TopMusic Piano Podcast

128: Back-to-School Favorites with Natalie Weber

A good theme can turn an entire year of piano lessons into an adventure your students can't wait to come back to. Today I'm chatting with Natalie Weber, who has run her Kansas piano studio since 1998 and shares teaching ideas on MusicMattersBlog.com. We talk through her favorite back-to-school ideas, from practice incentive themes and rhythm activities to sight reading apps and recital games. Natalie shares a ton of practical, ready-to-borrow ideas for your own studio this year. Natalie shared how she's taught piano in Kansas since 1998.How MusicMattersBlog.com began in 2005 to house her teaching resources.How she gathers student and parent input each summer to design her yearly theme.The importance of themes being age-inclusive, measurable, student-driven, and musical.She shared how this year's theme takes students through every key via the circle of fifths.How rewards stay music-focused, from sheet music to a recording studio tour.She described choreographing rhythm cup routines to songs like "What Makes You Beautiful."She shared Composer Trading, a Pit-inspired game where students collect composer card sets.How listening worksheets guide both peer performances and at-home practice.She described her Piano Expeditions camps, each centered on one composer's major work.How one student used that feedback to chase 100% on every piece.The value of branching into new keys with resources like Juan Cabeza's Piano Notebook.Why she's adding Latin duets ahead of a guest ensemble visit from Paraguay.She described building audience interaction into recitals through trivia and code-cracking games. Links Mentioned Natalie's website:musicmattersblog.comNatalie's Facebook page:Natalie Wickham Weber Today’s Guest Natalie Weber, has operated a piano studio in Kansas since 1998. She teaches all ages in private and group lessons and runs the popular MusicMattersBlog.com, which is devoted to inspiring creativity in music education. When she’s not teaching, Natalie loves spending time with her family, including her two granddaughters! 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.comVisit her Instagram page: @rachelehringVisit her YouTube channel: @dreamlavendermusic6694Visit 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 development courses, and creative lesson ideas. Click the link below to access your exclusive 14-day free trial for our Studio Membership. TOPMUSICPRO MEMBERSHIP 14-DAY FREE TRIAL

127: How to Include Composition in Lessons with Amy Ferguson

Composing isn't just for the musically gifted few, it's a skill every piano student can build with the right guidance. Today, I'm chatting with Amy Ferguson, a piano teacher of over 30 years who calls herself a lifelong composer. She shares her own creative process, why she believes composing belongs in every studio, and practical activities you can try with students at any level. Amy also offers a free printable to help students write their very first piece. Amy shared how she won a Kawai piano through Pianist Magazine's composer competition.She described herself as a lifelong composer, tracing it back to a childhood tape recorder.Her compositional style favors patterns, simple notation, and a big sound.She emphasized storytelling as key to helping students connect emotionally with music.She named Danny Elfman's Nightmare Before Christmas score as a major influence.Amy outlined three reasons composing matters: theory, ownership, and true artistry.She noted that composing confidence carries over into students' other repertoire.She shared an activity where students traded favorite-things cards and composed for each other.Some holiday prompts, like Halloween for minor keys and Mother's/Father's Day gifts.Amy walked through her free "Big Question" printable for a student's first notated piece.She highlighted her Escape Series, teaching navigation terms like repeat signs and codas.Amy encouraged teachers to keep composing open-ended and rule-free. Links Mentioned Amy's website: https:www.amyfergusonstudio.comAmy's YouTube channel:www.youtube.com/@AmyFergusonStudioMusicAmy's Facebook page:Amy Ferguson StudioFind out more about Four Chord Composing Course here. Today's Guest With enthusiasm and endless passion for music, Amy Ferguson has spent her lifetime sharing and creating music on the piano. ​She received her first piano as a Christmas gift from her parents when she was 1 year old and as a young child she loved to record herself making up songs into a little tape recorder. She’s been happily composing music ever since! Amy studied piano under the direction of Mrs. Elaine Beckstrand and Dr. Yu-Jane Yang. In college she studied Piano Performance, Piano Pedagogy, and Secondary Music Education. She received a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education with high honors from Weber State University. She has had over 30 years of piano teaching experience and is an active member of the Utah Music Teachers Association, Music Teachers National Association, and National Federation of Music Clubs. Amy is an experienced accompanist, composer, and arranger, and enjoys sharing these skills with others. She composes and arranges piano repertoire for her students and has recently had the opportunity to write school spirit songs for several new local public schools. Her compositions have received both state and national recognition. November was the state-winning entry in the 2022 UMTA Composition Competition, and Relámpago won the 2026 Pianist Magazine National Composition Competition. Purchasing digital studio licenses of her music is now available at her online shop AmyFergusonStudio.Com. As a teacher, Amy has the special ability to customize lessons and musical experiences to each unique individual, guiding her students to be successful at not only playing the piano, but developing a love and enjoyment of the piano. Amy is married to her high school sweetheart, who is an incredible jazz pianist, and together they are parents to four amazing kids. Amy also enjoys gardening, raising chickens, outdoor walks, sewing, homemaking, botanical gardens, studying the gospel, yoga, embroidery, national parks, and listening to classical music loudly in the car. 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.comVisit her Instagram page: @rachelehringVisit her YouTube channel: @dreamlavendermusic6694Visit 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 development courses, and creative lesson ideas. Click the link below to access your exclusive 14-day free trial for our Studio Membership. TOPMUSICPRO MEMBERSHIP 14-DAY FREE TRIAL

126: When the Rest is the Work

After spending a few days at a retreat with fellow piano teachers, I came home with a completely different perspective on what it means to rest. In this episode, I'm reflecting on why rest isn't just about slowing down, but about making space for creativity, meaningful connection, and the kind of balance that helps us become better teachers and healthier people. Rachel shared how a recent teacher retreat reshaped her understanding of rest.She explained why rest is essential for preventing burnout and sustaining a teaching career.Rachel highlighted how creative projects can restore energy instead of draining it.Why meaningful connections with fellow teachers provide a different kind of rest.How supportive communities help teachers navigate common challenges.She encouraged teachers to identify the people who genuinely recharge and encourage them.The importance of setting healthy boundaries without feeling guilty.How making intentional changes can create more balance in both work and life.Why giving yourself permission to pause leads to better teaching and greater wellbeing. Links Mentioned Search podcast episodes here:topmusic.co/podcastsearch 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.comVisit her Instagram page: @rachelehringVisit her YouTube channel: @dreamlavendermusic6694Visit 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 development courses, and creative lesson ideas. Click the link below to access your exclusive 14-day free trial for our Studio Membership. TOPMUSICPRO MEMBERSHIP 14-DAY FREE TRIAL

125: Successful In-Home Teaching with Michael Richey

Teaching piano in students' homes isn't a model we hear about very often, but it can be an incredibly successful way to build a studio. In this episode, Michael Richey shares how he grew a thriving multi-teacher travel studio, the business systems that keep it running smoothly, and why in-home teaching can be a premium service that benefits both families and teachers.Michael shared how building a travel-based piano studio created a thriving multi-teacher business.He explained the benefits of bringing lessons directly into students' homes.The importance of creating efficient teaching routes to maximize time.How strong studio policies support both teachers and families.Why charging premium rates reflects the value of in-home lessons.How hiring teachers with the right mindset is essential for long-term success.Michael shared how clear communication keeps a multi-teacher studio running smoothly.How technology simplifies scheduling, billing, and teacher management.The value of recitals in building community across a travel studio.Why teachers should treat their studio as a professional business.How sustainable systems help prevent burnout while supporting growth.Michael encouraged teachers to regularly review and improve their studio policies.Why travel teaching can provide flexibility, convenience, and exceptional service for families.Links MentionedMichael's website:www.tnmusicacademy.comFonsToday's Guest Michael Richey is the founder of Tennessee Music Academy, a multi-teacher travel studio in the Nashville, TN area. His teaching is inspired by the many years of studying the Alexander Technique, Dalcroze Eurhythmics, and piano pedagogy. Michael is an avid businessman—always looking to streamline, simplify, and innovate. He is passionate about helping teachers generate fair, livable income for a sustainable career in music teaching. Michael serves as Vice-President for Programs in the local MTA and Treasurer of the local NFMC Senior Music Club and Festival. He has recently been featured on The Fourforty (440) Podcast with Eric Branner. Michael has also guest lectured many times at universities on business practices of independent teaching studios and policy writing.About Rachel EhringDr. 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.comVisit her Instagram page: @rachelehringVisit her YouTube channel: @dreamlavendermusic6694Visit her Etsy shop at Dream Lavender MusicThank 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 TrialHeard 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 development courses, and creative lesson ideas. Click the link below to access your exclusive 14-day free trial for our Studio Membership.TOPMUSICPRO MEMBERSHIP 14-DAY FREE TRIAL

124: What is the Right Way to Teach Group Piano?

After last week's conversation about transitioning to group teaching, I wanted to continue the discussion by exploring what group piano can actually look like. In this episode, I’m sharing the different group teaching models I've experienced, from preschool classes and piano labs to buddy lessons and multi-level groups, and why the best approach is the one that fits your students, your space, and your teaching style.Rachel explored several approaches to teaching group piano lessons.She shared how her view of group teaching has changed over the years.She explained how college piano labs differ from modern group studios.The value of adapting group lessons to your own teaching space.How preschool group classes build strong musical foundations.She explained how play-based activities support young beginners.How multi-level group lessons can combine individual and collaborative learning.The benefits of buddy lessons for selected students.Rachel encouraged teachers to add performance classes or practice labs to their studios.Links MentionedTMPP Episode 045: Preschool Piano for Better Business with Amy ElmoreTMPP Episode 047: A Review of Preschool Piano Methods with Abigail ProffittTMPP Episode 093: Debunking the Myths About Group Lessons with Jessica HomewoodTMPP Episode 112: Preschool Teaching and TopMusicLive with Laura KaharTMPP Episode 123: Making the Pivot to Group Teaching with Mandy GoldbachAbout Rachel EhringDr. 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.comVisit her Instagram page: @rachelehringVisit her YouTube channel: @dreamlavendermusic6694Visit her Etsy shop at Dream Lavender MusicThank 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 TrialHeard 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 development courses, and creative lesson ideas. Click the link below to access your exclusive 14-day free trial for our Studio Membership.TOPMUSICPRO MEMBERSHIP 14-DAY FREE TRIAL