TopMusic Piano Podcast

If there’s one part of running a studio that many teachers dread, it’s invoicing and payment collection. Today, I'm sharing some of the systems I’m putting in place this summer to make life easier, from SOPs and policy communication to automated billing and scheduling. My goal is simple: create systems that help future me spend less time on admin and more time focusing on students and teaching. Rachel encouraged teachers to identify one business task causing the most stress in their studio.She shared why systems do not come naturally to her but still make a huge difference.Rachel explained how creating SOPs can save time and reduce mental load.She described organizing recurring studio tasks into a central reference document.The importance of making life easier for your future self.She shared plans to create a video explaining tuition and makeup lesson policies.Why clear communication can reduce confusion and repetitive parent questions.The value of using studio management software for billing and scheduling.How automated payments help prevent missed invoices and lost income.She encouraged teachers to invest in systems that create a more sustainable business. Links Mentioned YouTube Video: Should your music teacher give makeup lessons?Join the Spotlight Session with David Cutler hereFind out more about TopMusic Local Music Teacher Meetup with Rachel EhringFind out more about the 12-Week Studio Transformation (12WST) here.Find out more about Fons 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.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

Performance anxiety is something I’ve struggled with for years, despite playing hundreds of times as a collaborative pianist. In this solo episode, I'm openning up about my personal journey with stage fright, how it shows up unexpectedly, and what strategies have helped me manage it. I’m sharing real talk about nerves, preparation, and tips you can use for yourself and your students. Rachel shared her personal experience with stage fright and performance anxiety.How frequent performances as a collaborative pianist shaped her confidence.She highlighted how anxiety can still appear suddenly, even after years of experience.How her anxiety is often triggered by feeling she needs to prove herself.The challenges of performing in unfamiliar venues or with new audiences.The importance of acknowledging nerves without shame.The impact of being judged, especially during grad school performances.Rachel explained how breathing and physical awareness help calm anxiety.She encouraged focusing on musical phrasing to direct energy away from fear.She recommended mock performances and rehearsing in the performance space.The importance of a mindful, slower starting tempo.Rachel suggested normalizing mistakes to reduce fear of imperfection.The value of teachers performing for and with their students.She encouraged teachers to challenge themselves to perform, even in low-stress settings. Links Mentioned Get your SUPER EARLY BIRD tickets for TopMusicLive 2026 here.TMPP 100: The Teacher Who Shaped Me as a Pianist with Dr. Un-Young WhangTMPP 038: Tips to Perform with Confidence 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

As I approach episode 100, I wanted to pause and reflect on what the first 99 episodes of this podcast have meant to me. In this solo episode, I'm going to share memories from my own early piano lessons, the lessons I’ve learned from incredible guests, and how hosting this podcast has shaped me as a teacher and leader. It’s a look back filled with gratitude, growth, and excitement for what’s coming next. Rachel shared why episode 99 felt like the right moment to pause before episode 100.How her early piano lessons began with confusion and the need to start simpler.The importance of meeting students where they are rather than pushing ahead too fast.Rachel shared how enjoyment and exploration at the piano fueled her long-term growth.She reflected on the teachers and incentives that shaped her love for music.How saying yes to hosting the podcast came with excitement and imposter syndrome.She highlighted how curiosity has driven meaningful conversations with guests.Rachel shared how the podcast has made her a better teacher and conservatory leader.She reflected on standout guest episodes that reshaped her thinking on teaching and careers.Rachel expressed gratitude to listeners, guests, Tim Topham, and the TopMusic team as she looks ahead to episode 100. Links Mentioned TopCast 448: Well… This Is Happening!TMPP 001: Using Stories in Beginner Piano LessonsTMPP 002: How to Have Conversations With Parents of Neurodiverse Students with Tara MockTMPP 031: The Power of Music with Robin SpielbergTMPP 049: Growing Creative Cultivation Studio with Shannon SaraviaTMPP 057: Performing in the Context of YouTube with Annique GöttlerTMPP 082: Introducing the Athena Narrow Keys Piano with Linda GouldTMPP 086: What Happens When You Double Your Rates with Eric Branner 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

Dr. Stephanie Archer brings a thoughtful and experience-driven perspective to piano technique and pedagogy. Drawing from her work as a university professor, private teacher, and researcher in injury prevention, she shares practical strategies for teaching healthy movement from the very first lesson. In this episode, Stephanie explores beginner technique, arm weight, warmups, and how thoughtful teaching choices can support both musical growth and long-term physical well-being.Stephanie shared a brief overview of her background and her music teaching studio.She shared how a playing-related injury reshaped her approach to piano technique.Why technique issues often develop gradually rather than from a single event.The importance of teaching healthy movement from the very first lesson.Why beginner technique plays a major role in preventing injury later on.The value of delaying five-finger position for very young students.How one-finger playing supports arm weight and reduces tension.Stephanie explained why non-legato playing helps establish healthy motion before legato.She shared how imagery and hands-on guidance support relaxed technique in young learners.Why arm weight is often misunderstood or overlooked in early teaching.Common technique mistakes caused by focusing only on finger numbers.Strategies for helping students feel arm release away from the piano first.She explained how adult beginners often carry more tension than children.The importance of warming up to prepare the body for playing.Why scales and technical exercises matter only when played with awareness.Stephanie shared how Hanon and scales can support healthy playing when used intentionally.Why curved-finger language can sometimes create unnecessary tension.The importance of an engaged hand bridge rather than forced finger shape.Links MentionedStephanie's website:Stephanie Archer PianoStephanie's Instagram page:@stephaniethepianoteacherTopCast 444: Teaching Beginner Piano Technique with Katherine FisherToday's Guest Stephanie Archer, NCTM serves as an Assistant Professor of Music at the University of Mobile. She earned a PhD in music education and piano pedagogy from Florida State University. Her research interests include injury prevention, musician wellness, and effective educational practices for elementary students. She has presented workshops at state and national conferences for Music Teachers National Association, the National Conference on Keyboard Pedagogy, the Canadian Federation of Music Teachers’ Associations, the National Association for Music Education, and the European Piano Teachers Association. Her research has been published in the MTNA e-Journal, the Journal of Piano Research, and Florida Music Director.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

Kelsey Berg brings a fascinating perspective to the worlds of piano and organ. With roles spanning church music, university teaching, and private instruction, she shares how her unexpected transition from piano to organ opened a new musical path. In this episode, she explores the key differences between the instruments, the challenges of technique and registration, the realities of practicing without an organ at home, and how injury-preventive training shaped her approach to healthy playing.Kelsey shared a brief overview of her background as multifaceted organist and music teacher.How she switched from playing the piano after unexpectedly taking a church organ job.She explained why the myth “piano players can automatically play organ” is false.Kelsey how the organ’s sound production differs from the piano.How organ musicality relies on timing, articulation, phrasing, and managing silence rather than varying touch like on the piano.Why practicing organ music at the piano improves musical shaping.The challenge of accessing instruments, since organists depend on churches for practice time.How to approach churches or universities politely to request practice access.She explained why the organ is not a dying art.Kelsey highlighted that there are more organ jobs than organists.She encouraged pianists to consider the field for stable employment.How studying injury-preventive technique at the Lister-Sink Institute transformed her playing and resolved pain from overuse.Common technique misconceptions, including misunderstanding anatomy and finger independence.Links MentionedKelsey's Instagram page:@kelseymbergKelsey's Facebook profile:Kelsey BergKelsey's YouTube page:www.youtube.com/@kelseyberg3278Today's Guest Praised by Cleveland Classical for her “subtlety, depth, and affect” in performance, Kelsey Berg is a multifaceted organist, music theorist, and teacher. She currently serves as the Assistant Organist-Choirmaster at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Akron, OH. Kelsey is also a Guest Lecturer in Organ at the Cleveland Institute of Music (CIM), where she teaches secondary organ lessons to both graduate and undergraduate students, as well as applied organ at Case Western Reserve University as part of the Joint Music Program. Kelsey maintains a private piano and organ studio, with students of all levels. Kelsey recently graduated with a Doctor of Musical of Arts in Organ Performance from CIM, studying with Professor Todd Wilson. At CIM, she was the 2023 recipient of the Heinrich Scholarship in organ. Kelsey received both a Master of Music in Organ Performance and a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from Mercer University. She also attended Salem College, receiving both a Certificate in Injury Preventive Keyboard Technique and a Master of Music in Piano Performance and Pedagogy with an Emphasis in Injury Preventive Keyboard Technique. At Salem, Kelsey was awarded the Bright and Annie Lee Fitzgerald Sink Award for Excellence in Piano. She has studied organ with Dr. Jack Mitchener and Dr. John Cummins, and has studied piano with Dr. Ian Altman and Dr. Barbara Lister-Sink. Kelsey is a member of the Association of Anglican Musicians, the Society of Women Organists, and is Sub-Dean of the Cleveland Chapter of the American Guild of Organists.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