September 29, 2025

434: Is Teaching Pop Music Less Valuable Than Classical?

28 minutes

Back in 2014, I set up a mic, hit record, and created my very first online course to help teachers feel confident teaching pop music. That course became PianoFlix, and it was the beginning of everything that would eventually grow into the TopMusicPro community. In this solo episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes to share how it all started, why it still matters today, and what makes this course one of my proudest creations.

Tim reflected on the early days of creating his first online course to help teachers teach pop music.

He explained how teacher feedback sparked the idea for what became PianoFlix.

The importance of teaching pop music as a gateway to deeper engagement and theory understanding.

How the success of PianoFlix Course led to the creation of TopMusicPro.

Tim shared the original sales ad and Module 1 from the PianoFlix Course.

How the course was intentionally designed to be evergreen and still relevant today.

How attitudes toward pop music in piano education have shifted significantly since 2015.

The value of practical, pedagogically-sound pop instruction was reinforced throughout.

Tim outlined all 8 modules of the PianoFlix course, including rearranging and lead sheet strategies.

Links Mentioned

Watch the PianoFlix sales ad in YouTube here

Purchase the PianoFlix Course here

Find out more about TopMusic Courses

Download your latest TopMusic Magazine here

Today’s Sponsor

RSL Awards is leading the next generation of creativity. We are an international Awarding Organisation, creating qualifications in music, performing arts, and creative industries subjects.

Our vision is to help teachers and students within the creative arts sector through a range of innovative, relevant, and rewarding resources and qualifications. This includes our flagship Rockschool graded resources for piano.

The new edition of Rockschool Piano offers a holistic approach to piano education, shaped around the needs of today’s musicians. Exploring five centuries of music, from classical to classic rock, this genre-spanning syllabus features an expansive mix of popular Hit Tunes, bespoke Rockschool Originals, and brand-new suites of technical study, all packed with class-leading technology.

Find out more about RSL Awards here.

RSL Online Shop

Pre-Order the New Rockschool Piano Syllabus

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 Mondays 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

...more

View all episodes

By Tim Topham

4.8

129129 ratings