The TopCast: The Official Music Teachers' Podcast

426: How Ambre Hammond Makes ASTONISHING Progress Teaching Scales in Lesson 1!


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What if your beginner students could master all 24 scales in just a few weeks? Today, I’m chatting with the incredible Ambre Hammond, whose high-energy, no-limits approach to piano teaching is turning heads and transforming students. We dive into how she introduces advanced technique from lesson one, keeps things joyful and motivating, and uses creative challenges to make even Hanon exercises exciting. If you’ve ever wondered how to spark faster progress and deeper engagement in your students, this conversation will give you plenty to think about.
  • Ambre shared a brief overview of her background and her unique approach to teaching.
  • How she introduces all 24 scales from lesson one, even with beginners.
  • She emphasized that the way teachers frame difficulty affects student mindset.
  • The value of using simplified classics and Bach early on was highlighted.
  • How she makes scales and technique fun, using imagination and humor.
  • She explained her use of games, timing challenges, and playful psychological tricks.
  • The importance of strong parent involvement and a supportive studio culture was discussed.
  • Ambre emphasized setting high expectations regardless of age or level.
  • How she motivates students with goal-setting, performance, and creative rewards.
  • Her early training, being homeschooled and taught by her mother.
  • The role of inspiration, joy, and student-teacher connection was central to her philosophy.
  • Tim and Ambre explored why challenging students unlocks their musical potential.

  • Guest Links Mentioned
    • Ambre's website: www.ambrehammond.com
    • Ambre's Instagram page: @ambrepianist and @ambreteacher
    • Ambre's YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@ambrepianist
    • Ambre's Facebook Page: Elite Piano School

    • Links Mentioned
      • Find out more about TopMusicSheets here.
      • Join the upcoming Spotlight Session with Nicola Cantan - find out more here.

      • Today's Guest
        Classical pianist, Ambre Hammond, completed her Associate and Licentiate Diplomas in Piano as an eleven year old, while being home-schooled in Moss Vale, Australia. Her debut with orchestra at age 16 was playing the Concerto No. 3 by Rachmaninoff with the Orquesta Sinfonica de Cordoba in Argentina as part of her first prize in the International Music Competition of Cordoba. More recently, Ambre has added composing to her list of accomplishments. She has released two albums of compositions for solo piano. Ambre is in demand as a motivational speaker, with regular appearances at venues throughout Australia. She has also had speaking engagements in America, and most recently (2018) was the keynote speaker for Corning Gorilla Glass in Singapore.
        Today's Sponsor
        Piano Marvel is an innovative piano education platform designed to empower piano teachers and inspire students. Blending traditional methods with cutting-edge technology, Piano Marvel offers powerful tools to streamline teaching, track student progress, and enhance learning outcomes in both in-person and online lessons.
        With a digital piano connected via USB, MIDI, or microphone mode, students gain instant feedback on their playing, build essential skills like sight-reading, rhythm, and ear-training, and stay motivated with real-time scoring and gamified learning. Teachers can assign exercises, monitor progress remotely, and access detailed analytics to tailor instruction more effectively.
        The platform features the Standard Assessment of Sight Reading (SASR)—the world’s only standardized sight-reading test—and a robust Music Library of over 30,000 songs, from classical to contemporary hits. Its three unique modes—Practice, Play, and Learn—support every learning style, helping students progress confidently at their own pace.
        Whether you’re teaching beginners or advanced students, Piano Marvel provides a flexible, engaging, and time-saving solution for modern piano studios.
        Piano Marvel: revolutionizing piano teaching, one student at a time. To learn more, visit pianomarvel.com.
        Thank you for tuning in!
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        The TopCast: The Official Music Teachers' PodcastBy Tim Topham

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