What happens when you bring piano lessons into a prison? Florence Phillips shares how a personal connection to the justice system led her to start a music program inside a Pennsylvania prison. With no template and plenty of obstacles, she built something powerful from scratch. Florence opens up about the messy first class, the transformation that followed, and the impact music had on her students and on herself. This is an episode about resilience, creativity, and what it really means to teach with purpose.

Florence shared an overview of her multi-teacher piano studio.

How a loved one’s incarceration opened her eyes to life inside prison.

She discovered that there were no music programs post-COVID at a nearby facility.

The logistical challenge of not being allowed to bring anything inside—not even a pen or notebook.

How she prepared by sending lesson plans in advance and staying flexible.

She shared about her first class feeling chaotic, with mixed levels and little structure.

How she almost quit, but support from colleagues pushed her to try again.

How her second class improved after she set clear goals and expectations.

Structuring a routine with solo sharing, group work, and one-on-one help.

How clapping and celebration slowly became natural for the group.

Florence shared that the music gave the men something to look forward to and feel proud of.

She reflected that teaching in prison changed her deeply.

Links Mentioned

Florence's website: Florence Phillips Music

Florence's Instagram page: @florence_phillips_music

Florence's Facebook page: Florence Phillips Music

Today's Guest

Florence Phillips is a pianist and educator based in Chester County, Pennsylvania. She founded her private studio in 2020 and works with a diverse range of students—from young beginners to advanced adults—providing a welcoming, creative, and supportive environment for musical growth.

A native of West Chester, Florence is passionate about enriching her community through music. She holds both a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in Piano Pedagogy, the former from West Chester University, where she currently serves as an adjunct professor in the Wells School of Music. In addition to her university work, she teaches group piano classes at SCI Phoenix and remains active as a church musician.

With over a decade of performance experience, Florence has appeared as a soloist, collaborative pianist, and orchestral performer. Her repertoire includes virtuosic works such as Balakirev’s Islamey, Ravel’s Ondine, and Saint-Saëns’ Piano Concerto No. 2 in G Minor, which she performed with the WCU Symphony Orchestra.

Outside of her musical pursuits, Florence enjoys spending time with her large extended family, exploring her hometown, and traveling with her daughter.

About Rachel Ehring

Dr. Rachel Ehring is a pianist, teacher, music administrator, and lover of piano teaching gadgets. She holds a DMA in Collaborative Piano from the University of Colorado Boulder and a MM in Accompanying from the University of Kansas. She currently serves as Director at St. John’s Conservatory of the Arts in Orange County, CA. Previously, she held positions at Concordia University Irvine and Henderson State University. Rachel is passionate about empowering music teachers to create engaging and exciting lessons for students of all ages. When she isn’t playing the piano, you might find Rachel reading books with her son or walking her beagle Frieda.

Visit her website at RachelEhring.com

Visit her Instagram page: @rachelehring

Visit her YouTube channel: @dreamlavendermusic6694

Visit her Etsy shop at Dream Lavender Music

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.

TopMusicPro 14-Day Free Trial

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What if the key to reconnecting with your creativity wasn’t more discipline—but less pressure? In this episode, pianist and writer Rhonda Rizzo invites us to let go of perfectionism and the constant stream of “shoulds” that often weigh down music teachers and performers. She shares how returning to beloved repertoire, collaborating with composers, and giving herself permission to simply play helped her rediscover joy at the piano. Whether you’re feeling stuck, uninspired, or disconnected from your own playing, Rhonda’s honest reflections and gentle wisdom will remind you that it’s never too late to reclaim the music that moves you.

Rhonda shared that she’s had a multifaceted career as a pianist, writer, teacher, and blogger.

How her blog No Dead Guys celebrates the music of living composers and new creative paths.

Her deep love for collaborative piano and chamber music, calling it her favorite way to make music.

Letting go of perfection and "shoulds".

Why returning to her favorite pieces helped reignite her joy and motivation.

Importance of choosing performance repertoire based on passion, not pressure or expectations.

Why performing new music offers freedom from preconceived interpretations and a chance to “leave the first footprints.”

The empowering experience of working directly with composers

How collaborative interpretation brings music to life.

Last piece of advice: Drop the pressure of “should” and follow the music that brings you joy.

Links Mentioned

Rhonda Rizzo's Website: No Dead Guys

Rhonda's Book: The Waco Variations

Rhonda's YouTube Channel: Rhonda (Ringering) Rizzo

Today's Guest

Rhonda (Ringering) Rizzo is a writer and a performing and recording pianist. Her novel, The Waco Variations , was released in the summer of 2018, and her numerous articles have appeared in national and international music magazines, including Pianist Magazine, American Music Teacher, Clavier, Piano & Keyboard, and Flute Talk. A specialist in music that borrows from both classical and jazz traditions, Rizzo released four CDs, Made in America, Oregon Impressions: the Piano Music of Dave Deason, 2 to Tango: Music for Piano Duet, and A Spin on It. Recordings can be found on streaming platforms (under the name Rhonda Ringering) and on YouTube. She holds a BA from Walla Walla University and a MM from Boston University and is a passionate advocate of new music and living composers.

About Rachel Ehring

Dr. Rachel Ehring is a pianist, teacher, music administrator, and lover of piano teaching gadgets. She holds a DMA in Collaborative Piano from the University of Colorado Boulder and a MM in Accompanying from the University of Kansas. She currently serves as Director at St. John’s Conservatory of the Arts in Orange County, CA. Previously, she held positions at Concordia University Irvine and Henderson State University. Rachel is passionate about empowering music teachers to create engaging and exciting lessons for students of all ages. When she isn’t playing the piano, you might find Rachel reading books with her son or walking her beagle Frieda.

Visit her website at RachelEhring.com

Visit her Instagram page: @rachelehring

Visit her YouTube channel: @dreamlavendermusic6694

Visit her Etsy shop at Dream Lavender Music

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.

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.

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Branding isn’t just about pretty colors and a polished logo—it’s about knowing who you serve and how you want to be known. Sara Campbell dives deep into what studio branding really means for independent music teachers and how it shapes the students you attract. From defining your ideal client to writing authentic website copy and using real studio photos, Sara shares practical strategies that help teachers stand out without burning out. If you’ve ever struggled to put your teaching vibe into words or want your online presence to reflect the magic happening in your studio, this episode will give you clarity, confidence, and next steps.

Sara shared an overview of her background and how she helps independent music teachers build sustainable studios through mindset, marketing, and branding strategy.

Why branding goes far beyond logos and colors.

The importance of identifying your ideal client as the first step in building an authentic brand.

Why teachers should clarify their mission, core values, and what transformation they offer students.

How niching down doesn’t mean excluding everyone—it means attracting the right students.

Advise for teachers to reflect on what kind of students they don’t want to teach to better understand their fit.

Why your website should reflect your teaching style and personality.

She emphasized writing website copy that sounds like your real voice.

Why parents care more about the student experience and transformation than your credentials.

She warned against generic branding phrases like “all ages and levels” without explaining your unique value.

Importance of using real photos from your studio over stock images to create a personal feel.

Sara recommended investing in branding photo shoots to reflect your teaching in action.

Some simple branding updates like refining your homepage copy or swapping one key image.

Podcast Exclusive Freebie:

Free Branding Clarity Kickstart - If you’ve ever felt stuck writing about your studio — unsure what to say on your website, awkward in social posts, or paralyzed by Canva captions — this free workbook is your first step toward clarity!

Links Mentioned

Sara's Website: Savvy Music Studio

Sara's Facebook Page: Savvy Music Studio

Sara's Instagram Page: @savvymusicstudio

Today's Guest

Sara Campbell is a business and marketing coach for independent music teachers who want to run thriving studios without losing their minds (or their weekends). She’s the founder of Savvy Music Studio, where she helps teachers clarify their offers, streamline their systems, and show up online with confidence. With 20+ years of teaching experience and over a decade of coaching, Sara is known for her strategic brain, casual style, and her ability to make business feel way less overwhelming. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and three extremely opinionated cats.

About Rachel Ehring

Dr. Rachel Ehring is a pianist, teacher, music administrator, and lover of piano teaching gadgets. She holds a DMA in Collaborative Piano from the University of Colorado Boulder and a MM in Accompanying from the University of Kansas. She currently serves as Director at St. John’s Conservatory of the Arts in Orange County, CA. Previously, she held positions at Concordia University Irvine and Henderson State University. Rachel is passionate about empowering music teachers to create engaging and exciting lessons for students of all ages. When she isn’t playing the piano, you might find Rachel reading books with her son or walking her beagle Frieda.

Visit her website at RachelEhring.com

Visit her Instagram page: @rachelehring

Visit her YouTube channel: @dreamlavendermusic6694

Visit her Etsy shop at Dream Lavender Music

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.

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.

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In this solo episode, I’m doing a mid-year check-in on the seven things I said I’d take into 2025. From reading more eBooks and simplifying my systems, to experimenting with AI, setting better boundaries, and staying connected with fellow teachers, I’m sharing what’s working, what still needs work, and how I’m navigating it all. If you’ve set goals this year and are feeling behind or unsure, you’re not alone. There’s still plenty of time to adjust and move forward, with a little momentum and maybe a cinnamon-topped coffee along the way.

Rachel shared a mid-year check-in on her “7 Things I’m Taking Into 2025” January solo episode.

She explained how reading eBooks on her phone has helped her make better use of downtime.

She highlighted The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins as especially relevant for piano teachers dealing with boundaries.

How reading Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina Garten was inspiring and uplifting.

The importance of simplifying and automating tasks and using tools like Google Docs.

How automation supports her collaborative piano business without losing personal connection.

How she’s been using ChatGPT as a creative assistant while maintaining her personal voice.

She noted that AI helps her understand her ideal customer, brainstorm content, and get unstuck.

She reported steady progress on her goal to post weekly YouTube videos.

The value of connecting with fellow teachers both online and in person.

The importance of creativity and experimentation, inspired by a playful coffee shop experience.

She shared that setting and honoring personal boundaries remains an ongoing challenge.

She reflected on her 2025 word “momentum” and encouraged listeners to keep showing up, even when progress feels slow.

Links Mentioned

TopMusic Piano Podcast 048: 7 Things I’m Taking Into 2025

TopMusic Piano Podcast 028: Music and Magic Journals with Tweena Vuong

TopMusic AI Podcast

About Rachel Ehring

Dr. Rachel Ehring is a pianist, teacher, music administrator, and lover of piano teaching gadgets. She holds a DMA in Collaborative Piano from the University of Colorado Boulder and a MM in Accompanying from the University of Kansas. She currently serves as Director at St. John’s Conservatory of the Arts in Orange County, CA. Previously, she held positions at Concordia University Irvine and Henderson State University. Rachel is passionate about empowering music teachers to create engaging and exciting lessons for students of all ages. When she isn’t playing the piano, you might find Rachel reading books with her son or walking her beagle Frieda.

Visit her website at RachelEhring.com

Visit her Instagram page: @rachelehring

Visit her YouTube channel: @dreamlavendermusic6694

Visit her Etsy shop at Dream Lavender Music

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.

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.

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Great teaching doesn’t just happen—it’s intentionally nurtured, modeled, and passed on. In this episode, I’m joined by Megan Desmarais, who shares how she balances running a large, thriving piano studio with mentoring college pedagogy students through hands-on teaching experience. Megan talks about her group/private hybrid model, how she customizes lessons for every student, and why she’s passionate about teaching all ages, from toddlers to seniors. We also dig into how she uses tools like Easy Notes and the Learning Style Inventory to create engaging, multi-sensory lessons. Whether you're a new or seasoned teacher, Megan’s approach to creative, modern pedagogy will spark fresh ideas for your own studio.

Megan shared a brief overview of her background and her music studio.

She explained that her pedagogy program fills a gap in teacher training for music majors in her area.

How she standardizes teaching methods so student teachers can deliver consistent instruction.

How she uses the Waco Keyboarding method to blend group and private teaching.

How early teaching experiences and a master’s in pedagogy shaped her current approach.

The importance of adapting teaching methods beyond “how you were taught”.

She advised teachers not to treat preschoolers as miniature piano students.

How early childhood lessons focus on foundational skills like keyboard geography and coordination.

She discussed the Learning Style Inventory, a tool to help teachers understand how students process and retain information.

She shared how Easy Notes products like magnetic staff boards support hands-on learning.

How she integrates games and group learning into lessons through a hybrid group/private model.

Guest Links Mentioned

Megan's Websites: VeryPiano.com & Teach Preschool Music

Megan's Instagram Page: @verypiano

Megan's Facebook Page: Megan's Piano Lessons & VeryPiano Blog

Today’s Guest

Megan Desmarais is your Piano Teacher North Star. In addition to running a successful piano studio for students ages 1-75, she is also committed to mentoring the next generation of piano teachers through modern, creative piano pedagogy. As a teacher of both students and teachers, she has a knack for finding innovative approaches to piano lessons. She strives to make every lesson a special, one-of-a-kind learning experience for students and equips other teachers with tools, techniques and ideas to do the same.

Megan runs verypiano.com and teachpreschoolmusic.com, which are online resource hubs for music teachers. Her Very Piano Shop is full of digital and physical teaching tools, including E-Z Notes products, Piano Progress Pins and other resources. She studied piano at the University of Tulsa and earned a Masters in Piano Pedagogy from Wichita State University. She has extensive training and experience with Preschool Music and Recreational Music Making.

About Rachel Ehring

Dr. Rachel Ehring is a pianist, teacher, music administrator, and lover of piano teaching gadgets. She holds a DMA in Collaborative Piano from the University of Colorado Boulder and a MM in Accompanying from the University of Kansas. She currently serves as Director at St. John’s Conservatory of the Arts in Orange County, CA. Previously, she held positions at Concordia University Irvine and Henderson State University. Rachel is passionate about empowering music teachers to create engaging and exciting lessons for students of all ages. When she isn’t playing the piano, you might find Rachel reading books with her son or walking her beagle Frieda.

Visit her website at RachelEhring.com

Visit her Instagram page: @rachelehring

Visit her YouTube channel: @dreamlavendermusic6694

Visit her Etsy shop at Dream Lavender Music

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.

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.

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Today, we are joined by brand and web designer Erica Neubauer shares practical advice for piano teachers looking to create a polished, professional studio brand. With over 15 years of experience, Erica breaks down what makes a strong brand—from knowing your story and defining your niche to choosing fonts, colors, and a logo that truly represent you. She explains why consistency matters, how to avoid common DIY mistakes, and what to consider when deciding between a personal name or studio name. Whether you're just starting out or ready to rebrand, Erica’s insights will help you design a studio brand with clarity and confidence.

Erica shared a brief overview of her background as a designer working with creatives, small businesses, and nonprofits.

She explained her work helps businesses communicate who they are through visuals.

The importance of telling your story was emphasized as the foundation of strong branding.

She encouraged teachers to define what makes them unique, not try to appeal to everyone.

How clear branding attracts the right students and builds trust.

The value of consistency across social media and marketing was emphasized.

She warned against using Canva logo templates or Etsy graphics due to copyright issues.

Erica explained that logos should be custom and vectorized for clarity and flexibility.

Tips for using your signature as a logo and keeping things simple when DIY-ing.

She recommended having a website, business cards, and one piece of print collateral.

Discussed between using your name or a studio name for your brand.

The benefits of hiring a designer to save time and ensure quality.

Guest Links Mentioned

Erica's Website: EricaSNeubauer.com

Erica's Facebook: Erica Neubauer Graphic Design

Erica's Facebook: @ericasneubauer

Erica's LinkedIn Page: Erica Neubauer

Today’s Guest

Erica Neubauer is a brand and web designer specializing in high-end branding and WordPress websites. She has a Masters in Graphic Design and has over 15 years of experience as a self-employed designer, working with small businesses, solo entrepreneurs and non-profits.

About Rachel Ehring

Dr. Rachel Ehring is a pianist, teacher, music administrator, and lover of piano teaching gadgets. She holds a DMA in Collaborative Piano from the University of Colorado Boulder and a MM in Accompanying from the University of Kansas. She currently serves as Director at St. John’s Conservatory of the Arts in Orange County, CA. Previously, she held positions at Concordia University Irvine and Henderson State University. Rachel is passionate about empowering music teachers to create engaging and exciting lessons for students of all ages. When she isn’t playing the piano, you might find Rachel reading books with her son or walking her beagle Frieda.

Visit her website at RachelEhring.com

Visit her Instagram page: @rachelehring

Visit her YouTube channel: @dreamlavendermusic6694

Visit her Etsy shop at Dream Lavender Music

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.

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.

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In today’s episode, Spanish pianist and teacher Juan Cabeza shares how his traditional classical training led him on a journey to redefine piano education through creativity. From discovering the power of pattern-based teaching and improvisation to building a vibrant community of teachers in Madrid, Juan offers a fresh perspective on holistic music learning. He discusses the value of ensemble playing, the inspiration behind his Piano Train Trips series, and the process of creating his online course, Piano Patterns in Harmony. Whether you're looking to rethink your teaching or bring more creativity into your studio, this conversation is packed with insight and inspiration.

Juan shared an overview of his background as a piano teacher and composer from Madrid.

The importance of teaching students to play by ear, improvise, compose, and arrange from the start.

He reflected on how group teaching pushed him to explore new, more holistic methods.

How the idea of “create to learn” inspired him to focus on improvisation and hands-on discovery.

He shared that Music Learning Theory (MLT) also influenced his shift toward a more creative approach.

How his blog and compositions led to his first books being published by Piano Safari.

The benefits of forehand and ensemble playing, including rhythm, flow, and fun

He shared about the teacher meetups he hosts in Spain to share ideas and build community.

Why playing together helps students listen better, relax, and build confidence on stage.

Juan recommended favorite ensemble books like Keyboard Crocodile and Melodic Explorations.

He introduced his course, Piano Patterns in Harmony, for learning harmony through improvisation.

How pattern-based learning helps students grasp theory and repertoire more quickly.

Guest Links Mentioned

Juan's website: Me Gusta El Piano

Piano Patterns in Harmony Course

Juan's books on Piano Safari

Blog Post: Piano Repertoire for 4 or More Hands

Resources Mentioned

Forrest Kinney's The Art of Improvising

The Pianist's Guide to Historic Improvisation by John Mortensen

Paul Harris's Simultaneous Learning

Garreth Brooke’s website: Piano Creativity

Today’s Guest

Juan Cabeza is a pianist, pedagogue and composer. He teaches private and group piano students at his studio, in Madrid, where he specializes in students in the elementary and intermediate stages of study. As a result of his research in piano pedagogy, Juan created a blog, megustaelpiano.com. Here he expresses his ideas about teaching and learning piano, provides teaching resources, and suggests interesting piano repertoire. Juan Cabeza is the author of Piano Train Trips, Miniatures and the two Diversions books published by Piano Safari. He has translated into Spanish the Piano Safari Method and Create First by Forrest Kinney. He has also created the online improvisation course Piano Patterns in Harmony, which has been recently nominated for The Art of Piano Education Awards 2025.

About Rachel Ehring

Dr. Rachel Ehring is a pianist, teacher, music administrator, and lover of piano teaching gadgets. She holds a DMA in Collaborative Piano from the University of Colorado Boulder and a MM in Accompanying from the University of Kansas. She currently serves as Director at St. John’s Conservatory of the Arts in Orange County, CA. Previously, she held positions at Concordia University Irvine and Henderson State University. Rachel is passionate about empowering music teachers to create engaging and exciting lessons for students of all ages. When she isn’t playing the piano, you might find Rachel reading books with her son or walking her beagle Frieda.

Visit her website at RachelEhring.com

Visit her Instagram page: @rachelehring

Visit her YouTube channel: @dreamlavendermusic6694

Visit her Etsy shop at Dream Lavender Music

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.

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.

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In this inspiring episode, Leila Viss shares how nearly 40 years of piano teaching, church musicianship, and personal resilience have shaped her creative voice. She opens up about her journey through trauma, healing, and the power of expressive arts—introducing tools like her Cupcake Improv Pack and the Creativity Pyramid. From hands-on group pedagogy at MTNA to guiding students from improvisation, Leila encourages teachers to embrace curiosity, let go of perfectionism, and find their own “bliss station.” Whether you're stuck in an improv rut or just need a creative spark, this conversation will leave you energized and ready to reconnect with your musical imagination.

Leila shared an overview of her background and her piano teaching journey.

The importance of group piano pedagogy, which was a highlight in her MTNA conference experience.

She encouraged teachers to attend conferences, a great place for networking and community-building.

Why creativity is essential for pianists and all musicians.

Leila introduced her Creativity Pyramid model.

How curiosity, when balanced between fascination and fear, helps unlock creative potential.

The importance of letting go of perfectionism as a step in creative growth and personal exploration.

She highlighted a powerful research from Dr. Martha Beck.

How music became a grounding and healing force for both her and Carter during their recovery.

Leila introduced her creative teaching resource, the Cupcake Improv Pack.

Rachel shared how the Cupcake Improv helped her explore fresh musical ideas.

The power of naming musical patterns to help students remember and reuse them.

Guest Links Mentioned

Leila's website: www.LeilaViss.com

Leila's Instagram page: @leilaviss

Leila's Facebook page: Leila Viss, 88PK 

Leila's YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@leilaviss

Leila's Book: Found in the Wake: Rising from the Depths of a Devastating Boat Strike

Cupcake Improv

Links Mentioned

TopCast 409: Using Notion to Organise Your Studio and Life with Amy Chaplin & Joy Morin

Beyond Anxiety: Curiosity, Creativity, and Finding Your Life's Purpose by Martha Beck

Today’s Guest

Leila Viss creates imaginative, tech-savvy resources for her in-person and online piano studio and website. She founded Space to Create where she empowers pianists and teachers to connect with their creativity through improvisation, composition, and arranging. A longtime church musician and dynamic speaker, she co-authored Found in the Wake, a memoir of loss and resilience. Viss is Colorado’s 2024 MTNA Foundation Fellow and a 2025 Frances Clark Center Outstanding Service Recognition Award recipient.

About Rachel Ehring

Dr. Rachel Ehring is a pianist, teacher, music administrator, and lover of piano teaching gadgets. She holds a DMA in Collaborative Piano from the University of Colorado Boulder and a MM in Accompanying from the University of Kansas. She currently serves as Director at St. John’s Conservatory of the Arts in Orange County, CA. Previously, she held positions at Concordia University Irvine and Henderson State University. Rachel is passionate about empowering music teachers to create engaging and exciting lessons for students of all ages. When she isn’t playing the piano, you might find Rachel reading books with her son or walking her beagle Frieda.

Visit her website at RachelEhring.com

Visit her Instagram page: @rachelehring

Visit her YouTube channel: @dreamlavendermusic6694

Visit her Etsy shop at Dream Lavender Music

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.

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.

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In today’s episode, we’re chatting with Megan Maxwell and Lani Lammoglia from Little Chords to discuss the world of successful online teaching. With their vast experience in early childhood music education, Megan and Lani share insights on blending digital and physical learning formats to engage young students effectively. They delve into their tech setup, the challenges they faced transitioning online, and how they've managed to cultivate vibrant, interactive music classes. Plus, they discuss their innovative approach to teaching preschoolers online and their newly published children's book designed to make music education fun and accessible. Join us as we explore these topics and more, offering a treasure trove of information for educators looking to optimize their online teaching methods.

Megan and Lani shared their extensive backgrounds in music education and early childhood development.

The importance of blending digital and physical learning for young students.

They recounted the founding of Little Chords, emphasized the impact of online lessons, and their adaptation during the pandemic.

The initial challenges and mistakes made in their online teaching journey.

Their current successful model, featuring small, interactive classes and monthly masterclasses.

Lani discussed the creativity involved in making engaging and effective resources for children.

Their approach to making online preschool education effective, emphasizing flexibility and playfulness.

Their tech setup, including the use of Zoom, OBS, and Canva for interactive lessons.

Lani spoke about their combination of teaching Spanish language and music.

The value of small group classes for enhanced student interaction and learning.

Their method of gradually introducing piano technique to young students online.

They talked about their newly published book for piano students, which integrates playful learning.

Links Mentioned

Little Chords Website

Little Chords Instagram Page

Blog: Quality Online Piano, Keyboard, and Voice Lessons: Studio Technology that's Family Focused

Today’s Guest

With 20 years experience teaching piano, voice, and early childhood classes, Megan Maxwell combines her Early Childhood Development degree with extensive music studies. She creates interactive resources that blend digital and physical learning for young students. She focuses on the critical developmental years where children's curiosity can be channeled effectively,' Her innovative approach supports hands-on learning without keeping children glued to screens, making music and language education accessible for children, parents, and teachers.

Lani Lammoglia combines 14 years of teaching experience with her Early Childhood Psychology background from Venezuela and graduate studies in Flute and Vocal Performance. Beginning her own musical journey at age 5, she understands the value of early music education. 'Teaching is never boring with little kids. She loves meeting children where they are and guiding them to discover the joy in learning. Her innovative resources blend digital and physical elements that enhance online lessons while providing engaging materials for between-session learning, creating an interactive experience that supports children's curiosity without excessive screen time.

About Rachel Ehring

Dr. Rachel Ehring is a pianist, teacher, music administrator, and lover of piano teaching gadgets. She holds a DMA in Collaborative Piano from the University of Colorado Boulder and a MM in Accompanying from the University of Kansas. She currently serves as Director at St. John’s Conservatory of the Arts in Orange County, CA. Previously, she held positions at Concordia University Irvine and Henderson State University. Rachel is passionate about empowering music teachers to create engaging and exciting lessons for students of all ages. When she isn’t playing the piano, you might find Rachel reading books with her son or walking her beagle Frieda.

Visit her website at RachelEhring.com

Visit her Instagram page: @rachelehring

Visit her YouTube channel: @dreamlavendermusic6694

Visit her Etsy shop at Dream Lavender Music

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.

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

Finding time to cook can be a challenge for busy music teachers, but Sarah Kenner has made it her mission to help. As a professional violinist and the creator of The Hungry Musician, she shares practical tips for meal planning, simple recipes, and ways to make cooking more manageable for musicians. In this episode, Sarah discusses how to balance a busy teaching and performing schedule with healthy eating, why meal prep doesn’t have to be overwhelming, and how creativity in the kitchen can inspire creativity in music. Whether you love to cook or struggle to find the time, Sarah’s insights will help you nourish both yourself and your music.

Sarah shared how she combines her passions for music and cooking.

How her journey started when she realized the need for a healthier, more balanced lifestyle.

The importance of meal planning and cooking as a way to improve focus, efficiency, and well-being.

How musicians can make cooking easier by prepping ingredients in stages throughout the day.

Why setting realistic cooking goals and allowing flexibility in meal choices leads to success.

Semi-homemade cooking and using pre-prepped ingredients to save time without sacrificing nutrition.

How busy music teachers can simplify cooking with one-pot meals and batch cooking techniques.

Why meal prepping doesn’t have to be done all at once.

How quick and easy meals don’t have to mean unhealthy choices.

The connection between creativity in cooking and creativity in music, and how both require improvisation and problem-solving.

How experimenting with ingredients can make simple meals feel elevated and special.

Why musicians should embrace cooking as a creative outlet and a way to care for themselves.

Links Mentioned

Free download: A Musician's Guide to Cooking in Cut Time at TheHungryMusician.com

Sarah's Instagram Page: @hungrymusician

Sarah's Tiktok Page: @hungrymusician

TopCast 407: The Power of Storytelling with Andrea Dow from Teach Piano Today

Today’s Guest

Sarah Kenner is a violinist and culinary content creator based in the NYC area. Specializing in historical performance, she has been hailed as a "fireworks soloist" and regularly performs on baroque violin with renowned groups including The English Concert, Trinity Wall Street, TENET Vocal Artists, Tempesta di Mare, and New York Baroque Incorporated, and made her Lincoln Center solo debut in 2018 with Juilliard415. Other notable appearances include BachFest Leipzig, the Festival Dans les Jardins de William Christie, and on the Academy Award-winning score of the 2019 film, Joker. She holds degrees from Temple University, Manhattan School of Music, and The Juilliard School. For almost 15 years, Sarah has enjoyed creating culinary content for her popular food and recipe blog “The Hungry Musician.” On this platform, she offers delicious recipes, kitchen tips, and cooking classes with the goal of making cooking more enjoyable and accessible, especially to musicians.

About Rachel Ehring

Dr. Rachel Ehring is a pianist, teacher, music administrator, and lover of piano teaching gadgets. She holds a DMA in Collaborative Piano from the University of Colorado Boulder and a MM in Accompanying from the University of Kansas. She currently serves as Director at St. John’s Conservatory of the Arts in Orange County, CA. Previously, she held positions at Concordia University Irvine and Henderson State University. Rachel is passionate about empowering music teachers to create engaging and exciting lessons for students of all ages. When she isn’t playing the piano, you might find Rachel reading books with her son or walking her beagle Frieda.

Visit her website at RachelEhring.com

Visit her Instagram page: @rachelehring

Visit her YouTube channel: @dreamlavendermusic6694

Visit her Etsy shop at Dream Lavender Music

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.

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