The 10-Year TopCast Anniversary!

48 minutes

Welcome to the 400th episode of The TopCast. Today, we're celebrating a milestone of the longest-running podcast from TopMusic, dedicated to supporting and inspiring music teachers worldwide. I can hardly believe it’s been a decade of connecting and empowering music teachers all over the world. In this special milestone episode, I’m joined by the incredible Dr. Rachel Ehring, host of the TopMusic Piano Podcast and a key part of our podcast family. Together, we take a heartfelt look back on the journey of The TopCast and all the moments that brought us here. We dive into some incredible and unforgettable memories, answer listener questions, share a few personal stories and plenty of laughs (and even some cat-related laughs!). Whether you’ve been with us since episode one or joined somewhere along the way, this celebration is as much yours as it is mine. Thank you for being part of this incredible journey and this amazing community!

Tim reflects on the origins of the podcast, starting with an interview with John Bloomfield in 2015.

The evolution of the podcast's format and branding, from Tim Topham TV to the Creative Piano Teaching Podcast and beyond.

He highlights the launch of other podcasts under the TopMusic brand, including TopMusic Piano Podcast, TopMusic Guitar Podcast, and the new TopMusic AI podcast.

Tim shares the scariest part of starting his business: leaving stable income for an uncertain future.

How he transitioned from full-time teaching to focus fully on his membership business in 2016.

He emphasizes careful risk management and family support when taking big career leaps.

He shares some podcasting advice for podcasters.

Teaching and piano-related insights and advice for newbie teachers.

How TopMusic stays relevant and his 2025 business goal.

Tim's most rewarding milestone and the best business advice he received.

The most valuable part of TopMusicPro membership.

Nepal remains his favorite travel destination after a memorable trek to Everest Base Camp in the early 2000s.

If he weren’t a piano teacher, Tim would love to be a helicopter pilot.

A surprising fact is Tim’s love for cycling, often completing 100 km rides with fellow cyclists.

Tim as a DIY enthusiast, thanks to the skills passed down by his father.

How he enjoys humming basslines and wishes he had learned to play the bass guitar.

Why he loves relaxing to EDM music, finding it calming despite its high-energy nature.

His two Australian Mist cats, one of whom loves Chopin and often naps on the piano.

His bucket list, including obtaining a helicopter pilot’s license to fly his family to unique destinations.

His most adventurous experiences, which is trekking to Everest Base Camp in winter.

Links Mentioned

Interview with John Bloomfield | Taubman Workshops Brisbane

Tim Topham TV Test Recording

The Teach Piano Today Podcast Episode 15: How to use an iPad in your Piano Lessons

TTTV001: Student Composition Tactics with Daniel McFarlane

TopMusic Podcasts & Links

TopMusic Piano Podcast

TopMusic Guitar Podcast

TopMusic AI Podcast

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By Tim Topham

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