Repertoire can make or break a student’s motivation, and yet finding that just-right piece is one of the toughest parts of our job. In today’s episode, we’re having a chat with William Perry, the mastermind behind Piano Music Database, a powerful tool designed to help teachers discover ideal pieces using filters like rhythm, level, mood, and more. From public domain gems to modern compositions, this is a game-changer for anyone searching for truly personalized repertoire.

William shared a brief overview of his background as the creator of Piano Music Database.

How his own frustration with finding suitable repertoire led to creating the database.

Tim explained the importance of matching repertoire to student skill and motivation.

How the database helps teachers find “Goldilocks” pieces through specific search filters.

How Piano Music Database categorizes pieces by level, rhythm, concept, key, mood, and theme.

He emphasized the value of searching by musical concept rather than difficulty alone.

The seven-level system and how it provides broad guidance.

How the database supports teacher decision-making with curated recordings and purchasing links.

The importance of community contributions, including composer-submitted entries.

He encouraged teachers to use the database to explore lesser-known composers and repertoire.

The benefit of refining repertoire choices to improve retention and engagement.

Exclusive Discount for Podcast Listeners

Use the code TOPCAST25 to get 25% off your first year of a Piano Music Database Plus subscription (applicable on monthly and annual payments). Click here to subscribe and claim your discount.

Links Mentioned

William Perry's List of Favorite Pieces in Piano Music Database

Piano Music Database Website

Piano Music Database Facebook Page

Piano Music Database Facebook Group

Piano Music Database Instagram

Today's Guest

William Perry is a pianist, educator, keyboardist, organist, and the founder of Piano Music Database, an online platform that helps piano teachers find the best music for their students. He holds degrees in piano performance and pedagogy from Stetson University and Florida State University. As a soloist, William has performed across the U.S. and in Europe. He performs regularly as an electronic keyboardist for large-scale tribute shows, serves as the organist for Holy Trinity–St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, and is the collaborative pianist for the Young Professionals Choral Collective. He lives in Cincinnati, where he runs the Woodmont Piano Studio and teaches private piano lessons.

Today's Sponsor

Just a year ago, the German music publisher Bärenreiter celebrated its 100th anniversary. The story began modestly, with editions of folk songs and church music produced by the young founder, Karl Vötterle, in his parents’ living room. But the publishing house quickly expanded.

After the Second World War, Bärenreiter increasingly focused on scholarly-critical editions, growing into one of the world’s leading classical music publishers. While the company’s early Urtext publications centered on Mozart, Bach, and Schubert, its catalogue now includes over 10,000 titles, featuring works by composers such as Beethoven, Brahms, Chopin, Debussy, Fauré, Mendelssohn, Schumann, Ravel, Satie, and many others.

Bärenreiter's Urtext editions are prepared by renowned musicologists, with no effort spared in locating and evaluating all available sources. But providing a reliable musical text is only part of the mission. Each edition also includes prefaces and commentaries that explore the genesis of the works and address questions of performance practice. This enables musicians to place each composition in its historical context and develop a deeper understanding of the composer’s intentions.

Find out more about Bärenreiter here.

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

Too often, rote teaching is dismissed as basic or shallow. But in this episode with Laura Abshier, you’ll never see it the same way again. As one of our TopMusicSheets composers, Laura brings a fresh, imaginative approach to beginner teaching that's grounded in Music Learning Theory. We're going to explore her collection, learn how she uses movement, singing, and improvisation, and discover just how rich rote-based learning can be for young students.

Laura shared her experience designing creative, beginner-friendly rote pieces.

She explained how Music Learning Theory (MLT) shapes her composing and teaching.

The role of movement, singing, and aural prep before notation.

The importance of using simple rhythmic patterns in early pieces.

She explained the use of call-and-response formats and fist pieces for young learners.

Improvisation was highlighted as an essential, not optional part of the learning process.

Laura demonstrated multiple pieces and how to unpack and teach each one.

She encouraged teachers to reframe rote learning as deep, musical engagement.

How these pieces can spark student creativity and compositional thinking.

Freebie for Podcast Listeners

Download your Free Beginner Piece Variations - 30 ideas for your students to create variations of their pieces.

Links Mentioned

Laura's Website: Piano Artistry Studio

Laura's Music Cllections: PianoArtistryStudio.com/roots/

Laura's YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@RootsMusic88

Find out more about TopMusicSheets here.

Today's Guest

Laura Abshier enjoys the art of teaching and seeks to give engaging, systematic, and creative instruction to her piano students. She and her husband currently maintain a private piano studio, where her niche is teaching younger beginners. She has developed five rote collections over the past eight years. As a teacher of beginners, Laura recognized a need for engaging yet pedagogical pieces created specifically for young (and very young!) students. Laura earned her Master of Music in Piano Pedagogy at the University of Missouri, studying under Dr. Peter Miyamoto, and her Bachelor of Arts in Music at Millikin University, studying with Dr. Ronald YaDeau.

Today's Sponsor

Just a year ago, the German music publisher Bärenreiter celebrated its 100th anniversary. The story began modestly, with editions of folk songs and church music produced by the young founder, Karl Vötterle, in his parents’ living room. But the publishing house quickly expanded.

After the Second World War, Bärenreiter increasingly focused on scholarly-critical editions, growing into one of the world’s leading classical music publishers. While the company’s early Urtext publications centered on Mozart, Bach, and Schubert, its catalogue now includes over 10,000 titles, featuring works by composers such as Beethoven, Brahms, Chopin, Debussy, Fauré, Mendelssohn, Schumann, Ravel, Satie, and many others.

Bärenreiter's Urtext editions are prepared by renowned musicologists, with no effort spared in locating and evaluating all available sources. But providing a reliable musical text is only part of the mission. Each edition also includes prefaces and commentaries that explore the genesis of the works and address questions of performance practice. This enables musicians to place each composition in its historical context and develop a deeper understanding of the composer’s intentions.

Find out more about Bärenreiter here.

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

What if your role as a music teacher didn’t start and end with the method book? In this chat with Dr. Merlin Thompson, we're exploring how the curriculum models we choose can shape our students’ lifelong connection to music. From teacher-led to student-driven approaches and everything in between, Merlin offers a fresh perspective on how to rethink curriculum planning, repertoire, and even our own identity as teachers in the 21st century.

Tim welcomed Dr. Merlin Thompson, a respected music educator and curriculum specialist.

Merlin outlined four curriculum models: teacher-led, student-led, shared, and neurodiverse.

He explained how shifting models supports lifelong musical engagement.

They discussed the need to reframe teacher identity in today’s evolving music landscape.

How students can take the lead in lessons while still receiving expert guidance.

The importance of reflective teaching and adapting to students’ goals.

How repertoire choices and improvisation can support different models.

Teachers were encouraged to ask what musical activities their students will pursue as adults.

Merlin highlighted project-based learning as a way to deepen student connections to music.

He invited teachers to build community and continually reflect on their teaching values.

Links Mentioned

Merlin's Website: Teach Music 21C

Merlin's Book: More than Music Lessons

Teach Music 21C Instagram: @teachmusic21c

Teach Music 21C LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/teachmusic21c

Today's Guest

Award-winning music educator, pianist, author, keynote speaker, and podcast host, Dr. Merlin B. Thompson is a leading Canadian authority on music studio teaching and the visionary behind Teach Music 21C - a thriving community of music teachers focused on 21st century teaching tools. With nearly five decades of studio teaching experience and an international impact - including Canada, USA, Australia, New Zealand, China, and Finland - Merlin has inspired hundreds of teachers, students, and parents. His passions? Empowering music teachers with strategies that work in today’s evolving teaching landscape. And helping students to develop lifelong musical connections right from their first music lesson.

Today's Sponsor

Just a year ago, the German music publisher Bärenreiter celebrated its 100th anniversary. The story began modestly, with editions of folk songs and church music produced by the young founder, Karl Vötterle, in his parents’ living room. But the publishing house quickly expanded.

After the Second World War, Bärenreiter increasingly focused on scholarly-critical editions, growing into one of the world’s leading classical music publishers. While the company’s early Urtext publications centered on Mozart, Bach, and Schubert, its catalogue now includes over 10,000 titles, featuring works by composers such as Beethoven, Brahms, Chopin, Debussy, Fauré, Mendelssohn, Schumann, Ravel, Satie, and many others.

Bärenreiter's Urtext editions are prepared by renowned musicologists, with no effort spared in locating and evaluating all available sources. But providing a reliable musical text is only part of the mission. Each edition also includes prefaces and commentaries that explore the genesis of the works and address questions of performance practice. This enables musicians to place each composition in its historical context and develop a deeper understanding of the composer’s intentions.

Find out more about Bärenreiter here.

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

If you've ever wondered what exactly an Urtext edition is, or why it matters, you’re not alone. Today, I'm chatting with musicologist and editor Dr Mario Aschauer to explore what goes into creating these “original” scores and why they’re more complex and more fascinating than they first appear. From Beethoven’s messy handwriting to Mozart myths, this episode will open your eyes to how much history, detective work, and musical curiosity is wrapped into every note.

Dr. Mario Aschauer explained musicology as the study of all aspects of music.

He shared how his performance background led him into scholarly editing.

The value of figured bass and continuo in modern training was discussed.

Tim asked what makes an Urtext edition trustworthy or problematic.

Mario emphasized that Urtext is a starting point, not an absolute truth.

He explained why even beginners can benefit from using Urtext editions.

The conversation highlighted editorial interpretation and creative freedom.

Mario debunked common misconceptions about the ‘sacredness’ of Urtext.

He shared behind-the-scenes stories of editing Beethoven and Mozart scores.

How performance practice, research, and editing intertwine.

Teachers were encouraged to explore the stories and context behind the scores.

Links Mentioned

Dr Mario Aschauer's website: mario-aschauer.info

Dr Mario Aschauer's YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/marioaschauer

Harmonia Stellarum Houston

Today's Guest

Dr. Mario Aschauer is an Austrian-born musicologist, conductor, and harpsichordist renowned for his work at the intersection of music scholarship and performance. He currently serves as Associate Professor of Musicology at Sam Houston State University, where he also directs the Center for Early Music Research and Performance.

In addition to performing internationally as a specialist in historical keyboards and Austrian Baroque repertoire, Aschauer is a prolific editor of Urtext editions for publishers like Bärenreiter, including works by Beethoven, Mozart, and Schubert.

He is the founder and artistic director of Harmonia Stellarum Houston and author of the influential book German Keyboard Treatises in the Second Half of the Eighteenth Century. Holding degrees from the University of Vienna and the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna, he has also held research roles at the Austrian Academy of Sciences and Yale School of Music, with ongoing interests in performance practice, editorial process, and the compositional sketches of Anton Bruckner.

Today's Sponsor

Just a year ago, the German music publisher Bärenreiter celebrated its 100th anniversary. The story began modestly, with editions of folk songs and church music produced by the young founder, Karl Vötterle, in his parents’ living room. But the publishing house quickly expanded.

After the Second World War, Bärenreiter increasingly focused on scholarly-critical editions, growing into one of the world’s leading classical music publishers. While the company’s early Urtext publications centered on Mozart, Bach, and Schubert, its catalogue now includes over 10,000 titles, featuring works by composers such as Beethoven, Brahms, Chopin, Debussy, Fauré, Mendelssohn, Schumann, Ravel, Satie, and many others.

Bärenreiter's Urtext editions are prepared by renowned musicologists, with no effort spared in locating and evaluating all available sources. But providing a reliable musical text is only part of the mission. Each edition also includes prefaces and commentaries that explore the genesis of the works and address questions of performance practice. This enables musicians to place each composition in its historical context and develop a deeper understanding of the composer’s intentions.

Find out more about Bärenreiter here.

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

I’m so excited to finally share something we’ve been working on for a long time—our brand new TopMusic Courses platform. This isn’t just a redesign; it’s a complete rethinking of how we support teachers with practical, inspiring, and flexible professional development. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your skills, reignite your teaching mojo, or explore something totally new, there’s a course waiting for you—and now you don’t need a membership to access it.

Tim introduced the new TopMusic Courses platform for teacher PD.

He explained it’s a standalone platform, separate from the membership.

The platform offers on-demand, expert-led courses across key teaching topics.

Tim shared that many teachers feel overwhelmed and want simple course access.

He emphasized the flexibility of self-paced learning with one-time payments.

The value of PD was compared to an investment that multiplies returns.

He encouraged teachers to view online learning as part of their creative growth.

The platform supports piano, guitar, and soon, more instruments.

Tim invited teachers to explore the site and try one idea in one lesson.

Links Mentioned

Click here to find out more about TopMusic Courses and use TOPCOURSE50 upon checkout to get 50% off any course.

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

Too often, I see well-meaning parents unknowingly limiting their child’s potential by holding onto outdated ideas of what music lessons should be. In this episode, I’m sharing a personal message I wrote to help shift that mindset—an open letter to piano parents. It’s a heartfelt invitation to move beyond exam-driven expectations and embrace a more creative, joyful, and lasting approach to learning music. Drawing on my own experiences and conversations with educators around the world, I’ll share why it’s time to rethink how we define success in music education.

• Tim shared his open letter to help parents support modern music education.
• He explained the shift from exam-based to creative learning in piano teaching.
• The value of music lessons goes beyond exams and competitions.
• He emphasized the long-term benefits of music on brain development and life skills.
• Tim outlined the real costs—time, energy, money—involved in music education.
• He warned against the “exam express” that can lead to student burnout.
• The importance of curiosity, creativity, and relevance in music lessons was discussed.
• Tim encouraged parents to trust teachers using new, student-focused approaches.
• He urged parents not to push exams unless guided by the teacher.
• Tim highlighted that lifelong musical enjoyment should be the real goal.

Links Mentioned

• An Open Letter to Parents of Piano Students
• Contact us at [email protected]

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

In this episode, we’re chatting with TopMusicSheets composer Anna Robinson for a deep dive into the teaching strategies behind her engaging, pedagogy-rich pieces. Anna shares how her compositions are often sparked by her students’ needs, interests, and even their pets—and how fun, pattern-based writing can make tricky concepts more accessible. We explore how she uses rhythm phrases, movement, and articulation from the very first lesson, and how her journey from arts administration to full-time teaching and composing has shaped her creative voice. If you’ve ever wanted to bring more musical storytelling and intention into your teaching, this masterclass is full of practical, inspiring takeaways.

Anna shared how her pet-themed compositions were inspired by connecting with students’ pets during lockdown.

The use of phrases like “ice cream for breakfast” to help students internalize tricky rhythms.

The importance of tailoring rhythm games and phrases to each student’s interests.

How she integrates movement and conducting to teach articulation and phrasing.

Why she considers herself a pedagogical composer, writing with specific teaching goals in mind.

How modulation and pivot chords are introduced naturally in her compositions.

Tim noted how Anna’s left-hand writing often uses patterns that look complex but are easy to teach and break down.

How composing often begins as a response to a specific student need or learning gap.

Modeling creativity and improvisation during lessons as a way to normalize student composition.

Anna's advice to teachers and composers.

Links Mentioned

Anna's website: Flying Ivories Music

Anna's YouTube Channel: Flying Ivories Music

Find more about TopMusicSheets here.

Download the latest TopMusic Magazine edition here.

Today's Guest

Anna Robinson started learning the piano at age 6 and flute at age 12. After graduating in Mathematics from University College London, she worked in administrative roles in classical music in London for several years before moving to Melbourne and working in the world of opera and artist management. After gaining performing and teaching diplomas in piano, Anna left the opera world to focus on teaching. Her student roster quickly grew, and she currently teaches at two government schools whilst maintaining a busy home studio. An experienced accompanist, Anna enjoys collaborating with fellow musicians of all ages and welcomes further opportunities to perform in this special supportive role. She regularly accompanies AMEB and VCE exam candidates; at eisteddfods and auditions; for choirs, musicals, school ensembles and instrumental teachers’ studio concerts.

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

In today’s show, I’m walking you through exactly how to set up automated monthly billing in your music studio, a change I made that’s saved me hours of admin time and created consistent, predictable income. I’ll break down the full process step by step, from calculating your rates to including admin expenses and using software to automate the entire system. If you’ve been curious about making the switch, this episode will help you get started with confidence.

Tim shared his personal experience switching to monthly billing in his own studio.

The benefits of monthly billing, including consistent income and automated payments.

How this model removes the need for invoicing and chasing late payments.

The importance of using software like My Music Staff to streamline billing.

The 4-step process of setting up monthly billing.

Tim encouraged teachers not to undercharge and to price confidently based on their value.

He suggested bundling costs like recital fees and materials into the monthly charge for simplicity.

The value of automation was emphasized—once set up, teachers no longer worry about billing.

Links Mentioned

Download your Free Monthly Billing Template

Find more about Fons here

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

In this episode, I’m joined by returning guest Dr. David Cutler, an award-winning composer, pianist, educator, and one of the world’s leading voices in arts entrepreneurship. David is back to share fresh insights from his upcoming book, The Savvy Musician 2.0. We explore how music teachers can amplify their income, impact, and inspiration while building innovative and fulfilling careers. From creative performance practice to defining your unique niche, this conversation is packed with bold ideas to help you grow as both an educator and entrepreneur.

David shared his new book The Savvy Musician 2.0, a sequel to his widely influential original.

Why success is not about choosing between money and meaning but about aligning all three.

He highlighted that being “savvy” means being strategic, creative, and intentional.

The value of cross-industry inspiration as key to fresh thinking and innovation in music education.

How listening to diverse stories helped him discover unexpected, deeply inspiring ideas for the book.

David noted that innovation often comes from applying ideas in new contexts.

He challenged the perception that classical musicians should only recreate composers’ intent.

The concept of Creative Performance Practice, which invites students to co-create with composers.

How teachers can help students build ownership and decision-making by embracing creativity.

The limitations of popular terms like “entrepreneur” or “innovator” and why “savvy” is more inclusive.

He encouraged music teachers to ask better questions that unlock bold, unconventional answers.

David predicted that by 2050, music education will rely on immersive virtual environments and AI, but human creativity will remain irreplaceable.

He emphasized that savvy teachers of the future will be those who help students develop the human skills that technology can’t replicate.

Guest Links Mentioned

David's Website: SavvyMusician.com

David's Book: The Savvy Musician 2.0: Amplifying Impact, Income, and Inspiration

David's Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/drdavidcutler

David's LinkedIn Profile: www.linkdin.com/in/davidjcutler

The Puzzler Company

Links Mentioned

TTTV043: Building Impact and Income with David Cutler

TopCast 412: Cracking the Code: Studio Business Lessons from My Chiropractor

TopCast 416: Bundling: How to Position Your Music Studio for Value, Not Price

If you’d like to read David’s full article, download your copy of TopMusic Magazine, free at topmusic.co/magazine.

Today's Guest

An award-winning, multi-genre composer, pianist, and Yamaha Master Educator, Dr. David Cutler balances a varied career as a speaker, author, consultant, facilitator, and educator. One of the world’s leading voices on arts entrepreneurship training, Cutler’s acclaimed books—which provide tools for amplifying income, impact, and innovation—have shaped a generation of artists. His upcoming publication The Savvy Musician 2.0 (to be released July 2025) will be the most comprehensive resource yet on music careers and entrepreneurship.

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

Today, I’m diving into one of the most effective ways to stand out in a crowded teaching market: bundling. If you’ve ever felt pressured to lower your rates to compete with the teacher down the street, this strategy is for you. I’ll show you how to reframe your offer so families focus on the value and experience you provide—not just your hourly rate. From lesson extras and welcome packs to creative group events, bundling can transform how your studio is perceived and help you confidently charge what you're worth.

Tim explained that lowering prices isn’t the solution—raising your value is.

He shared that parents often compare studios on price when all the offerings seem the same.

The importance of differentiation either through your lesson experience or bundled offerings.

Identifying your “zone of genius” and build their studio around what energizes them.

How to structure standout lessons like focusing on specific students or unique teaching methods.

Bundling as a strategy to include extras like group classes, welcome packs, and app subscriptions.

Why bundling shifts the conversation from “Why so expensive?” to “Wow, that includes everything?”

Marketing your studio as a full musical experience and not just a service.

Real-world examples of how to reframe your pricing with bundled value and perks.

Links Mentioned

Make More, Teach Less with Pairs, Buddies and Labs Course

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