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By Tim Topham
4.8
129129 ratings
The podcast currently has 702 episodes available.
The most played episodes among Podcast App listeners.

How will future generations experience and value classical music? In this episode, world-renowned conductor Benjamin Zander of the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra joins Tim to discuss the direction of classical music and the influence of the music teaching industry. He shares about speaking at Ted Talks, with anecdotes of Boston Philharmonic Symphony musicians and students of the Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. [3:14] The responsibility of music teachers [5:45] Being part of the "healing profession" [6:30] Our job as teachers [7:03] the impact of Beethoven and emotion in classical music [8:50] the significance of the upcoming Boston Philharmonic Symphony repertoire [10:00] What to say when you make a mistake [12:48] The responsibility of the conductor [14:30] breaking down the formality of classical music [20:05] The depth of classical music when we turn off autopilot [22:09] Boston Philharmonic during covid [23:05] Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra students [29:30] On transitioning from performing to conducting [39:23] Helping students remove extra impulses [43:00] Who we are being in the world [45:50] How the "A method" might work in instrumental studio lessons [53:22] Last word from Benjamin Zander Links Mentioned Benjamin Zander Website Benjamin Zander Ted Talk The Art of Possibility Book Related: Fun Classical Piano Arrangements Today's Guest Benjamin Zander founded the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra in 1978 and has appeared as guest conductor with orchestras around the world. In 2012, Zander founded the Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. He also served as a longstanding faculty member at New England Conservatory. Conductor Zander is known internationally as a master teacher and speaker on leadership, featured at the Davos World Economic Forum, to the Ted Talk stage, and in documentaries on PBS. He uses music to help people open their minds and create joyful harmonies that bring out the best in themselves and their colleagues. 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.

As a teacher, it is so inevitable to get that one student who makes you rethink your role as a teacher – students who like teaching themselves on YouTube, doing rote learning, and who are just really out of the box. I’ve had that experience. And I know many teachers see this in their studios as well. So what do we do when our roles as teachers are threatened? In this episode, Tim gives us explanations ad examples of what we can do and why we should do it. * [01:34] Knowing your role as a teacher when you have a student who wants to learn independently through YouTube or rote learning. * [03:16] Changing your mindset and approach to guide your students better in what they’re doing. * [04:39] Examples of what you can do with students to guide and support them in their learning. * [06:05] Why autonomy is so important for a student’s success. * [07:57] Teaching teens and adult students based on their goals in learning. * [08:43] Tim shares Forrest Kinney’s experience on teaching a student who wanted to learn only the Beatles. * [10:22] Ti’m’s experience on teaching a student who was ready to quit learning piano. * [11:41] How to put autonomy within the bounds of your teaching approach. * [12:12] What to do with a student who’s fixated on one thing. * [14:43] Should students be taught how to read right away? * [16:45] Tips on guiding and inspiring students to learn how to read. * [19:23] Ideas on handling students. Links Mentioned * TopMusicPro membersip 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.As a teacher, it is so inevitable to get that one student who makes you rethink your role as a teacher – students who like teaching themselves on YouTube, doing rote learning, and who are just really out of the box. I’ve had that experience. And I know many teachers see this in their studios as well. So what do we do when our roles as teachers are threatened? In this episode, Tim gives us explanations ad examples of what we can do and why we should do it. * [01:34] Knowing your role as a teacher when you have a student who wants to learn independently through YouTube or rote learning. * [03:16] Changing your mindset and approach to guide your students better in what they’re doing. * [04:39] Examples of what you can do with students to guide and support them in their learning. * [06:05] Why autonomy is so important for a student’s success. * [07:57] Teaching teens and adult students based on their goals in learning. * [08:43] Tim shares Forrest Kinney’s experience on teaching a student who wanted to learn only the Beatles. * [10:22] Ti’m’s experience on teaching a student who was ready to quit learning piano. * [11:41] How to put autonomy within the bounds of your teaching approach. * [12:12] What to do with a student who’s fixated on one thing. * [14:43] Should students be taught how to read right away? * [16:45] Tips on guiding and inspiring students to learn how to read. * [19:23] Ideas on handling students. Links Mentioned * TopMusicPro membersip Thank you for tuning in! Consider implementing the ideas from this podcast by writing several actionable steps for your teaching practice if it’s inspi...

When Mayron Cole started teaching piano in groups, no one was doing it. She made up her own activities, learnt as she went, and gradually created her own curriculum which is now used in piano studios all over the world. Mayron is here today to share her wisdom from 38 years of group teaching. From transfer students, to headphones, to studio policies – she has heaps of tips for you. Learn about the ins and outs of teaching in groups and make your studio a success by listening to this episode. If you’re considering the switch to group teaching (or already teach in groups) then this is essential listening. Transcript If you’d like to download a PDF transcript of this episode, please click below. Inner Circle Members: You can access your PDF download now from the Resource Library. Not a member? In this episode, you’ll learn * How Mayron got started with group piano teaching * Why she thinks group lessons are far superior to individual * How and why Mayron first set up her strict studio policies * Why transfer students are much harder than brand new students * How Mayron handles transfer students and finds their level * Why a digital piano can be better than an acoustic * The place of headphones in group lessons * How to organise groups by age and ability * The format and structure of Mayron’s group lessons Links Mentioned * Mayron Cole Group Method website * How to Change to Monthly Billing for Piano Lessons Get $100 off Annual Inner Circle Membership As a valued podcast listener, you’re eligible for a $100 discount on an annual Inner Circle Membership. This discount lasts for as long as you’re a member and whatever price you sign up for today is the price you’ll pay as long as you remain a member. Copy this coupon code to use when you see the “Coupon Code” box: PIANOPODCAST. Thank you for Tuning In! There are a lot of podcasts you could be tuning into today, and I’m grateful that you’ve chosen mine. Whether you’re at the gym, on the bike or in the car, I know that you and your students will get lots out of what you learn in the long run. Just make sure you try out some of the ideas before they get lost in the business of your next lessons! If you enjoyed today’s show, please share it by using the social media buttons on the left of the page. Also, kindly consider taking the 60-seconds it takes to leave an honest review and rating for the podcast on iTunes or on my Facebook page. Reviews are extremely helpful when it comes to show’s ranking and you can bet that I read every single one of them personally. Lastly, don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, to get automatic updates every time a new episode goes live. Are you considering teaching in groups? What top tip will you be implementing from Mayron’s advice? Is there anything you disagree with her about? When Mayron Cole started teaching piano in groups, no one was doing it. She made up her own activities, learnt as she went, and gradually created her own curriculum which is now used in piano studios all over the world. Mayron is here today to share her wisdom from 38 years of group teaching. From transfer students, to headphones, to studio policies – she has heaps of tips for you. Learn about the ins and outs of teaching in groups and make your studio a success by listening...

Teach lead sheets and your students will be more likely to be lifelong pianists. In fact, Susan Deas surveyed teachers and found that 90% thought teaching lead sheets was useful skill. Cultivating a love of music and keeping students playing was also rated as a primary focus, and most teachers thought lead sheets would help with this. So why are many of us still not fitting this creative skill into our lessons? Susan Deas takes a practical, straight-forward approach to lead sheet playing. Her book, Improvisation for Classically Trained Pianists, breaks down this skill into a truly step-by-step process. As Susan says: “Don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good, have a go!”. Jump in to episode 77 and find out how you can teach lead sheets in your studio. Transcript If you’d like to download a PDF transcript of this episode, please click below. Inner Circle Members: You can access your PDF download now from the Resource Library. Not a member? In this episode, you’ll learn * The difference between a chord chart and a lead sheet * Why Susan set out to research the area of improvisation * What Susan found out about teachers’ attitudes to creativity * Why teachers don’t teach lead sheets, and why they should * How to get piano parents on board with improvisation * How Susan prepares young students for lead sheet playing * What you can do to fit more improv into your piano lessons * Susan’s top tips for how to teach lead sheets Links Mentioned * Improvisation for Classically Trained Pianists * Susan’s chord resources * What’s the Difference between a Chord Chart and a Lead Sheet * The Ultimate Guide to Left Hand Piano Styles & Patterns Get $100 off Annual Inner Circle Membership As a valued podcast listener, you’re eligible for a $100 discount on an annual Inner Circle Membership. This discount lasts for as long as you’re a member and whatever price you sign up for today is the price you’ll pay as long as you remain a member. Copy this coupon code to use when you see the “Coupon Code” box: PIANOPODCAST. Thank you for Tuning In! There are a lot of podcasts you could be tuning into today, and I’m grateful that you’ve chosen mine. Whether you’re at the gym, on the bike or in the car, I know that you and your students will get lots out of what you learn in the long run. Just make sure you try out some of the ideas before they get lost in the business of your next lessons! If you enjoyed today’s show, please share it by using the social media buttons on the left of the page. Also, kindly consider taking the 60-seconds it takes to leave an honest review and rating for the podcast on iTunes. Reviews are extremely helpful when it comes to show’s ranking and you can bet that I read eve...

Have you ever considered teaching Skype lessons? Teaching piano online can be a fantastic way to fill daytime teaching hours, or a solution for snow days and other emergencies. It can be intimidating though. You may feel like you would need a ton of technology and gadgets to do it effectively. Not necessarily so! You don’t need to break the bank, or completely change the way you teach to start teaching online. It’s easy to get started with just a minimum of equipment and time. I’ve invited Melody Payne onto the podcast today to share her tips for getting started stressfree and on a budget. Melody started teaching Skype lessons about four years ago, and has seen it work just as well as in studio lessons. Melody has some great advice that can get you teaching online right away, tune in to find out what you need to get started! Transcript Please find a full transcript of this episode at the bottom of this page. Alternatively, click below to download a PDF. If you are an Inner Circle Member, you can find the full video and transcript in the Member Resources Area. Not a member? See below for how you can get $50 off your membership today. In this episode, you’ll learn * How Melody got started with skype piano teaching * The biggest advantage of online lessons * The biggest drawback of online lessons * What you need to get started * The hardest part about teaching online * How the parent can help in online piano teaching * How to make sure the resources you need are available Links Mentioned * Melody’s website * Melody’s Piano Studio on Facebook * Logitech C920 Webcam * iReal Pro iPad app * Best iPad Apps for Piano Teachers * Prima Music This month’s sponsor Does the idea of teaching online music lessons seem a bit daunting? Do you know what equipment and technology you need to teach a successful online lesson? Do you know how to set up and use your equipment? What about finding students? Or getting paid? Or setting up your policy? Or knowing which activities can be successful in an online lesson? Are there specific teaching tips you should use for online lessons? How about pros and cons of online teaching? Or troubleshooting when something goes wrong? Do you ever think, “I could never teach on Skype because I’m afraid of using technology during piano lessons” or “I wish I could stop teaching so many makeup lessons”, or “I’m moving soon and I don’t want to leave all of my students behind!” or “I wish I had more students to fill the rest of my teaching schedule” …. then these videos are just what you have been looking for! Put your fears behind you and learn to be a successful and confident online teacher with the step-by-step information included in my training video series, “Learn to Teach Music Lessons on Skype”. Learn what equipment you will need, where to purchase it, how to set it up, the pros and cons of online lessons, how to teach an online lesson, and much more in this 85-minute training session. Extras:
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