The Vibrant Music Teaching Podcast | Proven and practical tips, strategies and ideas for music teachers

The Vibrant Music Teaching Podcast , hosted by Nicola Canton, explores how music teachers can adapt their teaching styles to fit different students and instruments. In this episode, Nicola responds to a question from Emily, a teacher of both piano and brass instruments, about whether her varied teaching approaches for each instrument are acceptable. Nicola delves into the idea of aligning expectat...

In this podcast episode, the host shares insights and practical advice for music teachers who conduct lessons at students' homes. They discuss the importance of charging a travel fee to account for time spent commuting, and offer tips on organizing materials efficiently using a folder system. The host also explores strategies for transitioning from home visits to studio-based lessons, including ad...

Join Nicola Canton as she delves into building confidence in public speaking and offers insights into teaching young students effectively. This episode covers how to overcome the fear of speaking, the importance of practice, and the challenges of teaching preschoolers, with real questions from teachers like you. Tune in for practical tips and thoughtful discussions that can transform your teaching...

Join Nicola as she shares new resources, exciting announcements, and honest reflections on the teaching profession. Whether you’re a seasoned teacher or just starting out, there’s something here for everyone. This week, discover new resources for piano teachers, learn about Nicola's upcoming podcast, Vivid Practice , and hear about her latest book, Zero to Studio . Tune in and elevate your teachin...

Join me for a general catchup after my summer of conferences and some thoughts for upcoming plans. Find out more about membership at vibrantmusicteaching.com.

I'm delighted to be joined by Leila Viss today to talk about reusing and recycling objects for games in your studio. Leila Viss generates imaginative resources for her piano studio and website. She holds Composiums, which inspire pianists to nurture their creative voice through composition and arranging. Viss is known for her innovative pedagogy and engaging presentations and is Colorado's 2024 MT...

Today we're joined by Nicole Douglas for a fascinating discussion about practice, motivation and ownership. Nicole Douglas teaches piano near Chicago, Illinois. She previously worked in business and marketing research, and now enjoys getting to combine her love for both by consulting for music ed tech companies. Nicole is passionate about teaching beginners, studying injury-preventive technique, a...

Today's guest is Christina Whitlock. We're going to be chatting about some fun hidden truths about the teaching life. Christina Whitlock, MM, NCTM, fancies herself a friend and philosopher to the piano teaching profession. Connecting primarily with audiences through the Beyond Measure Podcast, she enjoys supporting the piano teaching community in many ways. Check out ChristinaWhitlock.com for more...

Jenny Walker is on the show today to share about her composing process. Born in Southampton, I now live in Lincolnshire where I have a successful teaching practice. I compose piano music and write songs and arrangements for my ladies; singing group. I play most genres; folk, jazz, big band key parts, popular music and classical. Find out more about membership at vibrantmusicteaching.com.

Crystal Boyack is coming on the podcast today. We're discussing her creative method for violin students and what went into its development. Crystal Boyack is a leader in early childhood violin pedagogy and the best selling author of Wee Violin: Music for Young Violinists Preparatory to Twinkle. She currently teaches at the University of New Mexico’s String Lab School and runs a private studio teac...

Kate Boyd is on the show today and we're chatting about preparing teens to progress to music majors. Kate Boyd is the head of the piano area at Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana. She regularly performs throughout the US and abroad as a soloist and chamber musician. She has a YouTube channel called “The Piano Prof” where she shares instructional piano videos geared towards advanced piano s...

Paul Myatt is joining me today to discuss the value of community and collaboration in the teaching world. Paul Myatt is a passionate piano teacher, author, composer, and workshop presenter. Paul co-founded the 30-year-old Forte Music School network with over 8,000 UK, USA, Canada, Australia and NZ students. Through Forte and Piano Teaching Success, Paul helps piano teachers engage and motivate the...

Juliet Robinson is on the podcast today and we're chatting about bringing movement into every lesson and including ensembles in recitals. Trained as a classroom music specialist having gained a 1st Class Honours degree from Trinity College of music and a PGCE at Kingston Polytechnic. Spent over 30 years then teaching in the Midhurst area in the middle of the South Downs, first as an upper secondar...

Amy Chaplin joins us on the show today to talk about conferences, proposals and presentations. Amy Chaplin is a piano teacher, speaker, blogger, and podcaster. She loves supporting teachers on all things related to teaching, organization, productivity, and life on the Piano Pantry blog and podcast and through her digital organization coaching series and retreat. Her independent piano studio is loc...

To celebrate the 300 episode milestone, I'm taking you on a journey through a week in my life. Hope you enjoy this different style of episode! Link to the August challenge: https://vibrantmusicteaching.com/8TF

Today I'm sharing some intriguing questions to get your brain juices flowing. Hope you enjoy these doodles for your noodle! Find out more about membership at vibrantmusicteaching.com.

If you're going to be attending a workshop, conference or other training event soon, make sure you listen to these tips! They could save you time, money and stress. Find out more about membership at vibrantmusicteaching.com.

A reflection on my experience with the Music Teachers Board exams and who they suit best. Find out more about membership at vibrantmusicteaching.com.

Do parents ever ask you WHY you're playing games in your piano lessons? I've got the answers! Find out more about membership at vibrantmusicteaching.com.

How do we make the recital preparation process feel fun? That's the question we're unpacking today. Find out more about membership at vibrantmusicteaching.com.

Are you rethinking piano rectials? Here are a few alternatives you might like to try. Find out more about membership at vibrantmusicteaching.com.

Sharing a few takeaways from the latest MTNA conference in Atlanta. Find out more about membership at vibrantmusicteaching.com.

Public speaking makes many people nervous and it's the last thing you want to be worrying about when you're managing all the logistics of a recital. Tune in to hear my simple formula for your welcome speech at your next student concert. Find out more about membership at vibrantmusicteaching.com.

Many of us are about to organise and host recitals. Let's take a moment together to breathe and keep it calm this time around. Find out more about membership at vibrantmusicteaching.com.

This is a bumper episode of the show where I'm sharing everything that went into our Silent Film Piano Festival, and what I might do differently in future. Find out more about membership at vibrantmusicteaching.com.