Episodios

  • 434: Is Teaching Pop Music Less Valuable Than Classical?

    434: Is Teaching Pop Music Less Valuable Than Classical?
    Sep 29 2025
    Back in 2014, I set up a mic, hit record, and created my very first online course to help teachers feel confident teaching pop music. That course became PianoFlix, and it was the beginning of everything that would eventually grow into the TopMusicPro community. In this solo episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes to share how it all started, why it still matters today, and what makes this course one of my proudest creations.
    • Tim reflected on the early days of creating his first online course to help teachers teach pop music.
    • He explained how teacher feedback sparked the idea for what became PianoFlix.
    • The importance of teaching pop music as a gateway to deeper engagement and theory understanding.
    • How the success of PianoFlix Course led to the creation of TopMusicPro.
    • Tim shared the original sales ad and Module 1 from the PianoFlix Course.
    • How the course was intentionally designed to be evergreen and still relevant today.
    • How attitudes toward pop music in piano education have shifted significantly since 2015.
    • The value of practical, pedagogically-sound pop instruction was reinforced throughout.
    • Tim outlined all 8 modules of the PianoFlix course, including rearranging and lead sheet strategies.

    Links Mentioned
    • Watch the PianoFlix sales ad in YouTube here
    • Purchase the PianoFlix Course here
    • Find out more about TopMusic Courses
    • Download your latest TopMusic Magazine here

    Today’s Sponsor RSL Awards is leading the next generation of creativity. We are an international Awarding Organisation, creating qualifications in music, performing arts, and creative industries subjects. Our vision is to help teachers and students within the creative arts sector through a range of innovative, relevant, and rewarding resources and qualifications. This includes our flagship Rockschool graded resources for piano. The new edition of Rockschool Piano offers a holistic approach to piano education, shaped around the needs of today’s musicians. Exploring five centuries of music, from classical to classic rock, this genre-spanning syllabus features an expansive mix of popular Hit Tunes, bespoke Rockschool Originals, and brand-new suites of technical study, all packed with class-leading technology.
    • Find out more about RSL Awards here.
    • RSL Online Shop
    • Pre-Order the New Rockschool Piano Syllabus

    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 Mondays weekly. TopMusicPro 14-Day Free Trial Heard about TopMusicPro Membership? As a valued podcast...
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    29 m
  • 433: Join Our 30-Day Back Pocket Sprint!

    433: Join Our 30-Day Back Pocket Sprint!
    Sep 22 2025
    When students show up without their books or in a mood, do you ever feel your lesson plan slipping through your fingers? That’s exactly why I created the 30-Day Back Pocket Sprint to help you build a reliable toolkit of creative activities you can use anytime. In this solo episode, I’m sharing all the details: how it works, what you'll learn, and how it will give you confidence, flexibility, and fun in every lesson. Whether you’re already a TopMusicPro member or just looking for a boost, this sprint is for you.
    • Tim explained how unexpected lesson moments can be better managed with creative tools.
    • The value of a flexible teaching toolkit as a way to stay confident and effective.
    • Tim introduced the 30-Day Back Pocket Sprint starting September 29 until October 27.
    • How the sprint helps teachers build a library of creative activities to use on the fly.
    • How five mini-tasks per week lead to over 20 practical teaching tools by the end.
    • Why novelty in lessons improves student focus, retention, and motivation.
    • How remixing repertoire and adding pop progressions can energize regular lesson routines.
    • The benefits of joining weekly Zoom calls and the optional Facebook group were discussed.
    • Tim emphasized that the sprint is open to both TopMusicPro members and non-members.
    • The importance of building sustainable creative habits through small daily actions was reinforced.

    Links Mentioned
    • Join Our 30-Day Back Pocket Sprint. Visit topmusic.co/sprint.

    Today’s Sponsor RSL Awards is leading the next generation of creativity. We are an international Awarding Organisation, creating qualifications in music, performing arts, and creative industries subjects. Our vision is to help teachers and students within the creative arts sector through a range of innovative, relevant, and rewarding resources and qualifications. This includes our flagship Rockschool graded resources for piano. The new edition of Rockschool Piano offers a holistic approach to piano education, shaped around the needs of today’s musicians. Exploring five centuries of music, from classical to classic rock, this genre-spanning syllabus features an expansive mix of popular Hit Tunes, bespoke Rockschool Originals, and brand-new suites of technical study, all packed with class-leading technology.
    • Find out more about RSL Awards here.
    • RSL Online Shop
    • Pre-Order the New Rockschool Piano Syllabus

    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 Mondays weekly. TopMusicPro 14-Day Free Trial Heard about TopMusicPro Membership? As a valued podcast listener, I’d like to offer you a special...
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    13 m
  • 432: 5 Tips for Motivating Teens with Andrea Dow from Teach Piano Today

    432: 5 Tips for Motivating Teens with Andrea Dow from Teach Piano Today
    Sep 15 2025
    Teens can be some of the most rewarding and challenging students we teach. In this replay of our member-exclusive Spotlight Session, Turning Meh into Motivation: 5 Tips for Teaching Teens, Andrea Dow from Teach Piano Today shares practical strategies to help you connect with and inspire your teen students. From fostering creativity and confidence to embracing pop culture and structured choice, Andrea offers ideas that can make a real difference in your teaching.
    • The value of a reliable teen toolkit to confidently navigate mood swings, low motivation, and inconsistent practice.
    • How to reframe practice as “creation” to shift teens’ mindset from chore to self-expression.
    • The importance of offering structured choices to foster motivation without sacrificing progress.
    • Why balancing freedom and guidance in lessons helps teens feel seen, capable, and respected.
    • How pop tutorials and TikToks can become teaching tools, not distractions, by focusing on transferrable skills.
    • The role of identity formation in teen motivation, and how music supports emotional development.
    • How to build musical confidence so teens proudly identify as piano players within their peer groups.
    • Why lightness and humor matter, including how simple games can boost connection and retention.
    • The importance of small, steady wins over dramatic breakthroughs in building long-term success.
    • Andrea encouraged teachers to be curators, not dictators, guiding teens with intention and empathy.

    Links Mentioned
    • TopCast 407: The Power of Storytelling with Andrea Dow from Teach Piano Today
    • TopCast 431: My Favourite Framework for Piano Teachers: 4 Chord Composing
    • Four Chord Composing Course
    • Buy the course for only $49 using the coupon code CHORDS100
    • Download your latest TopMusic Magazine here

    Today’s Guest Andrea Dow, together with her husband Trevor, are the composers, authors, and educators behind TeachPianoToday.com and WunderKeys. Their collaborative work has transformed piano education, providing teachers with imaginative resources that engage students of all ages. From quirky piano books to game-based learning materials, Andrea and Trevor’s creations inspire piano teachers worldwide to bring creativity and joy into their lessons. Over the years, they have published 207 piano books, each designed to motivate students and make learning music fun. Andrea and Trevor live on Vancouver Island off the west coast of British Columbia, Canada. When not composing or creating, Andrea and Trevor balance family life with two teenage daughters, and spend most of their time at the hockey rink or track. Today’s Sponsor RSL Awards is leading the next generation of creativity. We are an international Awarding Organisation, creating qualifications in music, performing arts, and creative industries...
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    48 m
  • 431: My Favourite Framework for Piano Teachers: 4 Chord Composing

    431: My Favourite Framework for Piano Teachers: 4 Chord Composing
    Sep 8 2025
    If you've ever felt unsure about how to teach chords or help your students create music from scratch, this episode is for you. Today, I’m sharing a deep dive into my all-time favourite course, 4 Chord Composing. I’ll walk you through why this framework works so well, how it connects theory and creativity, and how you can use it even if you’ve never composed a thing in your life. You’ll also hear from other teachers who’ve used this approach to transform their students' confidence and engagement.
    • Tim reflected on how most teachers weren't taught chords or lead sheets in their own lessons.
    • He explained how a chord-based approach improves sight reading, creativity, and understanding.
    • The benefits of teaching harmony through popular styles were emphasized.
    • Tim introduced his favorite course: 4 Chord Composing Course, offering a 10-week plan for introducing students to composing using just four chords.
    • He highlighted how the framework builds theory, form, and improvisation skills naturally.
    • How it simplifies teaching composition and makes learning feel intuitive.
    • The course videos show Tim teaching a real student, making the approach easy to follow.
    • Tim shared feedback from teachers who have used the course with great success and student engagement.

    Links Mentioned
    • Four Chord Composing Course
    • Buy the course for only $49 using the coupon code CHORDS100
    • Blog: The Power of 4 Chord Composing
    • TopMusicPro Courses
    • TopMusic Competition Composition 2025

    Today’s Sponsor RSL Awards is leading the next generation of creativity. We are an international Awarding Organisation, creating qualifications in music, performing arts, and creative industries subjects. Our vision is to help teachers and students within the creative arts sector through a range of innovative, relevant, and rewarding resources and qualifications. This includes our flagship Rockschool graded resources for piano. The new edition of Rockschool Piano offers a holistic approach to piano education, shaped around the needs of today’s musicians. Exploring five centuries of music, from classical to classic rock, this genre-spanning syllabus features an expansive mix of popular Hit Tunes, bespoke Rockschool Originals, and brand-new suites of technical study, all packed with class-leading technology.
    • Find out more about RSL Awards here.
    • RSL Online Shop
    • Pre-Order the New Rockschool Piano Syllabus

    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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    40 m
  • 430: The NEW Rockschool Piano Syllabus with Nathan Theodoulou

    430: The NEW Rockschool Piano Syllabus with Nathan Theodoulou
    Sep 1 2025
    Exams don’t have to feel like a chore. Today, I’m chatting with Nathan Theodoulou from RSL about the exciting changes in the new Rockschool Piano syllabus. Whether your students love pop, jazz, film music, or creative expression, this new syllabus has something for them. We dive into the vision behind the redesign, how it encourages musicality and flexibility, and what it means for modern piano teachers looking to inspire a new generation of players.
    • Tim welcomed Nathan Theodoulou from RSL to introduce the new Rockschool Piano syllabus.
    • Nathan shared how the syllabus combines classical, pop, film, and jazz influences.
    • He explained how students are assessed on creativity, interpretation, and musicality.
    • The new syllabus offers a balance of structured progression and modern flexibility.
    • Nathan emphasized the importance of having music that students genuinely want to play.
    • He described how they redesigned technical exercises to be musically engaging.
    • The importance of global accessibility and flexible delivery modes was discussed.
    • Tim and Nathan explored how the new syllabus empowers teachers without overprescribing.
    • Nathan explained the rationale behind removing sight reading as a mandatory element.
    • He highlighted new options for creativity in exams, such as improvisation or original composition.
    • The syllabus aims to develop all-around musicianship—not just technical proficiency.
    • Music teachers were encouraged to explore the new books and find pieces that excite their students.

    Links Mentioned
    • RSL Website
    • RSL Online Shop
    • Pre-Order the New Rockschool Piano Syllabus

    Today’s Guest Nathan is Director of Product and Marketing for the RSL Group. This includes the flagship Rockschool brand, which operates across 60 countries. He oversees the creation of all RSL publications and has created over 50 books to date for the company. He also develops commercial partnerships with the music industry and manufactures, such as Marshall, Yamaha and Abbey Road Studios. Nathan has over 20 years of experience in the education sector. He was a consultant for global management firm Mott MacDonald. He has worked as a teacher trainer, trained PGCE students and Newly Qualified Teachers. Nathan also spent 10 years with the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance and helped to create the award-winning youth theatre now known as Company 3. He also served on the Board of Trustees for the European Piano Teachers Association (EPTA). Nathan maintains a career as a composer and musical director, composing music for stage and screen, and performing at venues including the Royal Albert Hall, Royal Shakespeare Company, Barbican and Royal Festival Hall. He has received a diverse selection of commissions including two concertos for cellist Guy Johnston, works for the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment and Academy of St Martin in the Fields, documentary soundtracks for Amazon and scores for theatre productions at the National Theatre. He loves all genres of music, regularly switching between classical, jazz, rock, latin and electronic music. Nathan is a multi-instrumentalist and had recorded on guitar, bass, piano, saxophones and flute. Today’s Sponsor
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    1 h y 5 m
  • 429: Piano Method Navigator with Anna Beth Rucker

    429: Piano Method Navigator with Anna Beth Rucker
    Aug 25 2025
    Method books can be incredibly helpful or incredibly overwhelming. Today, I’m having a chat with Anna Beth Rucker, the creator of Piano Method Navigator, a free online tool that helps teachers explore and compare method books with clarity. We dive into how this resource came to life, what it offers, and how it can support better decision-making no matter what stage of teaching you’re in. If you’ve ever felt stuck trying to choose the “right” book, this episode will definitely help.
    • Anna Beth shared a brief overview of her background as the creator of the Piano Method Navigator.
    • How the tool helps teachers explore method books with more confidence.
    • She shared her motivation for creating a free, user-friendly tool for the teaching community.
    • The value of method book comparison in choosing materials for different student needs.
    • She highlighted the searchable filters and categories that make the Navigator so practical.
    • How the tool reflects her belief in empowering teachers, not replacing judgment.
    • Tim and Anna Beth explored the challenges teachers face when switching or mixing methods.
    • The importance of understanding teaching priorities, sequencing, pacing and philosophy.
    • Anna Beth encouraged teachers to be curious and experimental with new materials.
    • She shared how her nonprofit and consulting experience shaped her approach to design and accessibility.
    • Tim praised the Navigator as a much-needed tool for piano teachers of all levels.

    Since the recording of this podcast, Piano Method Navigator includes a new tool: the Lesson Planning Assistant—a time-saving feature that shows what your student has just learned, is learning now, and is about to learn, making lesson planning faster and more strategic. Links Mentioned
    • Piano Method Navigator Website
    • Piano Method Navigator Instragram Page: @pianomethodnavigator

    Today’s Guest Anna Beth Rucker is a pianist, educator, and the creator of Piano Method Navigator, a free online tool that helps teachers explore method books with clarity and confidence. With nearly two decades of teaching experience and two degrees in pedagogy, she brings both depth and curiosity to piano education. In addition to her work in music, she has spent years in the nonprofit sector—designing strategy, streamlining operations, and shaping messaging. She now leads Tree Frog Solutions, a refreshingly straightforward consulting firm that helps nonprofits and creative businesses do big things on a small budget. She lives in Portland, Oregon, with her husband, Ben, their goofy golden retriever, Clive, and their three-legged cat, Charles-François. Today’s Sponsor Piano Marvel is an innovative piano education platform designed to empower piano teachers and inspire students. Blending traditional methods with cutting-edge technology, Piano Marvel offers powerful tools to streamline teaching, track student progress, and enhance learning outcomes in both in-person and online lessons. With a digital piano connected via USB, MIDI, or microphone mode, students gain instant feedback on their playing, build...
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    51 m
  • 428: What’s Piano Marvel All About? With founders Heidi and Aaron Garner

    428: What’s Piano Marvel All About? With founders Heidi and Aaron Garner
    Aug 18 2025
    Technology can’t replace the heart of great teaching, but when used well, it can supercharge our impact. Today, I’m chatting with Aaron and Heidi Garner, the founders of Piano Marvel and sponsors of this month’s podcast. We dive into their inspiring startup journey, explore how their platform supports practice, sight reading, and studio efficiency, and unpack why it’s more relevant than ever in today’s teaching landscape. Whether you’ve been curious about using tech in your lessons or are looking for ways to boost student motivation, this episode has something for you.
    • Aaron shared how teaching group piano sparked the idea for Piano Marvel.
    • The importance of allowing students to progress at their own pace was emphasized.
    • Heidi explained how they secured early funding through friends and family.
    • They discussed the challenge of early teacher resistance to technology.
    • How the software helps students practice notes and rhythm accurately.
    • Heidi highlighted how Piano Marvel supports teachers with time-saving tools.
    • The value of using Piano Marvel during lessons to improve practice habits was shared.
    • How the SASR (Standard Assessment of Sight-Reading) test tracks progress with gamified feedback.
    • Tim and Aaron discussed how faster repertoire learning leads to deeper artistry.
    • Heidi shared how Piano Marvel’s teacher community supports learning and tech adoption.
    • The new Group Play feature allows synchronized ensemble performance across devices.
    • Teachers can upload and annotate sheet music directly within the platform.
    • Aaron emphasized that technology enhances, not replaces, the role of great teachers.

    Special Offer for Podcast Listeners
    • Piano Marvel Back-to-School Sale - Kick off the school year with 15% off an Annual Premium Subscription, plus enjoy an extra month absolutely free, and get instant access to the PDF version of the FUNdamentals Book to supercharge your practice. Visit pianomarvel.com or go directly to store.pianomarvel.com to claim your discount.

    Links Mentioned
    • Piano Marvel Website
    • Standard Assessment of Sight Reading (SASR)

    Today’s Guest Aaron Garner did his undergraduate studies in piano performance and pedagogy, along with composition at Brigham Young University and the University of Southern Colorado. While doing his graduate studies in performance and pedagogy with a secondary emphasis in composition at the University of Northern Colorado, he taught class piano, where he faced teaching students of differing abilities simultaneously in one classroom. The difficulties of that task led Aaron to develop the Piano Marvel software. Piano Marvel was founded in January of 2008, and the first version of the software was released at MTNA in Atlanta, GA, in March of 2009. Heidi Garner helped start Piano Marvel with her husband, Aaron Garner, in 2008. Over the years, Heidi has taken on several positions within the company, and she currently serves as the Chief Marketing Officer. You might come across her on our social media platforms or at a conference! Furthermore, Heidi is a personal trainer and running coach specializing in fostering behavioral change. She obtained her bachelor's degree in Kinesiology at the University of Northern Colorado. Heidi and Aaron have four...
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    1 h y 2 m
  • 427: A Peek Inside Our Practice Hacks Course from Noa Kageyama

    427: A Peek Inside Our Practice Hacks Course from Noa Kageyama
    Aug 11 2025
    Let’s be honest, teaching students how to practice well is one of the most important things we do, and also one of the hardest to make stick. That’s why I’m so excited to spotlight our “Practice Hacks” Course by Noa Kageyama, now available on the TopMusic Courses platform. In this episode, I share a behind-the-scenes look at the course, explore what makes practice effective, and reflect on the mindset shifts that can completely change how we and our students approach progress.
    • Tim introduced the “Practice Hacks” Course by performance psychologist Noa Kageyama.
    • He shared how the course helps teachers and students overcome common practice pitfalls.
    • The importance of deliberate, mindful practice over repetition was emphasized.
    • How progress boosts motivation and builds consistent practice habits.
    • Tim previewed key topics like the mastery illusion and skill retrieval.
    • How the course breaks down strategies based on research in psychology and learning science.
    • Teachers are encouraged to improve their own practice through this course.
    • Tim highlighted the flexibility of TopMusic Courses for one-off purchases.

    Links Mentioned
    • Find out more about Practice Hacks for Musicians Course by Noa Kageyama here
    • Buy the course for only $49 using the coupon code NOAHACKS25
    • TopMusic Course
    • Find out more about TopMusicSheets here.

    Today’s Sponsor Piano Marvel is an innovative piano education platform designed to empower piano teachers and inspire students. Blending traditional methods with cutting-edge technology, Piano Marvel offers powerful tools to streamline teaching, track student progress, and enhance learning outcomes in both in-person and online lessons. With a digital piano connected via USB, MIDI, or microphone mode, students gain instant feedback on their playing, build essential skills like sight-reading, rhythm, and ear-training, and stay motivated with real-time scoring and gamified learning. Teachers can assign exercises, monitor progress remotely, and access detailed analytics to tailor instruction more effectively. The platform features the Standard Assessment of Sight Reading (SASR)—the world’s only standardized sight-reading test—and a robust Music Library of over 30,000 songs, from classical to contemporary hits. Its three unique modes—Practice, Play, and Learn—support every learning style, helping students progress confidently at their own pace. Whether you’re teaching beginners or advanced students, Piano Marvel provides a flexible, engaging, and time-saving solution for modern piano studios. Piano Marvel: revolutionizing piano teaching, one student at a time. To learn more, visit pianomarvel.com. 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...
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    19 m