The Scrappy Piano Teacher Podcast

In this episode of the Music Teacher Mastermind Podcast, host Jaclyn Mrozek speaks with Andy Villemez and Annie Jeng about the National Conference on Keyboard Pedagogy (NCKP) 2025. They discuss the unique aspects of the conference, including its focus on piano education, the upcoming Innovation Summit, and the diverse range of topics covered. The conversation highlights the importance of networkin...

In this episode of the Music Teacher Mastermind podcast, Jaclyn Mrozek chats with Marie Lee about the benefits of group piano teaching and how to successfully integrate it into private studios. They explore buddy lessons, multi-level teaching, and engaging group activities that keep students motivated. Marie shares insights on lead sheets, group dynamics, technology in teaching, and student choice...

In this episode of the Music Teacher Mastermind Podcast, Jaclyn Mrozek interviews Janna Williamson, an expert in preparing confident performers for recitals. They discuss the importance of selecting quality repertoire throughout the year, the pressure often associated with recitals, and strategies for helping students perform confidently. Janna Williamson discusses her philosophy on recital prep a...

In this episode of the Music Teacher Mastermind Podcast, host Jaclyn Mrozek is joined by co-author of Piano Safari, Julie Hague, who gives a clear overview into the innovative Piano Safari method. They discuss the origins of the method, its unique approach to teaching music through a combination of rote learning and reading, and the importance of engaging students with fun and effective techniques...

In this bonus episode of the Music Teacher Mastermind Podcast, Jaclyn Mrozek shares her innovative Happy Birthday project, designed to engage students in a fun and interactive way. She discusses how she structures her lessons around the Happy Birthday song and the various activities she incorporates to make learning enjoyable. Jaclyn also emphasizes the significance of tailoring activities for dif...

In this conversation, Jaclyn Mrozek and Abigail Proffitt discuss the nuances of teaching piano to young children, addressing common misconceptions, effective teaching methods, and the importance of play-based learning. They explore the intricacies of teaching preschoolers music, emphasizing the importance of cognitive development, rhythm, and brain function. Abigail shares insights from her worksh...

In this episode of the Music Teacher Mastermind podcast, host Jaclyn Mrozek interviews Susan Staples Bell, a passionate music educator and author. Susan shares her philosophy on teaching music, emphasizing the importance of creativity and exploration in learning. The conversation highlights the balance between theory and practical application in music education, making it relatable for both teache...

In this episode of the Music Teacher Mastermind Podcast, Jaclyn Mrozek and Clinton Pratt delve into the world of improvisation in music education. Clinton shares his journey with improvisation, discussing how he incorporates it into his teaching methods to build confidence in students. They explore various techniques for introducing improvisation, emphasizing the importance of creating a comfortab...

In this episode of the Music Teacher Mastermind podcast, host Jaclyn Mrozek welcomes Angela Toone, an experienced music educator, to discuss innovative teaching methods for scales and chords. Angela shares her journey in music education, her unique approaches to teaching young students, and the importance of connecting scales and chords for a deeper understanding of music. The conversation also to...

In this episode of the Music Teacher Mastermind Podcast, host Jaclyn Mrozek and guest Ashley Danyew discuss the complexities of taxes for music teachers and self-employed musicians. They explore the importance of tax education, the significance of write-offs, and how to effectively track expenses and income. The conversation also covers navigating tax brackets, setting up for estimated taxes, and...

Jaclyn Mrozek and Andrea Miller discuss the importance of year-end financial reviews for music teachers, focusing on collecting financial data, understanding net profit and net worth, and assessing overall financial health. They emphasize budgeting, establishing routines, setting financial goals, and leveraging resources for better money management. The conversation addresses the emotional aspects...

BONUS: Let's Reflect on 2024! In this episode of the Music Teacher Mastermind Podcast, Jaclyn Mrozek reflects on her winter break and discusses the importance of taking time off for mental health. She introduces the concept of a reflective carousel for 2024, encouraging music teachers to celebrate their wins, acknowledge challenges, and set goals for the upcoming year. Jaclyn emphasizes that refle...

In this episode of the Music Teacher Mastermind, Jaclyn Mrozek guides music teachers through a year-end reflection process designed to foster clarity, reset mindsets, and set meaningful goals for the upcoming year. The session emphasizes the importance of identifying current challenges, exploring actionable solutions, and the necessity of accountability in achieving personal and professional growt...

In this episode of the Music Teacher Mastermind Podcast, Jaclyn Mrozek discusses the pervasive issue of burnout among music teachers. She shares her personal experiences with burnout, emphasizing that it can affect even the most passionate educators. The conversation covers how to recognize the signs of burnout, practical strategies to combat it, and the importance of self-care. Jaclyn encourages...

In the 25th episode of the Music Teacher Mastermind Podcast, host Jaclyn Mrozek celebrates the power of teacher connections and community. Reflecting on the podcast's journey, she highlights how meaningful relationships can combat isolation, boost creativity, and improve well-being. Jaclyn shares strategies like engaging online, collaborating locally, attending conferences, and forming accountabil...

In this episode of the Music Teacher Mastermind Podcast, Jaclyn Mrozek interviews Jennifer Jackson, a seasoned piano teacher from Utah, about the significance of ensembles in music education. Jennifer shares the challenges and strategies involved in introducing ensemble playing to students. The conversation also touches on the use of technology in practice, the preparation for ensemble recitals, a...

Busy Little Turtle Subscribers receive FREEBIES in the "Freebies Vault"! www.busylittleturtle.com/subscribe In this episode of the "Music Teacher Mastermind Podcast", host Jaclyn Mrozek chats with Georgina Wilson, creator of Busy Little Turtle, about her journey in developing engaging music games and resources for music education. Georgina shares how she grew from creating games for her sister’s p...

In this episode of the Music Teacher Mastermind podcast, Jaclyn Mrozek discusses the impact of rote teaching and musical storybooks on student engagement and learning. She shares her personal journey with rote teaching, its benefits for students of all ages, and how integrating storytelling can enhance the learning experience. The episode emphasizes the importance of using both rote and storytelli...

In this episode of the Music Teacher Mastermind Podcast, Jaclyn Mrozek and Sara Campbell from Savvy Music Studio dive into the essential business mindset for music teachers. They discuss the importance of financial health, sustainable income, and how proper money management and financial awareness can bring mental clarity. Sara shares practical advice on separating personal and business finances,...

In this episode of the Music Teacher Mastermind podcast, facilitator and host Jaclyn Mrozek is joined by Elizabeth Swift, where they explore the world of Christmas and holiday music for piano teachers. They cover a wide range of music arrangements, from pre-reader to beginner and intermediate pieces, and discuss how to incorporate engaging backing tracks into lessons. Elizabeth shares her insights...

In this conversation of The Music Teacher Master Mind Podcast, Dr. Tonya Lawson shares her journey from a clarinet performance doctorate to becoming an expert in SEO for musicians. She discusses the importance of diversifying income streams, especially in the creative space, and how SEO can help musicians attract organic traffic to their websites. The conversation also touches on affiliate marketi...

In Part 2 of this special topic, Jaclyn Mrozek hosts Dr. Elizabeth Davis-Everhart and Dr. Scott Price to discuss the intricacies of teaching music to students with visual impairments and other unique learning needs. In this episode, the conversation continues with the significance of mindset shifts, and the value of creativity and improvisation in music education. They also provide resources and s...

In this two part series, Jaclyn Mrozek hosts Dr. Elizabeth Davis and Dr. Scott Price to discuss the intricacies of teaching music to students with visual impairments and other unique learning needs. They explore their backgrounds, teaching experiences, and the importance of curiosity and adaptability in teaching methods. The conversation highlights common misconceptions about qualifications, the s...

In this episode of The Music Teacher Master Mind, Jaclyn chats with Nicola Cantan about her exciting new book for rookie teachers, "Zero to Studio". They also dive into valuable resources for seasoned teachers and share insights from Nicola's own teaching journey. Don't miss this inspiring conversation packed with tips for every stage of your teaching career! *** Episode Mentions...

In this episode of the Music Teacher Master Mind, Jaci talks with Florence Phillips, who shares her journey from a part-time teacher to running a thriving multi-teacher piano studio. She discusses building a waitlist, hiring teachers, and creating a supportive team. Florence also offers insights on managing teacher turnover, maintaining a professional website, and giving teachers autonomy. Plus, s...