Episodes

  • 070: Cultivating a Positive Studio Culture with Jessie Hill

    070: Cultivating a Positive Studio Culture with Jessie Hill
    Jun 13 2025
    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 reflective group discussions to make her studio a place where students feel seen and valued. We also talk about her creative resources for teaching note reading and rhythm, and how she balances strong pedagogy with a whole lot of heart.
    • Jessie shared a brief overview of her music studio from her home in Tennessee.
    • Her note-reading approach using nine landmark notes and intervallic reading, instead of mnemonics.
    • She emphasized teaching note reading as a long-term process, aiming for accuracy over speed.
    • Using worksheets and visual aids to help students find notes using known landmarks and intervals.
    • The importance of cultivating a supportive studio culture was a key theme of the conversation.
    • Studio culture as how students and teachers think about and interact with one another.
    • Why comparison is human nature, but teachers can model encouragement over competition.
    • A recital idea where students write compliment cards to one another to celebrate their strengths.
    • Gving specific praise rather than vague compliments to foster genuine encouragement.
    • The idea of using the poem “Am I a Builder?” as a studio theme to encourage kindness and support.
    • The importance of intentionality in preventing negativity and promoting positive interactions.
    • Her creative teaching resources, like Interval Wars and Rhythm Tumble.
    • Practical studio organization tips.

    Links Mentioned
    • Jessie's website: Hill Piano Studio
    • Jessie's Instagram page: @hillpianostudio
    • TopMusic Piano Podcast Episode 069: The Note Reading Struggle is Real

    Today's Guest Jessie Hill is a dedicated piano teacher based in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, where she teaches from her welcoming home studio. As a mother of four daughters, Jessie understands the challenges families face when choosing extracurricular activities, and she’s passionate about making music education a lasting and meaningful choice. With a firm belief that piano is a lifelong skill that grows with you, she inspires students of all ages to discover joy, confidence, and lasting progress through music. Jessie’s teaching philosophy emphasizes strong foundational skills in music reading, rhythm, and technique, supported by a thoughtfully chosen method book series. She also enriches her students' experience through recitals, group lessons, and festival opportunities, creating a vibrant and supportive learning environment for every child. About Rachel Ehring 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...
    Show More Show Less
    30 mins
  • 069: The Note Reading Struggle is Real

    069: The Note Reading Struggle is Real
    Jun 6 2025
    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 what we can do to slow things down and build stronger foundations. I’m also sharing practical tools and a sneak peek at the sight reading framework I’ve been developing to help students become confident, fluent readers.
    • Rachel shared that note reading struggles came up during a conversation with her teaching team.
    • The importance of not rushing through method books as a common teaching pitfall.
    • Why some students rely on hand positions and interval cues instead of truly reading notes.
    • How the layout of certain method books, like Faber, might unintentionally contribute to the problem.
    • She suggested separating elements like rhythm and pitch during lessons to reduce overwhelm.
    • Recommended hands-on tools like Easy Notes tiles and magnetic whiteboards for reinforcement.
    • How anchor notes like middle C, treble G, and bass F can serve as visual reference points.
    • Her success using Flashnote Derby with limited note sets to build confidence.
    • Rachel introduced her view of sight reading as advanced note reading, built on strong fundamentals.
    • She previewed a new seven-part sight reading framework she’s developing for pianists.

    Links Mentioned
    • Podcast Freebie: 5 Simple Ways to Improve Sight-Reading Immediately

    About Rachel Ehring 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 RachelEhring.com
    • Visit her Instagram page: @rachelehring
    • Visit her YouTube channel: @dreamlavendermusic6694
    • Visit her Etsy shop at Dream Lavender Music

    Thank you for tuning in! 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. TopMusicPro 14-Day Free Trial Heard about TopMusicPro Membership? As a valued podcast listener, I’d like to offer you a special chance to try our community free for 14 days. You can access a treasure trove of teaching resources, professional...
    Show More Show Less
    18 mins
  • 068: Piano Behind Bars with Florence Phillips

    068: Piano Behind Bars with Florence Phillips
    May 30 2025
    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 and on herself. This is an episode about resilience, creativity, and what it really means to teach with purpose.
    • Florence shared an overview of her multi-teacher piano studio.
    • How a loved one’s incarceration opened her eyes to life inside prison.
    • She discovered that there were no music programs post-COVID at a nearby facility.
    • The logistical challenge of not being allowed to bring anything inside—not even a pen or notebook.
    • How she prepared by sending lesson plans in advance and staying flexible.
    • She shared about her first class feeling chaotic, with mixed levels and little structure.
    • How she almost quit, but support from colleagues pushed her to try again.
    • How her second class improved after she set clear goals and expectations.
    • Structuring a routine with solo sharing, group work, and one-on-one help.
    • How clapping and celebration slowly became natural for the group.
    • Florence shared that the music gave the men something to look forward to and feel proud of.
    • She reflected that teaching in prison changed her deeply.

    Links Mentioned
    • Florence's website: Florence Phillips Music
    • Florence's Instagram page: @florence_phillips_music
    • Florence's Facebook page: Florence Phillips Music

    Today's Guest Florence Phillips is a pianist and educator based in Chester County, Pennsylvania. She founded her private studio in 2020 and works with a diverse range of students—from young beginners to advanced adults—providing a welcoming, creative, and supportive environment for musical growth. A native of West Chester, Florence is passionate about enriching her community through music. She holds both a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in Piano Pedagogy, the former from West Chester University, where she currently serves as an adjunct professor in the Wells School of Music. In addition to her university work, she teaches group piano classes at SCI Phoenix and remains active as a church musician. With over a decade of performance experience, Florence has appeared as a soloist, collaborative pianist, and orchestral performer. Her repertoire includes virtuosic works such as Balakirev’s Islamey, Ravel’s Ondine, and Saint-Saëns’ Piano Concerto No. 2 in G Minor, which she performed with the WCU Symphony Orchestra. Outside of her musical pursuits, Florence enjoys spending time with her large extended family, exploring her hometown, and traveling with her daughter. About Rachel Ehring 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.
    Show More Show Less
    46 mins
  • 067: How to Stop “Shoulding” with Rhonda Rizzo

    067: How to Stop “Shoulding” with Rhonda Rizzo
    May 23 2025
    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 helped her rediscover joy at the piano. Whether you’re feeling stuck, uninspired, or disconnected from your own playing, Rhonda’s honest reflections and gentle wisdom will remind you that it’s never too late to reclaim the music that moves you.
    • Rhonda shared that she’s had a multifaceted career as a pianist, writer, teacher, and blogger.
    • How her blog No Dead Guys celebrates the music of living composers and new creative paths.
    • Her deep love for collaborative piano and chamber music, calling it her favorite way to make music.
    • Letting go of perfection and "shoulds".
    • Why returning to her favorite pieces helped reignite her joy and motivation.
    • Importance of choosing performance repertoire based on passion, not pressure or expectations.
    • Why performing new music offers freedom from preconceived interpretations and a chance to “leave the first footprints.”
    • The empowering experience of working directly with composers
    • How collaborative interpretation brings music to life.
    • Last piece of advice: Drop the pressure of “should” and follow the music that brings you joy.

    Links Mentioned
    • Rhonda Rizzo's Website: No Dead Guys
    • Rhonda's Book: The Waco Variations
    • Rhonda's YouTube Channel: Rhonda (Ringering) Rizzo

    Today's Guest Rhonda (Ringering) Rizzo is a writer and a performing and recording pianist. Her novel, The Waco Variations , was released in the summer of 2018, and her numerous articles have appeared in national and international music magazines, including Pianist Magazine, American Music Teacher, Clavier, Piano & Keyboard, and Flute Talk. A specialist in music that borrows from both classical and jazz traditions, Rizzo released four CDs, Made in America, Oregon Impressions: the Piano Music of Dave Deason, 2 to Tango: Music for Piano Duet, and A Spin on It. Recordings can be found on streaming platforms (under the name Rhonda Ringering) and on YouTube. She holds a BA from Walla Walla University and a MM from Boston University and is a passionate advocate of new music and living composers. About Rachel Ehring 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 RachelEhring.com
    • Visit her Instagram page: @rachelehring
    • Visit her YouTube channel:
    Show More Show Less
    42 mins
  • 066: Uplevel Your Studio Brand with Sara Campbell

    066: Uplevel Your Studio Brand with Sara Campbell
    May 16 2025
    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 teachers stand out without burning out. If you’ve ever struggled to put your teaching vibe into words or want your online presence to reflect the magic happening in your studio, this episode will give you clarity, confidence, and next steps.
    • Sara shared an overview of her background and how she helps independent music teachers build sustainable studios through mindset, marketing, and branding strategy.
    • Why branding goes far beyond logos and colors.
    • The importance of identifying your ideal client as the first step in building an authentic brand.
    • Why teachers should clarify their mission, core values, and what transformation they offer students.
    • How niching down doesn’t mean excluding everyone—it means attracting the right students.
    • Advise for teachers to reflect on what kind of students they don’t want to teach to better understand their fit.
    • Why your website should reflect your teaching style and personality.
    • She emphasized writing website copy that sounds like your real voice.
    • Why parents care more about the student experience and transformation than your credentials.
    • She warned against generic branding phrases like “all ages and levels” without explaining your unique value.
    • Importance of using real photos from your studio over stock images to create a personal feel.
    • Sara recommended investing in branding photo shoots to reflect your teaching in action.
    • Some simple branding updates like refining your homepage copy or swapping one key image.

    Podcast Exclusive Freebie:
    • Free Branding Clarity Kickstart - If you’ve ever felt stuck writing about your studio — unsure what to say on your website, awkward in social posts, or paralyzed by Canva captions — this free workbook is your first step toward clarity!

    Links Mentioned
    • Sara's Website: Savvy Music Studio
    • Sara's Facebook Page: Savvy Music Studio
    • Sara's Instagram Page: @savvymusicstudio

    Today's Guest Sara Campbell is a business and marketing coach for independent music teachers who want to run thriving studios without losing their minds (or their weekends). She’s the founder of Savvy Music Studio, where she helps teachers clarify their offers, streamline their systems, and show up online with confidence. With 20+ years of teaching experience and over a decade of coaching, Sara is known for her strategic brain, casual style, and her ability to make business feel way less overwhelming. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and three extremely opinionated cats. About Rachel Ehring 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
    Show More Show Less
    38 mins
  • 065: Update on My 2025 Goals

    065: Update on My 2025 Goals
    May 9 2025
    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’re not alone. There’s still plenty of time to adjust and move forward, with a little momentum and maybe a cinnamon-topped coffee along the way.
    • Rachel shared a mid-year check-in on her “7 Things I’m Taking Into 2025” January solo episode.
    • She explained how reading eBooks on her phone has helped her make better use of downtime.
    • She highlighted The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins as especially relevant for piano teachers dealing with boundaries.
    • How reading Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina Garten was inspiring and uplifting.
    • The importance of simplifying and automating tasks and using tools like Google Docs.
    • How automation supports her collaborative piano business without losing personal connection.
    • How she’s been using ChatGPT as a creative assistant while maintaining her personal voice.
    • She noted that AI helps her understand her ideal customer, brainstorm content, and get unstuck.
    • She reported steady progress on her goal to post weekly YouTube videos.
    • The value of connecting with fellow teachers both online and in person.
    • The importance of creativity and experimentation, inspired by a playful coffee shop experience.
    • She shared that setting and honoring personal boundaries remains an ongoing challenge.
    • She reflected on her 2025 word “momentum” and encouraged listeners to keep showing up, even when progress feels slow.

    Links Mentioned
    • TopMusic Piano Podcast 048: 7 Things I’m Taking Into 2025
    • TopMusic Piano Podcast 028: Music and Magic Journals with Tweena Vuong
    • TopMusic AI Podcast

    About Rachel Ehring 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 RachelEhring.com
    • Visit her Instagram page: @rachelehring
    • Visit her YouTube channel: @dreamlavendermusic6694
    • Visit her Etsy shop at Dream Lavender Music

    Thank you for tuning in! 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,...
    Show More Show Less
    18 mins
  • 064: Very Piano with Megan Desmarais

    064: Very Piano with Megan Desmarais
    May 2 2025
    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 passionate about teaching all ages, from toddlers to seniors. We also dig into how she uses tools like Easy Notes and the Learning Style Inventory to create engaging, multi-sensory lessons. Whether you're a new or seasoned teacher, Megan’s approach to creative, modern pedagogy will spark fresh ideas for your own studio.
    • Megan shared a brief overview of her background and her music studio.
    • She explained that her pedagogy program fills a gap in teacher training for music majors in her area.
    • How she standardizes teaching methods so student teachers can deliver consistent instruction.
    • How she uses the Waco Keyboarding method to blend group and private teaching.
    • How early teaching experiences and a master’s in pedagogy shaped her current approach.
    • The importance of adapting teaching methods beyond “how you were taught”.
    • She advised teachers not to treat preschoolers as miniature piano students.
    • How early childhood lessons focus on foundational skills like keyboard geography and coordination.
    • She discussed the Learning Style Inventory, a tool to help teachers understand how students process and retain information.
    • She shared how Easy Notes products like magnetic staff boards support hands-on learning.
    • How she integrates games and group learning into lessons through a hybrid group/private model.

    Guest Links Mentioned
    • Megan's Websites: VeryPiano.com & Teach Preschool Music
    • Megan's Instagram Page: @verypiano
    • Megan's Facebook Page: Megan's Piano Lessons & VeryPiano Blog

    Today’s Guest Megan Desmarais is your Piano Teacher North Star. In addition to running a successful piano studio for students ages 1-75, she is also committed to mentoring the next generation of piano teachers through modern, creative piano pedagogy. As a teacher of both students and teachers, she has a knack for finding innovative approaches to piano lessons. She strives to make every lesson a special, one-of-a-kind learning experience for students and equips other teachers with tools, techniques and ideas to do the same. Megan runs verypiano.com and teachpreschoolmusic.com, which are online resource hubs for music teachers. Her Very Piano Shop is full of digital and physical teaching tools, including E-Z Notes products, Piano Progress Pins and other resources. She studied piano at the University of Tulsa and earned a Masters in Piano Pedagogy from Wichita State University. She has extensive training and experience with Preschool Music and Recreational Music Making. About Rachel Ehring 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...
    Show More Show Less
    37 mins
  • 063: Designing Your Studio Brand with Erica Neubauer

    063: Designing Your Studio Brand with Erica Neubauer
    Apr 25 2025
    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 avoid common DIY mistakes, and what to consider when deciding between a personal name or studio name. Whether you're just starting out or ready to rebrand, Erica’s insights will help you design a studio brand with clarity and confidence.
    • Erica shared a brief overview of her background as a designer working with creatives, small businesses, and nonprofits.
    • She explained her work helps businesses communicate who they are through visuals.
    • The importance of telling your story was emphasized as the foundation of strong branding.
    • She encouraged teachers to define what makes them unique, not try to appeal to everyone.
    • How clear branding attracts the right students and builds trust.
    • The value of consistency across social media and marketing was emphasized.
    • She warned against using Canva logo templates or Etsy graphics due to copyright issues.
    • Erica explained that logos should be custom and vectorized for clarity and flexibility.
    • Tips for using your signature as a logo and keeping things simple when DIY-ing.
    • She recommended having a website, business cards, and one piece of print collateral.
    • Discussed between using your name or a studio name for your brand.
    • The benefits of hiring a designer to save time and ensure quality.

    Guest Links Mentioned
    • Erica's Website: EricaSNeubauer.com
    • Erica's Facebook: Erica Neubauer Graphic Design
    • Erica's Facebook: @ericasneubauer
    • Erica's LinkedIn Page: Erica Neubauer

    Today’s Guest Erica Neubauer is a brand and web designer specializing in high-end branding and WordPress websites. She has a Masters in Graphic Design and has over 15 years of experience as a self-employed designer, working with small businesses, solo entrepreneurs and non-profits. About Rachel Ehring 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 RachelEhring.com
    • Visit her Instagram page: @rachelehring
    • Visit her YouTube channel: @dreamlavendermusic6694
    • Visit her Etsy shop at Dream Lavender Music
    Show More Show Less
    33 mins