TopMusic Piano Podcast

Today, we’re thrilled to be joined by our guest, Abigail Proffitt, who specializes in preschool and neurodivergent students and teaches classical piano through a playful and repertoire-rich approach. In this episode, we'll dive deep into various preschool piano methods, featuring a detailed discussion on books like Piano Adventures, WunderKeys, Celebrate Piano, and many more. Abigail shares her in...

Music has the power to shape young minds and create lifelong connections. In this engaging episode, we're chatting with Krista Jadro and Hannah Mayo to dive into the transformative world of audiation and early childhood piano education. They discuss their unique journeys towards implementing Edwin Gordon’s Music Learning Theory, the impact of starting music education as early as age four, and prac...

In this episode, we sit down with Amy Elmore, a seasoned piano teacher who has transformed her studio with over 30 years of experience into a thriving multi-teacher business. Amy shares the inspiring journey behind starting preschool piano classes, an idea sparked by her husband, and how these classes have significantly impacted her studio's growth. Join us as Amy delves into the ART framework she...

Music is more than just sound — it’s the foundation of how our brains connect, grow, and thrive. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Jane Bader, DMA, whose remarkable journey from marine biology and medical labs to award-winning composer and educator has led her to uncover the transformative power of music in early childhood development. Drawing from her book, Music for the Developing Brain , Dr...

Practice is the bridge between goals and accomplishments. In this episode, we're having a chat with Leslie Thackeray, a dedicated Suzuki violin teacher and the creative force behind The Practice Shoppe. Leslie shares her journey from receiving her first violin at age four to becoming a pioneering music educator known for her innovative teaching methods. They dive into practical tips for making pra...

Playing the piano is not just about hitting the right keys, it's about sharing the joy of music and inspiring others. Jenny Boster, owner of The Playful Piano and a dedicated piano teacher with over 25 years of experience, exemplifies this philosophy. In this episode, we explore Jenny's journey, from teaching over 25 students in her home studio to creating innovative resources like music history c...

The profound influence of a passionate educator can ripple through generations, touching lives far beyond what they might ever envision. In this episode, we dive into an inspiring conversation with Liz Boyd, who now runs Susan Paradis Piano Teaching Resources, an online hub beloved by piano teachers globally. Liz shares her journey from a career in digital arts and academia to carrying forward her...

Innovation thrives when creativity meets passion, and today's guest, Megan Schraer, embodies this perfectly. As the new owner of Dynamic Doodle Co., Megan has embraced the challenge of continuing the company’s legacy of providing music educators with engaging and interactive learning materials. In this episode, she shares the exciting, sometimes steep, journey of taking over the business, navigati...

The power of creativity can transform the ordinary into the extraordinary, and today’s guest exemplifies that truth in her approach to piano teaching and recitals. In this episode, we are joined by the distinguished piano and pedagogy professor, Dr. Olivia Ellis, from Messiah University in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. Olivia is renowned for her innovative teaching methods and as an editor for Pian...

Confidence on stage is built long before the performance begins. In this episode, we're diving deep into the strategies and tools that will help your students perform with confidence. Whether you're a piano teacher guiding your students or a musician getting ready for your own performance, preparation is key to managing nerves and feeling at ease on stage. We'll explore everything from building a...

Performance anxiety is a significant hurdle for many young musicians, but Sonia Poon has mastered the art of helping students conquer it with grace. In this episode, we delve deep into effective strategies for teaching teens and tweens with the remarkable Sonia Poon, a dedicated piano teacher since high school and founder of Forte Music Studio. She shares her wealth of experience from decades of t...

Today, we're exploring Will Armstrong’s journey as an accomplished musician and founder of the successful WillYouLearn music education business. He also shares the story of launching MeTempo, a groundbreaking platform that enhances the student-teacher relationship with daily feedback and personal connection between lessons. Will offers insights into how MeTempo supports both teachers and students...

In today's show, we delve into the inspiring career of  JoAnn Kulesza, the retired Chair and Music Director of the Opera Department at the Peabody Conservatory of Music in Baltimore, Maryland. With a profound knowledge of Opera's vast repertoire, JoAnn has dedicated her career to teaching recitative and repertoire classes while mentoring collaborative pianists and conductors. Her journey span...

Today, we're having a chat with Kirstin Weston, the talented founder and owner of KW Music Studios, to discuss her innovative summer duet camps that have been a hit with her students. Kirstin, who holds an MFA in Piano Performance from UCI and has a wealth of experience in competitions and collaborative music, shares how her studio in Aliso Viejo, California, has grown to include 140 students and...

In today's solo episode, I'm going to take you on a personal journey through my career as a collaborative pianist. From my beginnings as a piano performance major with uncertain career prospects to becoming an experienced accompanist and educator, I'm going to share the ups, downs, and everything in between. Tune in to hear some insights on the art of collaboration in music, the soft skills essent...

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of digital course creation with Jacques Hopkins, a former electrical engineer who turned his passion for music into a thriving online business. Jacques is the creator of the successful "Piano In 21 Days" course, which has generated over $4 million in revenue and transformed the lives of over 10,000 students worldwide. He joins us today to share his jour...

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...

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...

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...

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 pass...

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, in...

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 insigh...

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...

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 t...

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...