TopMusic Piano Podcast

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 hi...

In this conversation with Celeste Watson, we explore the challenges of piano-related injuries and how musicians can retrain their bodies for pain-free playing. Celeste shares her personal experience overcoming a playing-related injury caused by hypermobility, offering valuable insights into injury prevention and rehabilitation. With a focus on proper alignment, kinesthetic awareness, and mindful t...

How do we create a studio environment where students support each other instead of competing? In this episode, we're having a chat with Jessie Hill about building a culture of encouragement—one where students cheer each other on, give thoughtful feedback, and learn that kindness and music go hand in hand. Jessie shares how she uses simple strategies like compliment cards, intentional praise, and r...

Lately, I’ve been having a lot of conversations with other teachers about something we’re all seeing—students who can play pretty well but still guess at basic notes. In this solo episode, I’m diving into why note reading continues to be such a challenge, even for students who seem to be progressing. I’ll talk about how method books might be part of the problem, why students get overwhelmed, and w...

What happens when you bring piano lessons into a prison? Florence Phillips shares how a personal connection to the justice system led her to start a music program inside a Pennsylvania prison. With no template and plenty of obstacles, she built something powerful from scratch. Florence opens up about the messy first class, the transformation that followed, and the impact music had on her students...

What if the key to reconnecting with your creativity wasn’t more discipline—but less pressure? In this episode, pianist and writer Rhonda Rizzo invites us to let go of perfectionism and the constant stream of “shoulds” that often weigh down music teachers and performers. She shares how returning to beloved repertoire, collaborating with composers, and giving herself permission to simply play helpe...

Branding isn’t just about pretty colors and a polished logo—it’s about knowing who you serve and how you want to be known. Sara Campbell dives deep into what studio branding really means for independent music teachers and how it shapes the students you attract. From defining your ideal client to writing authentic website copy and using real studio photos, Sara shares practical strategies that help...

In this solo episode, I’m doing a mid-year check-in on the seven things I said I’d take into 2025. From reading more eBooks and simplifying my systems, to experimenting with AI, setting better boundaries, and staying connected with fellow teachers, I’m sharing what’s working, what still needs work, and how I’m navigating it all. If you’ve set goals this year and are feeling behind or unsure, you’r...

Great teaching doesn’t just happen—it’s intentionally nurtured, modeled, and passed on. In this episode, I’m joined by Megan Desmarais, who shares how she balances running a large, thriving piano studio with mentoring college pedagogy students through hands-on teaching experience. Megan talks about her group/private hybrid model, how she customizes lessons for every student, and why she’s passiona...

Today, we are joined by brand and web designer Erica Neubauer shares practical advice for piano teachers looking to create a polished, professional studio brand. With over 15 years of experience, Erica breaks down what makes a strong brand—from knowing your story and defining your niche to choosing fonts, colors, and a logo that truly represent you. She explains why consistency matters, how to avo...

In today’s episode, Spanish pianist and teacher Juan Cabeza shares how his traditional classical training led him on a journey to redefine piano education through creativity. From discovering the power of pattern-based teaching and improvisation to building a vibrant community of teachers in Madrid, Juan offers a fresh perspective on holistic music learning. He discusses the value of ensemble play...

In this inspiring episode, Leila Viss shares how nearly 40 years of piano teaching, church musicianship, and personal resilience have shaped her creative voice. She opens up about her journey through trauma, healing, and the power of expressive arts—introducing tools like her Cupcake Improv Pack and the Creativity Pyramid. From hands-on group pedagogy at MTNA to guiding students from improvisation...

In today’s episode, we’re chatting with Megan Maxwell and Lani Lammoglia from Little Chords to discuss the world of successful online teaching. With their vast experience in early childhood music education, Megan and Lani share insights on blending digital and physical learning formats to engage young students effectively. They delve into their tech setup, the challenges they faced transitioning o...

Finding time to cook can be a challenge for busy music teachers, but Sarah Kenner has made it her mission to help. As a professional violinist and the creator of The Hungry Musician, she shares practical tips for meal planning, simple recipes, and ways to make cooking more manageable for musicians. In this episode, Sarah discusses how to balance a busy teaching and performing schedule with healthy...

In this episode, Cori Belle shares her journey from high school accompanist to accomplished collaborative pianist. She talks about how strong solo skills, sight-reading, and learning by doing shaped her accompanying career. Cori offers practical advice for piano teachers who want to prepare their students for accompanying roles, including the importance of listening, balance, and rhythm. She also...

Performing on YouTube presents unique challenges and opportunities, and Annique Göttler has embraced both as a classical pianist and content creator. In this episode, she shares how she balances traditional concert performances with digital content creation, the lessons she’s learned from growing her YouTube channel, and how storytelling and audience engagement play a crucial role in modern musici...

Musicality is what transforms notes on a page into expressive, engaging performances, yet many music students struggle to develop it naturally. In this solo episode, we're diving into practical strategies for helping students unlock musical expression from the very beginning. From following dynamic markings to using storytelling, visualization, and phrasing techniques, I'm going to share simple ye...

Composer and piano teacher Chrissy Ricker joins us today to share insights into her creative process, teaching philosophy, and passion for composing engaging music for students of all levels. She discusses how she integrates improvisation into lessons, the inspiration behind her compositions, and the importance of creativity in piano education. Chrissy also introduces her latest publications, shar...

In this episode, composer, percussionist, and handbell director Alex Guebert joins us to share his approach to composition and arranging. He discusses how his love of film scores, progressive rock, and percussive sounds influence his work, as well as the role of improvisation and audiation in his creative process. Alex offers insights on making hymn arrangements more engaging, incorporating compos...

Helping students embrace creativity at the piano can feel overwhelming, but Amie Webster believes improvisation is a skill every student can develop. In this episode, she shares how improvisation builds confidence, enhances musicianship, and makes lessons more engaging at all levels. Amie offers practical strategies for introducing improvisation from the very first lesson, guiding students beyond...

Expanding from a solo teacher to a multi-teacher studio is a big leap, and Katie Crist knows exactly what it takes to make it work. In this episode, Katie shares how she grew The Music Box from a one-teacher operation to a thriving music school with 25 instructors before successfully selling the business. She dives into the challenges of hiring, financial planning, managing niche instruments, and...

Lauren Kushins, co-founder of Art Fundamentals and Art & Soul School of Creative & Performing ARTS, shares her wealth of experience in helping music and dance studios integrate art programs that inspire creativity and boost business growth. With over 30 years of experience as an arts educator, Lauren offers actionable insights on launching art classes, scheduling efficiently, and maximizin...

Hiring music teachers has been one of the most challenging yet rewarding parts of running a multi-teacher studio. After interviewing and hiring over 20 teachers, I’ve gained valuable insights into what works, what doesn’t, and how to navigate the process with confidence. In this solo episode, I’m sharing the five biggest lessons I’ve learned to help you make smarter hiring decisions and build a st...

In this episode, Shannon Saravia, founder of Creative Cultivation Studio, shares her inspiring journey of turning her passion for music into a thriving studio. Shannon shares how she transitioned from balancing piano lessons with a full-time office job to opening her dream studio in 2020. She dives into the challenges and triumphs of launching her unique parent-and-me classes while navigating the...

Welcome to the first episode of 2025! I’m so excited to kick off the year with a solo episode where I’ll be sharing the 7 things I’m taking into 2025. As I reflected on 2024, I realized there were key habits, practices, and lessons that truly worked for me—both personally and professionally—and I want to carry that momentum forward into the new year. In this episode, I’ll be talking about everythi...