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  • 056: Unlocking Musicality in Piano Students

    056: Unlocking Musicality in Piano Students
    2025/03/07
    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 yet powerful ways to make every piece more musical. Whether you're working with beginners or advanced students, these tips will help bring their playing to life.
    • Why musicality is one of the most important skills students can learn, preventing robotic performances.
    • Importance of following musical markings like dynamics and ritardandos from the very beginning.
    • How using stories and imagery can help students connect emotionally with the music.
    • How visualizations can also help students with performance anxiety.
    • She recommended practicing musical elements like dynamics and articulation separately from pieces to build awareness.
    • Using sound effect stories as a tool to teach dynamics and articulation in a fun and engaging way.
    • How strategic use of timing can enhance musical phrasing and assist with technical challenges.
    • How singing phrases can help students understand shaping and expression.
    • Importance of teaching texture and helping students differentiate between melody and accompaniment.

    Links Mentioned
    • TopMusicPiano Podcast 001: Using Stories in Beginner Piano Lessons
    • Max's Galactic Adventure Sound Effect Piano Story

    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...
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    19 分
  • 055: Catching Up with Composer Chrissy Ricker

    055: Catching Up with Composer Chrissy Ricker
    2025/02/28
    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, shares free resources available for teachers, and offers practical tips for helping students build confidence in their musical expression.
    • Chrissy shared her journey as a pianist, teacher, and composer based in North Carolina.
    • How she started writing music for her students and eventually pursued publishing.
    • She highlighted her extensive catalog of original compositions and arrangements, including video game and film music.
    • The importance of creativity in piano lessons and how it helps students develop musicianship.
    • Some insights on how teachers can integrate improvisation into lessons through small, structured activities.
    • Using storytelling and black-key improvisation to help students gain confidence.
    • The value of repetition in improvisation exercises to build student comfort and skill.
    • Her transition from teaching to full-time composing and how she continues to engage with students through teachers who use her music.
    • Her approach to composing, preferring to start with a strong title for inspiration.
    • Advice on teaching improvisation to adult students, including using backing tracks to ease performance anxiety.
    • She introduced her latest books, including Better Together, a duet collection, and First Rhapsodies and Reveries, designed for expressive elementary-level playing.

    Links Mentioned
    • Chrissy Ricker's Website: www.chrissyricker.com
    • Chrissy Ricker's Facebook Page: Chrissy Ricker Music
    • Chrissy Ricker's Instagram Page: @chrissyrickermusic
    • Better Together Songbook
    • First Rhapsodies and Reveries Songbook
    • TopMusic Piano Podcast 013: Using the Piano Pronto Series with Jennifer Eklund

    Today's Guest Chrissy Ricker is a pianist, teacher, and composer from North Carolina. She holds a Master’s degree in music with a concentration in piano performance and pedagogy. A Nationally Certified Teacher of Music (NCTM), Chrissy enjoys sharing her ideas with other piano teachers. Her articles on piano teaching have been featured in American Music Teacher magazine, and she blogs regularly about piano teaching and composing at her website, chrissyricker.com. A prolific composer and arranger, Chrissy specializes in creating exciting music for piano students of all ages and skill levels. She has published over 40 collections of piano solo and duet music for students that are available from Piano Pronto Publishing and Neil A. Kjos Music Company. Chrissy is also a “Signature Artist” arranger with Musicnotes.com, where she has a catalog of over 1,000 arrangements, from video game themes to pop songs, for pianists at every level. About Rachel Ehring Dr. Rachel Ehring is a pianist, teacher, music administrator, and lover of...
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    35 分
  • 054: Inspired Composition with Alex Guebert

    054: Inspired Composition with Alex Guebert
    2025/02/21
    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 composition into lessons, and encouraging students to explore harmonies. He also talks about directing advanced handbell ensembles and co-hosting A Moment of Bach, a podcast exploring the music of J.S. Bach.
    • Alex shared his journey as a composer, percussionist, and church music director.
    • How early exposure to piano, handbells, and a Yamaha synthesizer shaped his musical foundation.
    • How playing by ear and experimenting with harmonies were key to his growth as a composer.
    • His love for percussive sounds, film scores, and progressive rock, which influence his compositions.
    • How improvisation and audiation (hearing music internally) enhance composition skills.
    • Alex's approach to arranging hymns by modifying melody, harmony, and rhythm to create fresh interpretations.
    • The importance of playing by ear and matching pitch as essential skills for young musicians.
    • Using notation software like MuseScore for students and teachers exploring composition.
    • Why handbells are a unique, team-based instrument great for music education.
    • How conducting and arranging for handbells has been a major part of his career.
    • His podcast, A Moment of Bach, where he and his twin brother analyze J.S. Bach’s music in depth.
    • He encouraged teachers to integrate composition and arranging into lessons, making music more interactive and creative.

    Links Mentioned
    • A Moment of Bach Podcast
    • Alex Guebert's handbell music published at Hope Publishing

    Today's Guest Alex Guebert is a composer, arranger, clinician, percussionist, and organist, and is the Director of Worship and Music at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Orange, CA. He directs three advanced-level handbell groups: Cathedral Bells (at St. John’s), Concert Handbells at Concordia University Irvine (as an adjunct faculty there), and Zenith (a summer-only 32-person ensemble made up of ringers from all around the world; co-directed by Matthew Compton.) Alex’s award-winning handbell compositions and arrangements have been published and performed nationwide and overseas. His compositional style is a result of his background as a percussionist, his love of film and video game score, and his desire to broaden the horizons of handbell repertoire. Alex holds an M.M. in Music Composition from Cal State Long Beach, where his graduate recital featured a 25-minute work for handbells, strings, and percussion. Alex lives in Orange with his wife Heather, who works for Orange County as a forensic scientist, and their two daughters, Emma Joy and Cora Noelle, who both share their dad’s love of music and their mother’s scientific curiosity about the world! 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...
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    33 分
  • 053: Teaching Improvisation at All Levels with Amie Webster

    053: Teaching Improvisation at All Levels with Amie Webster
    2025/02/14
    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 basic patterns, and helping them explore rhythm, melody, and storytelling through music. She also discusses ways to use improvisation in online lessons, group settings, and even recitals. Whether you’re new to teaching improv or looking for fresh ideas, Amie’s insights will inspire you to bring more creativity into your studio.
    • Amy shared how she transitioned from a solo piano teacher to co-owning Motif Music Studios.
    • How improvisation helps students become active listeners, enhances creativity, and builds confidence.
    • Simple ways to introduce improvisation, including black-key exercises, pedal play, and blues scales.
    • Advice for students to turn personal experiences into musical storytelling for deeper engagement.
    • Methods for expanding beyond beginner improvisation, such as using chord progressions & melodies.
    • How structured experimentation helps students transition from strict note-reading to creative exploration.
    • Using guidelines and small challenges to support students who feel intimidated by improvisation.
    • The value of recording or notating improvisations to build a creative portfolio.
    • Ways to challenge advanced students with historical styles and pop chord progressions.
    • How online teaching can effectively include improvisation through call-and-response and storytelling techniques.
    • How LEGO can be used for ear training, rhythm exercises, and sparking creativity in lessons.
    • Alternative recital ideas to provide creative performance opportunities for students.
    • Her recommended video resources on improvisation, composition, and celebrating student progress.
    • Amie’s personal interests, including reading, puzzles, rollerblading, and skate park adventures with her three boys.

    Links Mentioned
    • TopCast Episode 400: It’s The 10-Year TopCast Anniversary!
    • Motif Music Studios Website
    • Motif Music Studios YouTube Channel
    • Amie's Instagram Page: @coffeewithcomposers

    Today's Guest Amie Webster is an enthusiastic piano teacher of 28 years, Mom of 3 busy boys and started Motif Music Studios, a multi-teacher music studio, alongside her husband, Jeff Webster, in 2010. Motif Music Studios is now a collaborative music school with a team of creative, heart-led teachers who are focused on nurturing students in their musical growth and seeing students thrive as their individual strengths are celebrated! As a YouTube creator, Amie also enjoys introducing creative teaching ideas and highlights piano music by contemporary composers. This pursuit has been a fun-filled, life-giving creative pursuit and she hopes it encourages other teachers in their individual teaching journeys as well. Amie is fueled by passion, caffeine and curiosity and is so thankful for the ways music has been woven into her life in so many beautiful ways. 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...
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    45 分
  • 052: Building a Multi-Teacher Studio Business with Katie Crist

    052: Building a Multi-Teacher Studio Business with Katie Crist
    2025/02/07
    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 shifting from teaching to full-time business ownership. Whether you’re looking to scale your studio or plan for an eventual exit, Katie’s insights on leadership, delegation, and sustainable growth will set you on the right path.
    • Katie shared how she built The Music Box, growing it to 25 teachers before selling it.
    • The importance of choosing a teaching space based on cost, lease flexibility, and parking.
    • She highlighted that hiring teachers lowers income at first but adds stability and admin support.
    • Why tuition must cover rent, utilities, supplies, and marketing.
    • She advised hiring an accountant, bookkeeper, and employment attorney for financial stability.
    • Discussion about overhead costs, including events, software, and payment processing fees.
    • How academy teachers gain admin support, professional development, and recital opportunities.
    • Why offering multiple instruments prevents reliance on one specialty and improves staffing flexibility.
    • The challenges of hiring niche instrument teachers, stressing the importance of balancing demand, marketing visibility, and community engagement.
    • She recommended outsourcing bookkeeping and taxes to focus on growth.
    • Her shift from teaching to business and the need for marketing, HR, and legal skills.
    • Katie revealed that she stopped teaching four years before selling to focus on systems and growth.
    • Book recommendation: The E-Myth Revisited to understand the shift to business ownership.

    Links Mentioned
    • Katie's Facebook Page
    • Book: The E-myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber

    Today's Guest Meet Katie Crist: an entrepreneur, performer, and business coach with a talent for creating systems that work and businesses that thrive. Katie’s journey began in classical ballet, training with the Royal Academy of Dance and Patrick Frantz of the Paris Opera Ballet, before transitioning to a successful music career. As a background vocalist for Jessica Simpson, she performed at legendary venues like Madison Square Garden and appeared on shows such as The Late Show with David Letterman and Dancing with the Stars. For over a decade, her voice brought Barbie commercials to life as she recorded jingles for Mattel. In 2012, Katie founded The Music Box in Lafayette, Louisiana, where she built a vibrant music school that became a hub for aspiring musicians. After more than a decade of growth and innovation, she sold the business to Ensemble Performing Arts and shifted her focus to helping other business owners succeed. Today, Katie works with music school entrepreneurs around the world, guiding them through growth, simplifying operations, and strengthening their culture. Known for her creative approach and practical advice, Katie brings valuable insights that resonate with audiences in any industry. 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...
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    31 分
  • 051: Adding Art to Your Music Studio with Lauren Kushins

    051: Adding Art to Your Music Studio with Lauren Kushins
    2025/01/31
    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 maximizing the use of studio space. She also highlights the value of combining music and art to create meaningful connections, foster student retention, and enhance community engagement. Tune in to discover how adding art can transform your studio and expand your reach!
    • Lauren shared a brief overview of her background and her business, Art Fundamentals.
    • How adding art to music studios benefits families by providing creative options for siblings.
    • Her art curriculum, specifically designed for seamless integration into music and dance studios.
    • The business benefits of adding art classes.
    • How scheduling back-to-back classes for siblings or consecutive lessons increases profitability and enrollment.
    • Why adding art programs diversifies offerings and creates additional revenue streams for schools.
    • Creative opportunities of combining music and art, such as integrating art shows into music recitals.
    • Lauren suggests starting with summer art camps to build interest and promote new programs.
    • The value of collaboration between different art forms, suggesting it fosters community and enhances creative offerings.
    • Importance of starting with group classes, diversifying offerings, and keeping operations simple for long-term success.
    • She encourages schools to combine music and art elements for events like recitals and art shows.

    Links Mentioned
    • Art FUNdamentals Website
    • Art FUNdamentals Facebook Page
    • Art FUNdamentals Instagram Page
    • Lauren's Website: Lauren's Art with Soul
    • Lauren's Art School Website: Art and Soul Music Studio

    Exclusive Offer for Podcast Listeners: Connect with Lauren and her team by emailing info@artfundamentals.org. Mention that you heard about them through TopMusic Piano Podcast, and you’ll receive $500 off your initial startup fee and an additional $30 off your monthly fee. Don’t miss this opportunity to bring art into your studio while saving big! Today's Guest Lauren Kushins is the co-founder, with Benjie Kushins, of Art Fundamentals and Art & Soul School of Creative & Performing ARTS. Her background is in using the ARTS to teach community well-being. She has traveled internationally providing social services through the use of the arts. Her bachelor’s degree and master’s work focused on using the arts in the social service sector. Art & Soul School has provided educational arts to over 20,000 students in the Bay Area, over the past 22 years and She has been an ARTS educator for over 30 years. In addition, in 2019 she co-founded Art Fundamentals, an Art Program and Curriculum for Music and Dance Studios to help build their studio business and bring more art to children. 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...
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    35 分
  • 050: 5 Things I’ve Learned in Hiring 20 Teachers

    050: 5 Things I’ve Learned in Hiring 20 Teachers
    2025/01/24
    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 strong, reliable team for your studio. Whether you’re building a team or hiring for your independent studio, you’ll find practical advice to help navigate the process.
    • Rachel discusses her journey managing a church-based conservatory, starting from scratch in 2022 after the pandemic.
    • Some challenges she encountered in hiring music teachers.
    • Always prioritize in-person interviews to better assess candidates and their fit.
    • Candidates should experience the commute and see the teaching environment firsthand.
    • Punctuality, presentation, and overall first impressions are important considerations.
    • Flexible, conversational interviews tailored to the candidate provide more natural insights.
    • Standard questions include teaching experience, beginner strategies, and method book preferences.
    • Availability plays a critical role in hiring decisions.
    • Pay attention to red flags, such as lateness or negative talk about previous employers.
    • Importance of checking references for affirmation into the candidate’s strengths and growth areas.
    • Avoid hiring out of desperation, even if it causes temporary delays.
    • Embrace diversity by hiring candidates with strengths or backgrounds different from your own.
    • Trial lessons or second interviews can provide clarity when you’re uncertain.

    Links Mentioned
    • TopMusic AI Podcast
    • TopMusic Piano Podcast 049: Growing Creative Cultivation Studio with Shannon Saravia
    • Download your TopMusic Magazine here

    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
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    17 分
  • 049: Growing Creative Cultivation Studio with Shannon Saravia

    049: Growing Creative Cultivation Studio with Shannon Saravia
    2025/01/17
    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 pandemic and setting up a new studio space in downtown La Verne in 2023. She discusses the challenges, triumphs, and key takeaways from her experience of creating a developmental and musical space for young learners and their families. Shannon’s story is packed with creativity, resilience, and a dedication to making music accessible to all. Join us as we explore her innovative approach to music education and how she’s building a community rooted in kindness and growth.
    • Sharon shared a brief overview of her background and her music teaching studio.
    • Her journey of launching a parent-and-me music program while building her commercial studio.
    • The challenges and excitement of opening a physical studio space.
    • How the parent-and-me classes was inspired by her experience as a new parent.
    • Developmental milestones for young children influenced the curriculum design.
    • How her program gained traction and grew through word-of-mouth recommendations.
    • Shannon shares tips for researching developmental milestones to guide program design.
    • She emphasizes using templates or frameworks to kickstart similar programs.
    • Why teamwork and collaboration were key to expanding programs and reaching diverse communities.
    • The importance of inclusivity, catering to different languages and learning styles.

    Links Mentioned
    • Shannon Saravia's Website: Creative Cultivation Studio
    • Creative Cultivation Studio Instagram Page
    • Creative Cultivation Studio Facebook Page
    • Download your TopMusic Magazine here.

    Today's Guest Shannon Saravia began her piano journey at the age of nine and taught her first lesson at 16, eventually transitioning to full-time teaching in 2019. Despite previously balancing piano lessons with a full-time office job, Shannon's passion for music never wavered. After relocating from Los Angeles to California's Central Valley, she seized the opportunity to follow her dream and established Creative Cultivation Studio in 2020. In 2023, the studio found its home in downtown La Verne, embodying a culture of kindness, creativity, and nurturing. Shannon and her team focus on personalized lessons tailored to each student's unique needs, fostering their growth into skilled and confident musicians. Through her studio, Shannon shares her love for music while inspiring creativity and knowledge in her students' lives. 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...
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    36 分