Lydia Tomita’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and community. From her early days as a pianist in northern England to becoming the founder of a thriving teaching network in the Cotswolds, Lydia has combined her love of music with an entrepreneurial spirit. In this episode, she shares how she built a multi-teacher studio, balances gigs with teaching, and inspires students of all ages to embrace piano learning at every stage of life.

Lydia shared how her musical journey began in a musically rich home with supportive parents.

She described how playing for fun as a child built her strong sight-reading skills.

How moving to the Cotswolds reignited her teaching career and led to new opportunities.

How she built her studio gradually and expanding into multiple schools.

Managing a team of five teachers across six schools with more than 100 pupils.

The benefits and challenges of 20-minute lessons in UK schools.

Lydia discussed the transition from solo teacher to studio owner, balancing admin with teaching.

How Instagram and her website bring steady inquiries for wedding and event gigs.

How her gig playing began with word-of-mouth and has grown into regular weddings and choir accompaniment.

She encouraged teachers to step outside their comfort zones and say yes to opportunities.

Technology she used like iPads with ForScore and apps like Note Rush to enhance teaching.

Links Mentioned

Lydia's website: CotswoldPianist.com

Lydia's Instagram: @cotswoldpianist and @cotswoldpianostudio

Lydia's Youtube Channel: www.youtube.com/@cotswoldpianist

TopCast 429: Piano Method Navigator with Anna Beth Rucker

Today’s Guest

Lydia Tomita is a pianist, teacher and piano studio owner based in the beautiful Cotswolds, UK. Lydia graduated from Royal Holloway, University of London with a BMus, where she specialised in piano performance. In the 20 plus years since then she has had a portfolio career consisting of a mixture of teaching, performing and accompanying. Since moving to The Cotswolds 11 years ago Lydia has become more and more in demand as a teacher. As a result she now runs a team of 5 teachers, teaching over 100 pupils across the Cotswolds, with more to come! She also loves teaching adults and is passionate about the idea that it is never too late to do the things you love, whether you are the pupil or the teacher! She enjoys playing for weddings and events at stunning locations nearby, and regularly accompanies choirs. When she isn't teaching Lydia loves walking in the surrounding countryside with her two not-so-little-anymore children.

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.

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Kenneth Thompson brings a wealth of insight into what makes music lessons truly transformative. Drawing from his experiences as a performer, educator, and founder of Musical Arts Centers of San Antonio, Inc. (MACSA), Ken shares how lesson atmosphere shapes the student experience. In this episode, he unpacks the five pillars of effective teaching, the balance between trust and intensity, and the powerful role teachers play as guides and leaders in their students’ journeys.

Kenneth shared his journey from pianist to founder of Maxa Musical Art Center in San Antonio.

The importance of lesson atmosphere—the environment between teacher and student.

Why building connection is essential?

Kenneth introduced his Five Pillars of Effective Teaching.

Pillar 1: Teachers create masterpieces inside of other people.

Pillar 2: Responsiveness builds trust—being reliable and listening to students.

Pillar 3: Teachers are guides, not heroes—the student is the hero of their story.

Pillar 4: Great teachers are leaders who inspire and hold a vision for their students.

Pillar 5: Understand the spectrum of demander vs. teacher and balance both roles.

He warned against negative atmospheres: undervaluing teaching and “teaching at” rather than “teaching with.”

Kenneth highlighted how a school’s “vibe” shapes teaching and learning.

Helping teachers transition from a university-level demander mindset to private teaching.

Why parents play a big role and sometimes conflict with parents prevents student progress.

He encouraged patience, trust, and responsiveness to open up closed-off students.

Links Mentioned

Musical Arts Centers of San Antonio, Inc. (MACSA)

Ken's Instagram Page: @ken.creativecoach

Today's Guest

Kenneth Thompson is a recipient of the Texas Music Teachers Association’s (TMTA) Pre-Collegiate Teacher of the Year Award, the Lifetime Achievement Award and MACSAthe Leadership in Education Award from Musical Bridges Around the World (MBAW). He received a BM in Piano Performance from the Eastman School of Music where his teachers were Nelita True and Anton Nel. He has been featured in articles about music business and the study of music in USA Today and on MSN.com.

Kenneth has performed extensively as a chamber musician and soloist. Feeling a calling to teach, Mr. Thompson turned his attention to the development of pre-college advanced pianists. His piano students have performed more than 120 complete solo recital programs and performed more than 40 times as soloists with orchestra including many performances with the San Antonio Symphony. He has had several students perform in New York at Carnegie Hall and has had two students perform on National Public Radio’s hit show “From the Top”.

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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After attending the NCKP conference, I’m excited to share some of my favorite takeaways from this fantastic week. From one-question interviews with fellow teachers to insightful conference sessions, I learned so much that I’m eager to share with you. In this episode, you’ll hear short clips of teachers from around the world sharing their advice, favorite method books, and thoughts on practicing. Plus, I’ll dive into the new resources I picked up, including a Piano Safari decorating kit, and reflect on some memorable moments that will help shape my teaching moving forward.

Rachel shared clips of teachers discussing their practice habits and favorite method books.

Some valuable insights she gained from the exhibit hall.

Rachel highlighted the conference sessions she attended in NCKP.

The networking opportunities at the conference.

Best advice for piano teachers and their favorite supplemental repertoire.

Importance of attending conferences to stay inspired and connected to a piano teaching community.

She encouraged teachers to attend conferences like NCKP to deepen their knowledge and foster valuable connections.

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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Bridey Gibson from Pianosaurus Rex is on a mission to make music lessons more fun through creative practice incentives and engaging resources. Based in Christchurch, New Zealand, she has grown her small studio into a thriving business by blending play-based learning with structured practice challenges. Bridey explains how incentives like the musical Monster Mania and simple practice charts keep students motivated and excited about their progress. Her passion for making piano education both enjoyable and rewarding shines through in this conversation.

Bridey shared a brief overview of her music teaching studio in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Her experience with different teaching formats like preschool groups and individual piano lessons.

Her favorite teaching format, rotating lessons, which include group workshops and time spent in practice and theory labs.

How she uses practice incentives to motivate students.

The importance of setting clear goals and tracking progress.

Her approach to practice incentives, focusing on achievable rewards like music challenges.

She recommended using short-term challenges to maintain student interest and motivation.

How to simplify practice incentives, using practice charts for students to track their practice.

The benefits of having studio-wide challenges, encouraging students to see each other’s progress.

She shared her creative rewards, like food treats or small prizes, to keep students motivated and excited about their practice.

Links Mentioned

Pianosaurus Rex Website

Pianosaurus Rex Instagram Page: @pianosaurusrex

Free Resource for Top Music Listeners: Lucky Dice Practice Resource

Download your latest issue of TopMusic Magazine here.

Today’s Guest

Bridey Gibson from Pianosaurus Rex is on a mission to make music lessons even more fun through innovative teaching ideas, play based learning, creative expression, and engaging resources. What began in 2010 as a side hustle teaching piano to a handful of students has grown into a music studio with over fifty pupils, located by the beach in Christchurch, New Zealand. In addition to teaching, Bridey loves creating resources that make music lessons and practice more playful and organized. Outside of the music studio you can find Bridey road tripping with her family, reading science fiction and fantasy, slowly working on creative projects, and learning to surf.

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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Building a solid practice routine and involving parents in the process are key to student success, as Holly Hornyan, founder of Clever Keys Music Lessons, knows all too well. In this episode, Holly shares her insights on how to help students develop good practice habits and how to communicate effectively with parents to support their child's musical growth. Whether it's through setting realistic goals, creating a dedicated practice space, or fostering strong parent-teacher relationships, Holly’s approach helps both students and teachers thrive.

Holly shared a brief overview of her background and her music teaching studio in Phoenix, Arizona.

Establishing a daily practice routine and creating a dedicated practice space at home.

Strategies for communicating with parents to ensure effective practice.

The significance of having open lines of communication between teachers and parents.

Holly recommended using tools like practice trackers and setting realistic practice goals for both students and parents.

The role of modeling good practice habits and demonstrating effective practice strategies.

Her experience using short-term challenges to motivate students before recitals.

A parents' guide to piano practice, which helps parents set up practice routines and stay involved.

Importance of seeing parents as allies in the teaching process to support student success.

How building strong relationships with parents makes the teaching experience more enjoyable for both the teacher and the student.

Links Mentioned

Holly's Website: Clever Keys Music Lessons

Holly's Instagram Page: @cleverkeysmusiclessons

Today’s Guest

Holly Hornyan is a passionate piano educator based in Phoenix, Arizona, with over 16 years of teaching experience. After earning her Master of Arts in Teaching Music from the University of Southern California, Holly began her career in K–8 general music and choir before transitioning to what she loves most: teaching beginning students to play piano. She’s also a graduate of The Royal Conservatory of Music’s Teaching Elementary Piano course and has been featured on the Music Studio Startup and Dynamic Piano Teaching podcasts.

Holly is known for her practical, parent-friendly approach to music education - helping young students thrive by equipping families with tools for effective, low-stress home practice. She believes that every child is musical and is committed to making piano learning fun, accessible, and confidence-building.

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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Leading a business and teaching from a place of authenticity can be challenging, but it’s exactly what Kristina Lee embraces in her work. As the founder of Live Love Piano, Kristina combines her background in performance, intercultural studies, and decades of teaching experience to create an online space for adult learners. In this episode, she shares how authenticity plays a crucial role in both her teaching approach and her business, helping students reconnect with their creativity, build solid technique, and experience the joy of playing piano at any stage of life.

Kristina shared a brief overview of her background and her music studio in Bellevue, Washington.

Her story of immigrating from Korea and how piano became a way for her to communicate in a new country.

Her shift from a performance career to teaching and coaching after a personal loss at age 40.

Running both a physical studio and an online space for adult piano learners called Live Love Piano.

Belief in teaching from a place of authenticity and embracing life experiences to shape her teaching.

Why making space for rest & self-reflection is crucial for finding authenticity in both life & teaching.

Using journaling and asking yourself deep questions to reconnect with your authentic self.

How she uses a mix of coaching and piano teaching to help students align with their goals.

Importance of not letting fear or comparison dictate decisions, especially in business and teaching.

She introduced her online course Simple and Beautiful Piano for Adult Beginners.

Links Mentioned

Kristina's website: Live Love Piano by Kristina Lee

Follow Kristina on Instagram: @kristinaleemusic

Kristina's Article: How I Traded in my Mercedes for a Hyundai - A Piano Story

Visit her YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@kristinaleemusic

Today's Guest

Kristina Lee is a pianist, educator, and founder of Live Love Piano, where she creates online courses designed especially for adult learners. With a background in performance, intercultural studies, and decades of teaching experience, Kristina brings a soulful and thoughtful approach to music education. She’s passionate about helping students reconnect with their creativity, develop solid technique, and experience the joy of playing piano — no matter their age or background.

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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Elaina Burns, founder of Resonance: Mind-Body-Music, blends yoga and piano to help students build awareness and overcome performance anxiety. With a focus on mindfulness and body alignment, she shares how she empowers students to become independent learners while fostering a love for music. Elaina’s approach goes beyond technique, encouraging creativity and emotional expression in every lesson, creating a supportive and dynamic environment for growth.

Elaina shared her diverse career as a pianist, organist, and music educator.

How yoga has influenced her approach to teaching piano, focusing on mindfulness and alignment.

Integrating yoga exercises with piano lessons, helping students to develop awareness.

The importance of mindfulness in teaching, especially when preparing students for performance.

Strategies for helping students overcome performance anxiety.

Her practice of using a metronome to gradually increase tempo.

Elaina recommended using listening lessons, where students listen to recordings and analyze different elements of music.

Using vision boards to help students visualize long-term goals and map out their musical journey.

Her innovative methods for engaging students.

How she uses fun tools like lollipop drums and large music staffs to make lessons exciting.

Links Mentioned

Elaina's website: ElainaBurns.com

Today's Guest

Elaina Burns is an active pianist, chamber musician, and nationally certified teacher based in Pearl River, New York. Burns is a pianist for Parlando, a professional chamber orchestra in New York City, and she performs regularly with Spanish dancer and teaching artist, Anna de la Paz. Burns is founder and director of Resonance: Mind-Body-Music, a piano studio dedicated to the creative and healing arts, where she encourages students to develop mind-body awareness in order to improve their artistry, musicianship, and overall well being. She is always eager to discuss pedagogy, wellness, and all aspects of music. Burns holds a doctoral degree in piano performance and pedagogy from the University of Oklahoma. Notable performances include Beethoven’s Choral Fantasy and Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue. Please visit www.elainaburns.com to learn more.

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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Growing up playing in church services gave me much of my early performance experience, and it’s a topic I’ve never explored on the podcast until now. In this solo episode, I’m sharing my journey with sacred music, from childhood church performances to my studies in Sacred Music. I’ll be talking about my favorite hymn arrangers, like Lloyd Larson and Mark Hayes, and will offer suggestions for pianists of all levels looking to incorporate sacred music into their repertoire. Whether you're teaching students to play in church or looking to expand your own playing, I hope you’ll find some useful resources in this episode.

Rachel shared her experience playing sacred music in church from a young age.

She explained how her Sacred Music degree shaped her understanding of church music and performance.

Her early experiences playing hymns and offertories during church services.

She shared her favorite hymn arrangers, like Marilynn Ham, Dino, and Mark Hayes.

Rachel highlighted Lloyd Larson as her favorite arranger for accessible yet beautiful hymns.

She recommended Dennis Alexander’s sacred music for intermediate students.

She mentioned Roger House’s pieces as accessible yet technical arrangements.

She introduced Larry Shackley’s Sacred Rhapsody for advanced pianists.

Rachel shared Michael Larkin’s All Creatures of Our God and King with hymns and original pieces.

She encouraged listeners to share their favorite sacred music suggestions.

Links Mentioned

Rachel's Favorite Sacred Piano Books

Amanda Tero Music

Susan Staples Bell Music for Worship

Mark Hayes' Hymn Harmonizations

Michael Larkin's All Creatures of Our God and King

Marilynn Ham Books

TopMusic Piano Podcast 010: From Concept to Composition with Susan Staples Bell

Download the latest TopMusic Magazine edition here.

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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From dueling pianist to studio owner, Whitney Maxwell shares her remarkable journey of pivoting during the pandemic to open Bloom Music Studio in 2021. In this episode, she talks about how her studio grew rapidly after being featured in the Des Moines Register and how she’s created a welcoming, community-driven environment for students. Whitney also explains her unique lab-based teaching model, which fosters independent learning and helps students progress faster than in traditional private lessons.

Whitney shared how she opened Bloom Music Studio in 2021 during the pandemic.

Her transition from a corporate job to full-time teaching after growing her piano studio.

She discussed her experience of being featured in the Des Moines Register, which led to a dramatic increase in students.

How her studio offers piano lessons for all ages and is considering expanding to other instruments.

The importance of infusing personality into her studio's website to attract the right families.

The benefits of a lab-based teaching structure, encouraging independent learning for students.

How group lessons allow students to progress faster than in private lessons.

Advice on managing a teaching team and the benefits of co-teaching in creating community.

Her passion for creating a strong teacher-student bond through activities and worksheets.

She recommended that teachers find the pulse of their local community to align their studio’s offerings with what students truly want.

Links Mentioned

Whitney's website: Bloom Music Studio

Whitney's Instagram page: @bloommusicstudio

Whitney's TikTok page: bloommusicstudio

Today’s Guest

Whitney Maxwell grew up reading beautiful classical music, studying for 10 years under a Juilliard and Harvard trained teacher and concert pianist. She loved her piano teacher and she loved her lessons. But after some time in corporate America, Whitney somehow ended up traveling the world as a full time dueling piano player. She has been teaching since 2001, and has extensive experience in a variety of curriculums, teaching methods and lesson styles.

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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As a classical pianist, I’ve always felt a bit intimidated by jazz. But in this conversation with jazz pianist and educator Quentin Walston, I step out of my comfort zone and dive into the world of jazz improvisation. Quentin shares his journey from self-taught pianist to the founder of This Is Jazz, a company dedicated to making jazz more accessible to teachers and students. He also discusses his book How to Teach Jazz and Improvisation, offering valuable insights on how educators can confidently introduce jazz concepts and improvisation to students, even beginners.

Quentin shared his journey from self-taught pianist to jazz educator to promote jazz education.

His early classical piano lessons and how his love for improvisation led him to jazz.

Discussion of his book, How to Teach Jazz and Improvisation, designed for teachers to confidently teach jazz.

How the book includes simple compositions for students to improvise and play jazz right away.

Tips for teaching swing, articulation, and improvisation to beginners.

He stressed that starting with easy exercises helps students build confidence in improvisation.

Advice for classical pianists looking to explore jazz, focusing on rhythm and swing feel.

He explained that improvisation is a skill that can be learned gradually over time.

Quentin mentioned that even adult learners can start improvising within a few months.

He recommended his courses on jazz theory and history, along with his album Retro Future for inspiration.

Links Mentioned

Quentin's website: This Is Jazz

Quentin's Instagram page: @quentinwalston

Quentin's YouTube channel: This Is Jazz

Today's Guest

Quentin Walston is an active pianist, educator, and founder of This Is Jazz, a company dedicated to jazz education and appreciation. He brings jazz into classrooms and lessons nationwide by equipping educators through his book How to Teach Jazz & Improvisation. A Virginia Commission for the Arts "Teaching Artist" and Maryland State Arts Council "Touring Artist," he draws on over a decade of professional teaching and performing experience to his work. He performs with his jazz trio and as a solo pianist, blending memorable melodies and striking rhythms with adventurous improvisations. His album Retro Future features original works inspired by masters from Thelonious Monk to Jason Moran. Through workshops and seminars for all ages covering jazz, composition, and music history, Quentin brings passionate expertise to jazz performance and education in any setting, classroom or concert hall.

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!

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