• Rachel acknowledged the vulnerability many teachers feel when performing for their students.
• She emphasized that facing performance fears makes teachers more empathetic educators.
• Why piano teaching can feel isolating despite constant student interaction.
• How non-musicians often misunderstand the entrepreneurial side of teaching.
• The value of having friends who understand music terminology and studio policies.
• How piano teacher friends provide encouragement during difficult teaching days.
• How teacher friendships offer both emotional support and practical advice.
• Why collaboration can extend to recital help, baking, and event photography.
• Rachel acknowledged that local teacher associations can sometimes feel intimidating.
• She encouraged teachers to reframe competition as potential collaboration.
• How referrals from other pianists can create unexpected opportunities.
• The importance of finding niche or live online communities for deeper connection.
• She encouraged attending live events where meaningful professional relationships can form.
• She reminded teachers that connection fuels purpose and fulfillment in the profession.

• Get your EARLY BIRD tickets for TopMusicLive 2026 here.
• TMPP 101: Real Talk About Performance Anxiety

• Visit her website at RachelEhring.com
• Visit her Instagram page: @rachelehring
• Visit her YouTube channel: @dreamlavendermusic6694
• Visit her Etsy shop at Dream Lavender Music

• Anni shared why visibility is essential for musicians who want consistent opportunities.
• She explained how social media builds trust before someone ever books you.
• The importance of treating social media as relationship-building rather than self-promotion.
• Why musicians must overcome the fear of putting themselves online.
• She explained how clarity about your audience shapes stronger content.
• The value of choosing one main platform instead of trying to be everywhere.
• Anni shared why Instagram works well for engagement and personal connection.
• She explained how YouTube functions as a long-term portfolio for performances.
• The importance of showing personality instead of chasing perfection.
• Anni outlined four content pillars: entertainment, education, information, and authentic content.
• She explained why announcement-only posts rarely generate meaningful engagement.
• The benefits of storytelling in captions and videos were emphasized.
• How consistent posting builds familiarity and recognition over time.
• How websites support credibility and search visibility beyond social platforms.
• The value of turning online followers into real-life concert audiences was discussed.
• Anni encouraged musicians to view content creation as a creative extension of their artistry.

• Anni's Website:www.annigrid.com
• Anni's Instagram page:@annigrid

• Visit her website at RachelEhring.com
• Visit her Instagram page: @rachelehring
• Visit her YouTube channel: @dreamlavendermusic6694
• Visit her Etsy shop at Dream Lavender Music

• Rachel shared her personal experience with stage fright and performance anxiety.
• How frequent performances as a collaborative pianist shaped her confidence.
• She highlighted how anxiety can still appear suddenly, even after years of experience.
• How her anxiety is often triggered by feeling she needs to prove herself.
• The challenges of performing in unfamiliar venues or with new audiences.
• The importance of acknowledging nerves without shame.
• The impact of being judged, especially during grad school performances.
• Rachel explained how breathing and physical awareness help calm anxiety.
• She encouraged focusing on musical phrasing to direct energy away from fear.
• She recommended mock performances and rehearsing in the performance space.
• The importance of a mindful, slower starting tempo.
• Rachel suggested normalizing mistakes to reduce fear of imperfection.
• The value of teachers performing for and with their students.
• She encouraged teachers to challenge themselves to perform, even in low-stress settings.

• Get your SUPER EARLY BIRD tickets for TopMusicLive 2026 here.
• TMPP 100: The Teacher Who Shaped Me as a Pianist with Dr. Un-Young Whang
• TMPP 038: Tips to Perform with Confidence

• Visit her website at RachelEhring.com
• Visit her Instagram page: @rachelehring
• Visit her YouTube channel: @dreamlavendermusic6694
• Visit her Etsy shop at Dream Lavender Music

• Rachel shared why episode 100 felt deeply personal and meaningful.
• She reflected on how her own piano journey began with curiosity rather than clarity.
• Dr. Un-Young shared how her early performing career began at a remarkably young age.
• How discipline and structure supported her development as a concert pianist.
• The importance of imagination in musical interpretation.
• Why storytelling and character shape expressive playing.
• The value of perseverance through challenge and transition.
• Dr. Un-Young shared how studying abroad shaped her resilience and independence.
• How learning from multiple master teachers broadened her artistic voice.
• Rachel reflected on how mentorship builds confidence beyond technical skill.
• Dr. Un-Young discussed the responsibility teachers have to nurture the whole person.
• She highlighted how teaching and performing inform each other in powerful ways.
• The importance of joy, warmth, and humor in lessons was reinforced.
• Why long-term consistency matters more than short-term results.
• Rachel reflected on how her teacher’s influence continues to guide her leadership today.
• Dr. Un-Young emphasized that music education is an act of service and generosity.

• Get your SUPER EARLY BIRD tickets for TopMusicLive 2026 here.

• Visit her website at RachelEhring.com
• Visit her Instagram page: @rachelehring
• Visit her YouTube channel: @dreamlavendermusic6694
• Visit her Etsy shop at Dream Lavender Music

• Rachel shared why episode 99 felt like the right moment to pause before episode 100.
• How her early piano lessons began with confusion and the need to start simpler.
• The importance of meeting students where they are rather than pushing ahead too fast.
• Rachel shared how enjoyment and exploration at the piano fueled her long-term growth.
• She reflected on the teachers and incentives that shaped her love for music.
• How saying yes to hosting the podcast came with excitement and imposter syndrome.
• She highlighted how curiosity has driven meaningful conversations with guests.
• Rachel shared how the podcast has made her a better teacher and conservatory leader.
• She reflected on standout guest episodes that reshaped her thinking on teaching and careers.
• Rachel expressed gratitude to listeners, guests, Tim Topham, and the TopMusic team as she looks ahead to episode 100.

• TopCast 448: Well… This Is Happening!
• TMPP 001: Using Stories in Beginner Piano Lessons
• TMPP 002: How to Have Conversations With Parents of Neurodiverse Students with Tara Mock
• TMPP 031: The Power of Music with Robin Spielberg
• TMPP 049: Growing Creative Cultivation Studio with Shannon Saravia
• TMPP 057: Performing in the Context of YouTube with Annique Göttler
• TMPP 082: Introducing the Athena Narrow Keys Piano with Linda Gould
• TMPP 086: What Happens When You Double Your Rates with Eric Branner

• Visit her website at RachelEhring.com
• Visit her Instagram page: @rachelehring
• Visit her YouTube channel: @dreamlavendermusic6694
• Visit her Etsy shop at Dream Lavender Music

Many pianists tell me they’d love to play more weddings but feel unsure about where to start. In this episode, we're having a chat with James Roscoe, a full-time wedding pianist based in the UK, who takes us behind the scenes of building a thriving wedding music business. We talk about repertoire, marketing, Instagram, working with venues, pricing, and what it really takes to succeed as a wedding pianist.

1. James shared how he transitioned from general performing into weddings as a focused niche.
2. He explained how playing for friends and family weddings helped him gain early experience.
3. He shared why weddings now make up 90–95% of his performance work.
4. How Instagram became a major source of inquiries for wedding bookings.
5. The importance of treating Instagram like a visual portfolio for couples.
6. How posting short performance clips helps couples imagine their own wedding day.
7. Why behind-the-scenes stories build trust and connection with potential clients.
8. James discussed how SEO and a well-optimized website drive direct inquiries.
9. He highlighted how word-of-mouth referrals grow naturally over time.
10. Why strong relationships with wedding venues lead to consistent referrals.
11. He explained how playing at venue open days introduces him to many couples at once.
12. James discussed how reading, lead sheets, and improvisation all support wedding work.
13. James explained why aesthetics matter and how his white baby grand shell elevates the setup.
14. The importance of bringing backup gear to every wedding.
15. He explained how he prices by sections of the day rather than by the hour.
16. James emphasized setting clear expectations with couples around repertoire and requests.
17. He encouraged pianists to start small, build repertoire, and gather testimonials early.

1. James wesbite:www.jamesroscoe.co.uk
2. James Instagram page:@jamesroscoepiano
3. James Facebook page:James Roscoe: Wedding Pianist

James Roscoe is a professional wedding pianist based in the Midlands, UK. He specialises in performing beautiful instrumental arrangements of classic and contemporary pop and rock tracks. If a venue doesn’t have its own piano, James can also provide a complete live setup, including a stunning white baby grand piano shell. This allows couples to enjoy the music they love, paired with elegant visuals that enhance the atmosphere of their special day.

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.

1. Visit her website at RachelEhring.com
2. Visit her Instagram page: @rachelehring
3. Visit her YouTube channel: @dreamlavendermusic6694
4. Visit her Etsy shop at Dream Lavender Music

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.

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.

Dr. Stephanie Archer brings a thoughtful and experience-driven perspective to piano technique and pedagogy. Drawing from her work as a university professor, private teacher, and researcher in injury prevention, she shares practical strategies for teaching healthy movement from the very first lesson. In this episode, Stephanie explores beginner technique, arm weight, warmups, and how thoughtful teaching choices can support both musical growth and long-term physical well-being.

1. Stephanie shared a brief overview of her background and her music teaching studio.
2. She shared how a playing-related injury reshaped her approach to piano technique.
3. Why technique issues often develop gradually rather than from a single event.
4. The importance of teaching healthy movement from the very first lesson.
5. Why beginner technique plays a major role in preventing injury later on.
6. The value of delaying five-finger position for very young students.
7. How one-finger playing supports arm weight and reduces tension.
8. Stephanie explained why non-legato playing helps establish healthy motion before legato.
9. She shared how imagery and hands-on guidance support relaxed technique in young learners.
10. Why arm weight is often misunderstood or overlooked in early teaching.
11. Common technique mistakes caused by focusing only on finger numbers.
12. Strategies for helping students feel arm release away from the piano first.
13. She explained how adult beginners often carry more tension than children.
14. The importance of warming up to prepare the body for playing.
15. Why scales and technical exercises matter only when played with awareness.
16. Stephanie shared how Hanon and scales can support healthy playing when used intentionally.
17. Why curved-finger language can sometimes create unnecessary tension.
18. The importance of an engaged hand bridge rather than forced finger shape.

1. Stephanie's website:Stephanie Archer Piano
2. Stephanie's Instagram page:@stephaniethepianoteacher
3. TopCast 444: Teaching Beginner Piano Technique with Katherine Fisher

Stephanie Archer, NCTM serves as an Assistant Professor of Music at the University of Mobile. She earned a PhD in music education and piano pedagogy from Florida State University. Her research interests include injury prevention, musician wellness, and effective educational practices for elementary students. She has presented workshops at state and national conferences for Music Teachers National Association, the National Conference on Keyboard Pedagogy, the Canadian Federation of Music Teachers’ Associations, the National Association for Music Education, and the European Piano Teachers Association. Her research has been published in the MTNA e-Journal, the Journal of Piano Research, and Florida Music Director.

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.

1. Visit her website at RachelEhring.com
2. Visit her Instagram page: @rachelehring
3. Visit her YouTube channel: @dreamlavendermusic6694
4. Visit her Etsy shop at Dream Lavender Music

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.

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.

As I wrap up 2025, I’ve been reflecting on the moments, conversations, and discoveries that made this year so meaningful. In this episode, I’m sharing 10 of my favorite things, from standout podcast interviews and inspiring books to teaching resources, conservatory highlights, and the incredible connections I’ve made along the way. It’s a look back at what brought joy, growth, and encouragement to my teaching life this year, and I can’t wait to celebrate it all with you.

1. Rachel shared a look back at her favorite moments and discoveries from 2025.
2. She highlighted episode 68 with Florence Phillips as one of the most inspiring interviews of the year.
3. Connecting with more than 40 podcast guests and learn from their experiences.
4. Rachel shared her admiration for a TopCast episode with David Martin.
5. She highlighted the new podcast The Four 40 with Eric Branner.
6. Her favorite book of the year was Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina Garten.
7. Rachel celebrated Nicola Canton’s new piano method Piano Paint Box.
8. She shared her gratitude for rebuilding a strong, reliable teaching team at her conservatory after a challenging previous year.
9. The value of attending NCKP and connecting with piano teachers from around the world.

1. TopCast 417: Being a SAVVY Music Teacher with David Cutler
2. TopCast 439: From Bankruptcy to 1000 Students with David Martin
3. TopMusic Piano Podcast 068: Piano Behind Bars with Florence Phillips
4. TopMusic Piano Podcast 086: What Happens When You Double Your Rates with Eric Branner
5. Eric’s Podcast:The Fourforty (440) with Eric Branner

1. Be Ready When the Luck Happens: A Memoir by Ina Garten
2. The Savvy Musician 2.0 by David Cutler
3. 67 Day Year by Shannon Irvine
4. The Piano Paintbox Book Blog Post

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.

1. Visit her website at RachelEhring.com
2. Visit her Instagram page: @rachelehring
3. Visit her YouTube channel: @dreamlavendermusic6694
4. Visit her Etsy shop at Dream Lavender Music

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.

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.

Kelsey Berg brings a fascinating perspective to the worlds of piano and organ. With roles spanning church music, university teaching, and private instruction, she shares how her unexpected transition from piano to organ opened a new musical path. In this episode, she explores the key differences between the instruments, the challenges of technique and registration, the realities of practicing without an organ at home, and how injury-preventive training shaped her approach to healthy playing.

1. Kelsey shared a brief overview of her background as multifaceted organist and music teacher.
2. How she switched from playing the piano after unexpectedly taking a church organ job.
3. She explained why the myth “piano players can automatically play organ” is false.
4. Kelsey how the organ’s sound production differs from the piano.
5. How organ musicality relies on timing, articulation, phrasing, and managing silence rather than varying touch like on the piano.
6. Why practicing organ music at the piano improves musical shaping.
7. The challenge of accessing instruments, since organists depend on churches for practice time.
8. How to approach churches or universities politely to request practice access.
9. She explained why the organ is not a dying art.
10. Kelsey highlighted that there are more organ jobs than organists.
11. She encouraged pianists to consider the field for stable employment.
12. How studying injury-preventive technique at the Lister-Sink Institute transformed her playing and resolved pain from overuse.
13. Common technique misconceptions, including misunderstanding anatomy and finger independence.

1. Kelsey's Instagram page:@kelseymberg
2. Kelsey's Facebook profile:Kelsey Berg
3. Kelsey's YouTube page:www.youtube.com/@kelseyberg3278

Praised by Cleveland Classical for her “subtlety, depth, and affect” in performance, Kelsey Berg is a multifaceted organist, music theorist, and teacher. She currently serves as the Assistant Organist-Choirmaster at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Akron, OH. Kelsey is also a Guest Lecturer in Organ at the Cleveland Institute of Music (CIM), where she teaches secondary organ lessons to both graduate and undergraduate students, as well as applied organ at Case Western Reserve University as part of the Joint Music Program. Kelsey maintains a private piano and organ studio, with students of all levels. Kelsey recently graduated with a Doctor of Musical of Arts in Organ Performance from CIM, studying with Professor Todd Wilson. At CIM, she was the 2023 recipient of the Heinrich Scholarship in organ. Kelsey received both a Master of Music in Organ Performance and a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from Mercer University. She also attended Salem College, receiving both a Certificate in Injury Preventive Keyboard Technique and a Master of Music in Piano Performance and Pedagogy with an Emphasis in Injury Preventive Keyboard Technique. At Salem, Kelsey was awarded the Bright and Annie Lee Fitzgerald Sink Award for Excellence in Piano. She has studied organ with Dr. Jack Mitchener and Dr. John Cummins, and has studied piano with Dr. Ian Altman and Dr. Barbara Lister-Sink. Kelsey is a member of the Association of Anglican Musicians, the Society of Women Organists, and is Sub-Dean of the Cleveland Chapter of the American Guild of Organists.

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.

1. Visit her website at RachelEhring.com
2. Visit her Instagram page: @rachelehring
3. Visit her YouTube channel: @dreamlavendermusic6694
4. Visit her Etsy shop at Dream Lavender Music

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.

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.

Jerald Simon’s creativity knows no bounds—from composing hundreds of piano pieces to writing motivational poetry and now fiction. In this episode, he shares how his debut novel The Musical Realm brings music to life through an imaginative fantasy world. Jerald also offers valuable insights into self-publishing, branding, and marketing for teachers and creatives who want to share their work with the world.

1. Jerald shared his journey from piano teacher and composer to author and entrepreneur.
2. How his company, Music Motivation®, helps students learn theory, improvisation, and composition through a practical, creative approach.
3. He shared about his new book, The Musical Realm, as his first full-length fictional novel.
4. He discussed his creative process, explaining how he outlines all five books in advance.
5. The challenges and rewards of self-publishing, including handling editing and cover design.
6. The importance of marketing and retaining rights as an independent author.
7. Jerald discussed his marketing strategies, including sending out 500–1,000 review copies, using press releases, and building grassroots engagement before paid ads.
8. How branding, consistency, and niche focus help authors and teachers stand out.
9. He encouraged teachers and creators to “think like a business”.

1. Enjoy 15% off any purchase fromMusic Motivation®for life using the discount codeTOPMUSIC, which can be used multiple times on any product.

1. Jerald's website:Music Motivation®
2. Jerald's YouTube channel:YouTube.com/jeraldsimon
3. Jerald's book:The Musical Realm (Amazon link)

Jerald Simon is the founder of Music Motivation® and focuses on helping piano students and piano teachers learn music theory, improvisation, and composition. He refers to these areas as: Theory Therapy, Innovative Improvisation, and Creative Composition. Simon is an author and composer and has written 29 music books featuring almost 400 original compositions, 14 albums, three motivational poetry books featuring over 400 original poems, and is the creator of the best-selling Cool Songs Series, the best-selling Essential Piano Exercises Series and Essential Piano Lessons for piano students and also Essential Piano Teachers for piano teachers.

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.

1. Visit her website at RachelEhring.com
2. Visit her Instagram page: @rachelehring
3. Visit her YouTube channel: @dreamlavendermusic6694
4. Visit her Etsy shop at Dream Lavender Music

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.

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.