In this episode, we explore the innovative Meridee Winters Music Method through the insights of Kate Capps, a key figure in its development and implementation. Kate shares her journey from discovering music at five years old to studying at Berklee College of Music and eventually joining Meridee Winters' Philadelphia school in 2007. Over the past 17 years, Kate has become Meridee's right-hand person, contributing to the creation and evolution of the method’s groundbreaking books and materials. Kate discusses the method's chord and pattern-based approach, its focus on creativity and playfulness ..read more

Join us in today's episode as we sit down with Brock Chart, our TopMusicSheets composer of the month. Brock is an accomplished composer, studio owner, and the founder of My-Melodies Publishing in Kansas. Renowned for his versatility across genres such as jazz, pop, educational piano literature, and film music, Brock has made significant contributions to the music world. He was named the 2022 Composer of the Year by the Kansas Federation of Music Clubs and had 15 original compositions selected for the 2024-2028 NFMC Bulletin. Since establishing My-Melodies Publishing, he has released six well-r ..read more

In this episode, we're thrilled to welcome Amy Chaplin, a distinguished pianist, teacher, speaker, blogger, and podcaster, who is passionate about studio business, organization, and life. Amy combines these interests through her blog, PianoPantry.com, and The Piano Pantry Podcast, as well as running an independent piano studio in Northeast Indiana. An active member of the Music Teachers National Association, Amy has held various leadership roles and frequently speaks at events on studio business, marketing, and digital organization. Join us as we delve into Amy's expert insights on organizing ..read more

In today's show, we're thrilled to introduce you to our TopMusicSheets Composer of the Month, Jeff Millis. Jeff is a passionate musician who has been composing since his earliest memories of music. He teaches students worldwide through his unique online method, which emphasizes creativity from the very beginning. Jeff’s innovative approach and dedication to crafting enjoyable, pedagogically sound music for students of all levels make him a standout in the world of music education. Join us as we dive into Jeff's journey, his teaching philosophy, and the inspirations behind his diverse compositi ..read more

In today's episode, we delve into the world of piano accompanying with Dr. Rachel Ehring, a distinguished pianist, teacher, and music administrator. With a DMA in Collaborative Piano from the University of Colorado Boulder, Rachel brings a wealth of knowledge and experience. She is passionate about empowering music teachers to create engaging lessons for students of all ages. Join us as we explore how to add piano accompanying to your income portfolio, discussing Rachel’s innovative course on collaborative piano, its creation, marketing strategies, and the invaluable skills required for effect ..read more

I'm so thrilled to reconnect with you and appreciate all the positive feedback we've received about the podcast's return. In today's episode, I want to share highlights from my keynote at the MTNA conference in Atlanta this past March, titled "Dare to Dream: Why Students Need Your Vision." I'll discuss the importance of having a clear vision for your students, yourself, and your studio, and how sharing this vision can lead to greater success. We'll dive into the four D framework for realizing your dreams and share inspiring examples from teachers around the world. Plus, I'll provide details on ..read more

In this episode, we're diving deep into the TopMusicPro membership for instrumental teachers. Launched in 2016, this membership has evolved significantly, and I'm excited to share our vision, mission, and the incredible resources we offer. From our extensive library of courses to our vibrant community and exclusive discounts, TopMusicPro is designed to inspire and support music teachers worldwide. Whether you're a current member, a past member, or considering joining, this episode will give you an inside look at the transformative benefits of our membership. Stay tuned as we explore the powerf ..read more

In today's show, we are thrilled to have Marie Lee back for her third appearance on the TopCast. Marie is the visionary creator of the Group Teaching Blueprint and the owner of Musicality Schools in Las Vegas. With a bustling studio of 140 students, Marie uses innovative group teaching methods to inspire and motivate musicians. In this episode, we delve into the benefits and challenges of transitioning from one-on-one lessons to group teaching, explore the various models and methods she uses, and discuss her involvement in leading conferences like Group Illuminated. Marie shares her expert ins ..read more

In today's episode, we're chatting with Nikita Wilson, a piano teacher and electronics engineer hailing from the North West of England. Nikita shares insights into her creative teaching approach, spanning all music genres, and her passion for witnessing students' growth and personality development through music. Join us as Nikita discusses her crowdfunding campaign for piano technician training, aiming to address the shortage of technicians in her area and raise awareness of this critical issue impacting the world of music education. We delve into the roles of piano tuners, technicians, engine ..read more

Welcome back to another exciting bonus episode! Today, I'm thrilled to bring you a lineup of incredible updates and announcements, including the launch of the TopMusic Piano Podcast, hosted by the amazing Dr. Rachel Ehring. Our spotlight is on our latest episode, featuring Tara Mock on How to Have Conversations with Parents of Neurodiverse Students, emphasizing a valuable statement for every lesson moving forward. Plus, we'll delve into the world of teaching neurodivergent students with insights from our successful webinar and our new course "Unfazed: Teaching Neurodivergent Students." And don ..read more