Is Your Teaching System Broken?

You’re not a bad teacher — and you’re not a bad business owner. But if you’re burnt out, overbooked, and stuck in the 30-minute lesson grind, it might be time to question the system you’ve inherited. In this episode, we explore why the "default" model for music lessons isn’t working for most teachers — and how you can redesign your studio to serve both your students and yourself better. It’s time to stop surviving and start teaching with purpose.

Find out more about membership at vibrantmusicteaching.com.

Do you have parents in your studio who feel lost when it comes to helping their child practice—because they “can’t read music” or “aren’t musical”? In this episode, we break down why musical training isn’t a requirement for being a great practice partner. Discover practical strategies to empower all parents, bust limiting beliefs, and build strong practice routines that help students thrive—no matter the parent's background. Plus, learn how small actions and the right resources (like Practice Pie) can transform family support into student success.

Find out more about membership at vibrantmusicteaching.com.

Growing a thriving music teaching studio takes more than just being a great teacher. In this episode, I share seven essential steps to set your studio up for long-term success—from defining your unique identity, creating clear policies, and building smooth systems, to keeping parents engaged and going easy on yourself. Whether you’re starting fresh or scaling your current studio, these strategies will help you build a sustainable, rewarding teaching business.

Find out more about membership at vibrantmusicteaching.com.

🎨 Let the Paint Dry: The Art of Layered Learning in Music Lessons

Ever tried painting a room, your nails, or furniture—only to ruin it by rushing the layers? In this episode, we explore how the same mistake shows up in music teaching. From trying to fix everything at once in a student’s performance to spending too long on one activity, we unpack the temptation to "do it all now" and why that often backfires. Discover how pacing, patience, and the power of interleaved practice can transform your lessons and your students' progress. It’s time to stop piling on layers—and start letting the paint dry. 🎶

Find out more about membership at vibrantmusicteaching.com.

Are you telling instead of teaching? In this episode, I dive into the #1 mistake I see teachers making in their lessons — defaulting to telling students information instead of truly guiding their learning. I’ll share four practical strategies you can use right away to shift from telling to teaching, from asking curious questions to recording and reviewing your own lessons. If you’ve ever caught yourself talking at your students instead of engaging with them, this one’s for you.

Find out more about membership at vibrantmusicteaching.com.

Ever catch yourself doing a subtle sniff check in public—and realize it's not so subtle? In this episode, we explore how that awkward moment mirrors the way many music teachers overthink their policies. From endless "what ifs" around makeup lessons to over-complicated fee structures, we unpack how trying to cover every scenario only creates confusion and stress. What if... we stopped doing that? Let’s talk simplicity, clarity, and why less really can be more.

Find out more about membership at vibrantmusicteaching.com.

Is My Child "Musical Enough" for Piano Lessons? 🎹

Many parents wonder if their child is “talented” or “musical” before starting lessons—but that’s the wrong question. In this episode, I share why every child is musical, why calling students “talented” can be misleading, and how skill really comes from practice, nurture, and persistence. If you’ve ever worried about natural ability vs. hard work when it comes to music learning, this conversation will reframe how you think about musical growth—for kids and adults alike.

Find out more about membership at vibrantmusicteaching.com.

When was the last time you learned something completely new? In this episode, I share five surprising lessons from my journey learning to knit—and how they connect directly to effective piano teaching. From embracing the energy of new beginnings to knowing when it's time to plateau, we’ll explore how trying something outside your specialty can give you fresh insight, deeper empathy, and practical strategies for helping your students thrive.

Find out more about membership at vibrantmusicteaching.com.

🎹 What Makes a Piano Student Truly Successful?

Sure, they practice—but that’s not the whole story. In this episode, I reveal 8 powerful (and surprisingly doable) habits that set top piano students apart. From planning smarter practice sessions to the real reason hands-together playing works, these “secrets” are the game-changers most students miss.

Find out more about membership at vibrantmusicteaching.com.

Ever felt a twinge of envy when another teacher says they only work with super-talented, competitive students? In this episode, I unpack why that’s not the dream for me — and why teaching beginners, fostering well-rounded musicians, and embracing variety is not only more rewarding, but more impactful. Whether you're rethinking your studio goals or feeling pressure to “level up” your student roster, this is your permission slip to define success your way.

Find out more about membership at vibrantmusicteaching.com.