🎧 3 Big Lies Music Teachers Believe (and How They Hurt Your Studio)

Hey, beautiful teachers! In this episode, we’re busting three harmful myths many music teachers unknowingly believe—like treating method books or exam syllabi as a full curriculum, chasing more students instead of sustainable income, and thinking running a business makes you less of an artist. Let’s break these down, talk solutions, and set your studio up for real success—without burnout. 💥

Find out more about membership at vibrantmusicteaching.com.

Teaching young learners can be joyful and tricky! In this episode, I’m sharing five powerful tips to help your youngest students thrive—while keeping your lessons fun and engaging. From using games and creative theory to working with parents and breaking skills into bite-sized steps, this is your roadmap to more playful, productive teaching.

Find out more about membership at vibrantmusicteaching.com.

Why Kids Really Quit Piano – And How to Stop It

Kids don’t quit piano because they’re not musical or talented — the real reasons go much deeper. After 20+ years of teaching and working with educators worldwide, I’ve uncovered the true, often-overlooked causes behind student dropouts. In this episode, we break down the 7 key reasons kids quit (hint: it’s not about ability or interest) and explore actionable strategies for parents and teachers to keep kids engaged, progressing, and loving music for the long term. Let’s shift the narrative and help more kids stay the course.

Find out more about membership at vibrantmusicteaching.com.

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.