In today's exciting episode, we dive into the power of music with one of America’s most beloved pianist/composers, Robin Spielberg. With an illustrious career spanning decades, Robin has captured the hearts of listeners worldwide with her enchanting melodies and profound piano techniques. Join us as we explore her unique journey from childhood passion to becoming a Steinway Artist, her experiences in the ever-evolving music industry, and her advocacy for the transformative power of music in wellness and therapy. We delve into her live-streamed performances that provided comfort during the pandemic and her insightful TEDx talk on the transformative power of music. Robin also offers valuable advice on overcoming performance anxiety and maintaining discipline in practice. Whether you're a music lover or just curious about the power of melody, this conversation with Robin Spielberg is sure to resonate.

• Robin shared a brief overview of her background and how she has been passionate about the piano since childhood.
• How she was introduced to arranging songs using chords and numbers at a young age.
• Her successful career in New York City’s piano rooms and hotel lobbies.
• An overview of diverse career, from recording her music, touring as a solo pianist, performing with orchestras, and engaging in various musical projects.
• Her music and memory workshops for seniors.
• Robin’s TEDx talk, "The Transformative Power of Music."
• Her advocacy for music therapy.
• Importance of incorportating arts into wellness for emotional and mental well-being.
• How she started live streaming piano performances during COVID-19 to cope with the lack of live performances and for her mental health.
• The growth and expansion of her live streams, leading her to apply for and receive a grant.
• Developing a system for creating themed performances, such as songs about transportation or celestial events.
• Importance of discipline and habit in maintaining musical practice.
• Some performance anxiety tips and practice routine advice from Robin.
• Robin gave a sneak peak to her upcoming projects.

• Robin Spielberg's Website
• Robin Spielberg's Ted Talk

Robin Spielberg is one of America’s most beloved pianist/composers. With an impressive tour schedule and hundreds of thousands of recordings sold, this Steinway Artist has been winning the hearts of listeners around the world with her compelling melodies and sensitive piano techniques since debuting her first recording of original solos for piano, Heal of the Hand.

A prolific composer, Spielberg has 24 recordings to her credit and appears on over 40 compilations around the world. Her discography includes albums of original piano solos, arrangements of American standards, original pieces for piano/ensemble, recordings for the holidays, a CD of American melodies, and a CD of lullabies. Robin Spielberg is represented on tour by Kosson Talent.

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 https://rachelehring.com/
• Visit her Instagram page: @rachelehring
• 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.

Today, we're thrilled to welcome Kelly Riordan, CEO and Co-Founder of Outside the Bachs, LLC, a program empowering musicians to build successful private music studios. Kelly, a thought leader in music business education, shares her expertise on how to effectively market your teaching studio. From creating a profitable lesson package to mastering authentic marketing strategies, Kelly’s insights are invaluable for anyone looking to attract and retain students in the competitive world of music education. Join us as we explore Kelly’s actionable tips and strategies that will help you elevate your teaching studio to the next level!

• Kelly introduces herself as the CEO and co-founder of "Outside the Bachs," an accelerator program for musicians to start or scale their private music lesson studios.
• Overview of "Outside the Bachs" and its focus on helping musicians with the backend structure, marketing, and creating duplicatable processes for their music studios.
• She shares her background as a clarinetist and her experience in teaching piano.
• Three-step process for enrolling students.
• Setting up a profitable lesson package before acquiring students.
• Importance of being transparent about pricing, including industry standards.
• Kelly advocates for organic marketing methods (unpaid), focusing on building relationships rather than relying on paid advertising.
• Advice on building relationships in a new location to attract students.
• Helpful tips on finding piano students.
• Leveraging local social media to attract piano students.
• Why elementary general music programs are valuable for finding new students who haven't yet chosen an instrument.
• Personal vs. studio social media presence.
• Some content strategies for business growth.
• Key mistakes in teacher marketing.
• Value of having a repeatable enrollment process and a professional approach in consultations.
• Kelly's general marketing advice and final strategy recommendations for music teachers.

• Outside The Bachs Website
• Outside The Bachs YouTube Page
• Kelly Riordan's TikTok Page
• Kelly Riordan's Instagram: @kellyriordanmusician
• Facebook Group: Private Music Instructors, Piano Lesson Teachers, and Music Studio Owners

Kelly Riordan is the CEO and Co-Founder of Outside the Bachs, LLC - a program designed to give musicians the skills to create their own private music studios and deliver the highest quality instruction to their students.

Her work has brought her to the forefront in music business education. In addition to hosting The Outside the Bachs Podcast, Riordan presents regularly at conferences and universities, with recent appearances at The NAMM Show and The Ultimate Music Business Summit, in addition to lectures at the University of Tennessee, Miami University, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and University of North Carolina School of the Arts.

Kelly Riordan holds a Master of Music (MM) in Performance and Literature from the Hugh Hodgson School of Music at the University of Georgia and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Music from the Peck School of the Arts at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

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 https://rachelehring.com/
• Visit her Instagram page: @rachelehring
• 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.

Today, we are joined by Clinton Pratt, a seasoned pianist with over 40 years of playing experience and the owner of a successful and thriving multi-teacher piano studio in Cincinnati, Ohio. With a Master's degree in Piano, National Certification as a Teacher of Music, and Teaching Certification from the American Eurhythmics Society, Clinton brings a wealth of knowledge to our discussion. He shares his journey from solo teaching to managing a team of instructors, detailing the challenges and rewards of expanding his studio. We discuss his innovative Benchmark Program for tracking student progress, strategies for building community through recitals and group classes, and tips for teachers considering a similar path. Clinton also reveals upcoming projects, including a no-practice-required group class and his ongoing work with the American Eurhythmics Society. Tune in for practical advice and inspiration from an experienced music educator and studio owner.

• Clinton shared a brief overview of his multi-teacher music studio.
• He also shared about his musical background, growing up in a musical family and initially not planning on a music career.
• He describes his journey from teaching at another studio to creating his own and hiring additional teachers due to increasing student demand.
• Challenges of hiring qualified teachers, seeking grad students or those with a passion for teaching.
• Benefits of being part of a music school, such as administrative support and marketing.
• Clinton describes his thorough hiring process.
• How his studio uses a Benchmark Program, similar to karate belts, to gauge student progress across various categories like technique, memorized pieces, and sight-reading.
• The logistics of scheduling and studio management of a multi teacher music studio.
• Clinton shares about the process for new student enrollment and trial lessons.
• Some community-building efforts in a multi teacher music studio.
• His recommendations and advice for teachers who wants to start a multi-teacher studio model.
• His upcoming plans or events, including an upcoming concert, completion of a master teaching artist certification for the American Eurythmics Society, and a no-practice-required group class.

• Clinton Pratt's Website
• The Piano Sensei Way Podcast
• Piano Sensei Instagram: @pianosensei

Clinton Pratt has played piano for over 40 years and has been teaching piano for over 22 years. He owns a multi-teacher piano studio in Cincinnati Ohio, is Past President of the Ohio Music Teachers Association Southwest District and is a member of the College of Examiners for the Royal Conservatory of Music based in Toronto, Canada. Clinton has a Masters degree in Piano, is a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music, and holds a Teaching Certification through the American Eurhythmics Society. He is also the President of the Greater Cincinnati Eurhythmics Society, has been published in American Music Teacher, and was on the Editorial Committee for that journal from 2017-2021. In addition to teaching and adjudicating, he has given over 50 workshops at local, state, and national conferences on various topics concerning piano teaching and running a successful music teaching business. Clinton recently started a podcast to help teachers run a successful piano studio, The Piano Sensei (Sensay) Way. Somehow, he finds extra time to compose pieces for these students, which are now available to teachers across the world!

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 https://rachelehring.com/
• Visit her Instagram page: @rachelehring
• 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.

Today, we have the pleasure of chatting with my good friend, Tweena Vuong. From her humble beginnings learning piano under the guidance of her father to stepping into the spotlight at just ten years old, Tweena's journey is nothing short of magical. Today, she has over 25 years of professional performance experience, ranging from concerts and musical theater to bands and choirs. Yet, her true passion lies in teaching and nurturing young talents at her music studio, SmartMuse Piano. Join us as we explore Tweena's inspiring story, the historical significance of her studio, and the creation of her unique Music and Magic Journal that transforms music lessons into a holistic, creative adventure for students. Whether you're an aspiring musician, a dedicated music teacher, or simply a lover of heartwarming stories, this episode promises to strike a chord.

• Tweena shared a brief background of her music studio and the historical significance of her location.
• She describes her current studio setup.
• She emphasizes the studio's mission of creating a safe and nurturing environment for students, integrating life lessons with music lessons.
• The story behind her Music and Magic Journal creation, its components and role in helping students organize and document their practice and progress.
• The journal's development and evolution.
• How her students use the journal for assignments and goal tracking.
• The impact of the journal and vision board to her students.
• How Tweena and her teachers use the journal for personal and professional goals.
• Tweena emphasizes the importance of music and magic in students' lives.

• Tweena Vuong's Website
• SmartMuse Piano Instagram: @smartmusepiano
• SmartMuse Piano Facebook Page
• SmartMuse Piano Etsy Page

As a thank you to those of you who listened to podcast with Tweena Vuong and want to get their hands on a Music and Magic journal, here is a special discount code for 20% off your entire order.

Click here and visit Tweena's website and use the discount code: MUSIC&MAGIC2024.

This offer is only available here and valid until December 31st, 2024 or while supplies last.

Tweena Vuong's first piano teacher was her dad, who was self-taught. At just 10 years old, the organist at Tweena's church had to leave, creating an opening for a new accompanist. At the audition, there were those who doubted her young age and skills so her dad said, “Get over to that piano and play ‘A Whole New World’!” -- a song she had just learned -- and that's how it all began! Tweena has been performing professionally for more than 25 years now, from concerts to musical theater, bands, choirs, and hundreds of special events. But Tweena's real love is sharing this gift. She loves to teach, and gives 110% to her students to help them learn and reach their music goals. Now, she teaches at her music studio (SmartMuse Piano) in Santa Ana and is living her dream life- teaching kids, playing piano, making music, and having fun. She loves all noodles and cheeses.

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 https://rachelehring.com/
• Visit her Instagram page: @rachelehring
• 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.

In this episode, we're going to delve into the essential topic of self-care for piano teachers, exploring six distinct types: physical, emotional, social, personal, financial, and work self-care. Drawing from my own experiences and insights, I'll share some practical advice and strategies to help you prioritize your well-being amidst the demands of your busy life. Tune in to discover how small, intentional changes can make a big difference in managing stress and enhancing your overall quality of life.

• Rachel shares her experience of being a new mom during a stressful period and learning the importance of self-care.
• She introduces the six types of self-care: physical, emotional, social, personal, financial, and work self-care.
• Physical self-care involves exercise, healthy eating, and hydration, with practical tips for teachers.
• Emotional self-car, including meditation, journaling, and finding support.
• Social self-care emphasizes boundaries and the importance of supportive social interactions.
• Personal self-care highlights the joy of playing music for relaxation.
• Financial self-care involves managing finances and setting appropriate lesson rates.
• Work self-care focuses on setting boundaries and creating a manageable schedule.
• Rachel encourages listeners to choose one type of self-care to focus on.

• Music and Mind Book
• Sharon Regier on Feeding a Hungry Family after Teaching All Day
• TopMusic Piano Podcast 021: The Intersection of Piano and Yoga with Tiffany Pinhorn Smith
• TopMusic Piano Podcast 024: Setting Your Piano Studio Rates with Andrea Miller
• Whole Body Learning Teaching Beginner’s Course

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 https://rachelehring.com/
• Visit her Instagram page: @rachelehring
• 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.

Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Adam Gingery, founder of the Philadelphia Piano Institute and partner at a Philadelphia-based marketing agency. With a diverse background in collaborative piano and extensive experience in search marketing, Adam brings a wealth of knowledge on optimizing studio websites for music studios and private teachers. In this episode, he shares invaluable insights into building and optimizing a high-quality studio website, effective SEO strategies, the importance of a well-managed Google Business Profile, and effective marketing tips to attract more students. Tune in to learn how to enhance your online presence and attract more students to your music studio.

• Adam shares a brief overview of his background and businesses.
• He shared how he transitioned from teaching piano to marketing.
• What his daily tasks and his daily responsibilities look like.
• Importance of high-quality websites, SEO and website structure.
• Discussion about high quality content and call to action.
• Why reviews and testimonials are valuable.
• Introduction to Google Business profile and why it's essential for any business.
• Setting up and maximizing your Google Business profile.
• NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number) consistency to boost your profile's authority.
• Discussion on pricing and whether to list pricing on your website.
• Importance of professional photos and videos on your website.
• How to manage multiple roles and websites.
• Tips for improving website SEO for piano teachers.

• Adam Gingery Website
• Adam Gingery LinkedIn
• Top 6 Motivation Reasons Your Adult Piano Students Love to Study Piano

• Whole Body Learning Teaching Beginner’s Course

Adam Gingery is the founder of the Philadelphia Piano Institute and a partner at a Philadelphia-based agency. His piano playing is mostly collaborative in nature and he has worked with countless singers, string players, brass musicians, and woodwind players on their repertoire. He also helps about 50 other clients with search marketing in his private practice at Adam Gingery Consulting. Music schools and private teachers can learn more about his services at Musicstudiomarketing.com.

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 https://rachelehring.com/
• Visit her Instagram page: @rachelehring
• 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.

In this episode, we're joined by Ashley Danyew, a musician, educator, writer, and entrepreneur. Ashley is the Founder and Editor of Musician & Co., a platform dedicated to equipping classical musicians with essential business skills. With over 10 years of experience running an online business and 15+ years curating a portfolio career, Ashley brings a wealth of knowledge and insight. Join us as Ashley shares her expert tips on planning effective work retreats, reflecting on past successes, and setting strategic goals for the future. Whether you're preparing for the new school year or seeking to enhance your business strategies, this episode is packed with valuable advice to inspire and guide you.

• Ashley Danyew Website
• Ashley Danyew Instagram
• Virtual Work Retreat for Musicians and Teachers
• Musician & Co Website
• Work Retreat Workbook for Musicians

Ashley Danyew, Ph.D. is a musician, educator, writer, and entrepreneur. She is the Founder and Editor of Musician & Co., equipping classical musicians with the tools and education they need to be small business owners. A graduate of the University of Georgia and the Eastman School of Music, Ashley has over 10 years of experience running an online business and 15+ years of curating a portfolio career. Her website AshleyDanyew.com includes a blog, resource library, and courses for music educators and church musicians, and between that and Musician & Co., she serves an email list of 25,000 and had a combined readership of 344,000 people last year.

At Musician & Co., Ashley is dedicated to providing educational tools, resources, and services to support self-employed musicians and music freelancers so they can build and manage a music career that’s as diverse and unique as they are—one that’s financially secure, artistically fulfilling, and made to last.

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 https://rachelehring.com/
• Visit her Instagram page: @rachelehring
• 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.

In this episode, I am joined by Andrea Miller, the dynamic piano teacher and entrepreneur behind the Music Studio Startup podcast and blog. Andrea shares her journey from teaching piano in high school to launching a music school that quickly expanded to five teachers and over 100 students. With a double-major in Entrepreneurship and Piano Performance, Andrea brings a wealth of knowledge to music teachers seeking to build financially sustainable studios. Our conversation delves into practical advice for setting studio rates, creative solutions for affordability, and the importance of maintaining confidence in business decisions. Tune in for an insightful discussion that will help you navigate the financial aspects of running a successful music studio.

• Andrea shared a brief overview of her background as a piano teacher, helping music teachers build financially sustainable studios.
• How her interest in entrepreneurship began early, leading her to combine it with her passion for piano.
• Her approach to helping teachers with finances, branding, marketing, and building websites.
• Her background working with non-music business owners, particularly in STEM education.
• Importance of setting lesson rates based on personal financial sustainability rather than market rates alone.
• Andrea's formula for determining lesson rates based on studio expenses, desired salary & taxes.
• Considering the value of big box studio rates and positioning oneself in the market based on their unique offerings.
• The mindset shifts needed for raising rates, emphasizing the value of teachers' work in the market.
• Response for teachers when faced with complaints about rates.
• Some creative solutions for affordability include alternating private and group lessons.
• Why it's crucial to separate business sustainability from affordability.
• Andrea's talks about her Business Building 101 course, guiding new studio owners through foundational decisions, and a grant competition to support new teachers.

• Andrea Miller Website
• Music Studio Startup Instagram
• Music Studio Startup Podcast

Andrea Miller is the piano teacher and entrepreneur behind the Music Studio Startup podcast and blog. She talks about all things business and coaches musicians who want to build financially sustainable studios. She started teaching piano in high school and decided she wanted to open a music school. After she graduated from college with a double-major in Entrepreneurship and Piano Performance, that goal to open a music school became a reality and she launched a school that quickly expanded to five teachers, an intern, and 100+ students. Eventually, that experience led to other entrepreneurial endeavors and consulting opportunities in all sorts of fields. She loves working with entrepreneurs and small businesses. And in 2016, she decided it was time to bring her expertise back to the music world so she launched Music Studio Startup.

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.

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.

In this episode, we delve into the world of injury prevention and peak performance for pianists with our guest, Helen Aun. Helen, a leading expert in her field and the founder of The Helen Aun Institute, has developed a unique method that combines the Alexander Technique, EFT Tapping, efficient piano technique, and mindset transformation to help pianists unlock their full artistic potential. With over 25 years of teaching experience and a background in both piano pedagogy and performance, she shares invaluable insights on preventing injuries, managing performance anxiety, and creating a supportive learning environment for students. Join us as we explore Helen's innovative approach to piano training and her journey in helping pianists around the world achieve their best.

• Helen shared a brief overview of her background and work experience.
• Her initial training in Alexander Technique, a tool for musicians and performers.
• Some benefits of Alexander Technique, including improved coordination, biomechanics understanding, and stress management.
• Helen shared her personal experience with injuries and her history of pain.
• How her discovery of Alexander Technique provided significant changes in her performance and physical state.
• She shared about developing her own system, focusing on injury-free piano technique, emotional, and mental aspects.
• Common physical mistakes in pianists.
• Advice for teachers of young piano students to help prevent future problems.
• The importance of teachers having adequate training in movement and body coordination.
• Why proper hand positioning is crucial.
• Performance anxiety and advice on managing it in young students.

• Helen Aun's Website
• Helen Aun YouTube Channel
• Get in touch with Helen via a Consultation Call here!

• Download the latest TopMusic Magazine here.
• Register for the Teaching Beginners Course with Paul Myatt & Tim Topham here.

Helen Aun is a leading expert in pianists’ injury prevention and peak performance. She is the founder of The Helen Aun Institute, a comprehensive training and rehabilitation program for pianists. Combining the body-mind wisdom of the Alexander Technique, the healing power of EFT Tapping, the precision of efficient, injury-free piano technique and a deep journey of mindset transformation, Helen has developed a unique method that helps pianists unlock their full artistic potential.

Helen has a degree in piano pedagogy and performance and over 25 years of piano teaching experience. She is a certified teacher of the Alexander Technique, having studied at The Alexander Teacher Training School, one of the most prestigious schools in England, where she was later invited to return as a teacher trainer. Helen has held an Alexander Technique teaching position at the Junior Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London and she now trains pianists from all over the world. Her students range from the graduates of the Royal Academy to Juilliard. Helen is also an international speaker, giving lectures and workshops at various organisations globally.

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.

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.

Hello, my piano teacher friends! Today’s episode is all about keeping your students engaged through the summer with whole body activities. This month’s theme at TopMusic focuses on full-body learning, and I’m excited to share some creative, easy-to-implement ideas that require no extra training or planning. These activities, inspired by my experiences and wonderful suggestions from Instagram followers, will not only keep your wiggly students focused but also make learning musical concepts memorable and fun. Let’s dive into these practical strategies and keep our lessons lively all summer long!

• Rachel shares creative, no-extra-training-needed ideas for incorporating full-body learning into piano lessons.
• Understanding full-body learning, which is beneficial for students with short attention spans and reinforcing musical concepts.
• Steady beat examples by having students walk or tap the beat without distractions that improve rhythm understanding.
• Rachel provides rhythm activities, including using rhythm sticks and egg shakers.
• Ideas from other teachers, such as interpretive dance, hopping to learn stem directions, dynamic movements, and animal dances.
• Some activities involving moving like animals and improvising music based on those movements.
• Simon Says Game - A simple game for teaching right and left hand finger numbers is explained.
• Red Light Green Light Game - A rhythm game where students follow a metronome beat and freeze when the "cop" turns around.
• Rachel introduces her new sound effects story "If Dinosaurs Came to Your Piano Lesson," designed to include whole-body activities.

• “A Whale of an Excuse” Sound Effect Story 

• How to Earn Extra Income by Playing the Piano Webinar (Monday, June 24th, 7:00 AM PST)

• TopCast 370: How to Add Piano Accompanying to Your Income Portfolio with Dr Rachel Ehring
• Download the latest TopMusic Magazine here.
• Rachels' Etsy Store for new sound effect story - If Dinosaurs Came to Your Piano Lesson

• Musikgarten Rhythm Sticks
• Max Found Two Sticks (Reading Rainbow Book)
• Jess Homewood (Not Your Mother's Studio)

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 https://rachelehring.com/
• 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.

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