Episodios

  • 074: What Should I Play for Church?

    074: What Should I Play for Church?
    Jul 11 2025
    Growing up playing in church services gave me much of my early performance experience, and it’s a topic I’ve never explored on the podcast until now. In this solo episode, I’m sharing my journey with sacred music, from childhood church performances to my studies in Sacred Music. I’ll be talking about my favorite hymn arrangers, like Lloyd Larson and Mark Hayes, and will offer suggestions for pianists of all levels looking to incorporate sacred music into their repertoire. Whether you're teaching students to play in church or looking to expand your own playing, I hope you’ll find some useful resources in this episode.
    • Rachel shared her experience playing sacred music in church from a young age.
    • She explained how her Sacred Music degree shaped her understanding of church music and performance.
    • Her early experiences playing hymns and offertories during church services.
    • She shared her favorite hymn arrangers, like Marilynn Ham, Dino, and Mark Hayes.
    • Rachel highlighted Lloyd Larson as her favorite arranger for accessible yet beautiful hymns.
    • She recommended Dennis Alexander’s sacred music for intermediate students.
    • She mentioned Roger House’s pieces as accessible yet technical arrangements.
    • She introduced Larry Shackley’s Sacred Rhapsody for advanced pianists.
    • Rachel shared Michael Larkin’s All Creatures of Our God and King with hymns and original pieces.
    • She encouraged listeners to share their favorite sacred music suggestions.

    Links Mentioned
    • Rachel's Favorite Sacred Piano Books
    • Amanda Tero Music
    • Susan Staples Bell Music for Worship
    • Mark Hayes' Hymn Harmonizations
    • Michael Larkin's All Creatures of Our God and King
    • Marilynn Ham Books
    • TopMusic Piano Podcast 010: From Concept to Composition with Susan Staples Bell
    • Download the latest TopMusic Magazine edition 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:
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    18 m
  • 073: From Dueling Pianist to Studio Owner with Whitney Maxwell

    073: From Dueling Pianist to Studio Owner with Whitney Maxwell
    Jul 4 2025
    From dueling pianist to studio owner, Whitney Maxwell shares her remarkable journey of pivoting during the pandemic to open Bloom Music Studio in 2021. In this episode, she talks about how her studio grew rapidly after being featured in the Des Moines Register and how she’s created a welcoming, community-driven environment for students. Whitney also explains her unique lab-based teaching model, which fosters independent learning and helps students progress faster than in traditional private lessons.
    • Whitney shared how she opened Bloom Music Studio in 2021 during the pandemic.
    • Her transition from a corporate job to full-time teaching after growing her piano studio.
    • She discussed her experience of being featured in the Des Moines Register, which led to a dramatic increase in students.
    • How her studio offers piano lessons for all ages and is considering expanding to other instruments.
    • The importance of infusing personality into her studio's website to attract the right families.
    • The benefits of a lab-based teaching structure, encouraging independent learning for students.
    • How group lessons allow students to progress faster than in private lessons.
    • Advice on managing a teaching team and the benefits of co-teaching in creating community.
    • Her passion for creating a strong teacher-student bond through activities and worksheets.
    • She recommended that teachers find the pulse of their local community to align their studio’s offerings with what students truly want.

    Links Mentioned
    • Whitney's website: Bloom Music Studio
    • Whitney's Instagram page: @bloommusicstudio
    • Whitney's TikTok page: bloommusicstudio

    Today’s Guest Whitney Maxwell grew up reading beautiful classical music, studying for 10 years under a Juilliard and Harvard trained teacher and concert pianist. She loved her piano teacher and she loved her lessons. But after some time in corporate America, Whitney somehow ended up traveling the world as a full time dueling piano player. She has been teaching since 2001, and has extensive experience in a variety of curriculums, teaching methods and lesson styles. 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...
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    38 m
  • 072: A Classical Pianist Learns about Jazz with Quentin Walston

    072: A Classical Pianist Learns about Jazz with Quentin Walston
    Jun 27 2025
    As a classical pianist, I’ve always felt a bit intimidated by jazz. But in this conversation with jazz pianist and educator Quentin Walston, I step out of my comfort zone and dive into the world of jazz improvisation. Quentin shares his journey from self-taught pianist to the founder of This Is Jazz, a company dedicated to making jazz more accessible to teachers and students. He also discusses his book How to Teach Jazz and Improvisation, offering valuable insights on how educators can confidently introduce jazz concepts and improvisation to students, even beginners.
    • Quentin shared his journey from self-taught pianist to jazz educator to promote jazz education.
    • His early classical piano lessons and how his love for improvisation led him to jazz.
    • Discussion of his book, How to Teach Jazz and Improvisation, designed for teachers to confidently teach jazz.
    • How the book includes simple compositions for students to improvise and play jazz right away.
    • Tips for teaching swing, articulation, and improvisation to beginners.
    • He stressed that starting with easy exercises helps students build confidence in improvisation.
    • Advice for classical pianists looking to explore jazz, focusing on rhythm and swing feel.
    • He explained that improvisation is a skill that can be learned gradually over time.
    • Quentin mentioned that even adult learners can start improvising within a few months.
    • He recommended his courses on jazz theory and history, along with his album Retro Future for inspiration.

    Links Mentioned
    • Quentin's website: This Is Jazz
    • Quentin's Instagram page: @quentinwalston
    • Quentin's YouTube channel: This Is Jazz

    Today's Guest Quentin Walston is an active pianist, educator, and founder of This Is Jazz, a company dedicated to jazz education and appreciation. He brings jazz into classrooms and lessons nationwide by equipping educators through his book How to Teach Jazz & Improvisation. A Virginia Commission for the Arts "Teaching Artist" and Maryland State Arts Council "Touring Artist," he draws on over a decade of professional teaching and performing experience to his work. He performs with his jazz trio and as a solo pianist, blending memorable melodies and striking rhythms with adventurous improvisations. His album Retro Future features original works inspired by masters from Thelonious Monk to Jason Moran. Through workshops and seminars for all ages covering jazz, composition, and music history, Quentin brings passionate expertise to jazz performance and education in any setting, classroom or concert hall. 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
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    30 m
  • 071: Piano-Related Injuries with Celeste Watson

    071: Piano-Related Injuries with Celeste Watson
    Jun 20 2025
    In this conversation with Celeste Watson, we explore the challenges of piano-related injuries and how musicians can retrain their bodies for pain-free playing. Celeste shares her personal experience overcoming a playing-related injury caused by hypermobility, offering valuable insights into injury prevention and rehabilitation. With a focus on proper alignment, kinesthetic awareness, and mindful technique, she provides practical advice for teachers working with both children and adults, as well as transfer students struggling with tension and poor technique. Whether you're a teacher or a pianist, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge on building a healthy, sustainable practice.
    • Celeste works with musicians recovering from injuries, offering rehab and teaching services.
    • She shared about her diverse studio, including private lessons and early childhood music education.
    • The importance of proper alignment to prevent injuries.
    • She discussed overcoming a playing-related injury due to hypermobility.
    • Celeste shared her retraining experience at the Lister-Sink Institute.
    • How movement from the elbow, not the shoulder, aids in proper technique.
    • The role of proprioception in injury prevention.
    • Some challenges in retraining older transfer students with bad habits.
    • Celeste discussed teaching young students by focusing on center finger coordination.
    • She recommended resources like books and professional guidance for injury prevention.

    Links Mentioned
    • Celeste's website: Watson Music
    • Paula Dreyer's Little Gems for Piano
    • Keyboard Games by Marilyn Lowe (Music Moves for Piano)
    • Lister-Sink Method
    • Book: What Every Pianist Needs to Know About the Body

    Today's Guest Celeste Watson has a passion for helping others enjoy music by playing the piano with exciting musically and scientifically-informed technique. After experiencing several playing-related injuries and an intensive period of retraining and rehabilitation, Celeste returned to an active schedule of playing, teaching, and speaking. Playing the piano continues to challenge and grow her both as an artist and as a human being, and she works to help each of her students experience that same joy and growth. 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:
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    48 m
  • 070: Cultivating a Positive Studio Culture with Jessie Hill

    070: Cultivating a Positive Studio Culture with Jessie Hill
    Jun 13 2025
    How do we create a studio environment where students support each other instead of competing? In this episode, we're having a chat with Jessie Hill about building a culture of encouragement—one where students cheer each other on, give thoughtful feedback, and learn that kindness and music go hand in hand. Jessie shares how she uses simple strategies like compliment cards, intentional praise, and reflective group discussions to make her studio a place where students feel seen and valued. We also talk about her creative resources for teaching note reading and rhythm, and how she balances strong pedagogy with a whole lot of heart.
    • Jessie shared a brief overview of her music studio from her home in Tennessee.
    • Her note-reading approach using nine landmark notes and intervallic reading, instead of mnemonics.
    • She emphasized teaching note reading as a long-term process, aiming for accuracy over speed.
    • Using worksheets and visual aids to help students find notes using known landmarks and intervals.
    • The importance of cultivating a supportive studio culture was a key theme of the conversation.
    • Studio culture as how students and teachers think about and interact with one another.
    • Why comparison is human nature, but teachers can model encouragement over competition.
    • A recital idea where students write compliment cards to one another to celebrate their strengths.
    • Gving specific praise rather than vague compliments to foster genuine encouragement.
    • The idea of using the poem “Am I a Builder?” as a studio theme to encourage kindness and support.
    • The importance of intentionality in preventing negativity and promoting positive interactions.
    • Her creative teaching resources, like Interval Wars and Rhythm Tumble.
    • Practical studio organization tips.

    Links Mentioned
    • Jessie's website: Hill Piano Studio
    • Jessie's Instagram page: @hillpianostudio
    • TopMusic Piano Podcast Episode 069: The Note Reading Struggle is Real

    Today's Guest Jessie Hill is a dedicated piano teacher based in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, where she teaches from her welcoming home studio. As a mother of four daughters, Jessie understands the challenges families face when choosing extracurricular activities, and she’s passionate about making music education a lasting and meaningful choice. With a firm belief that piano is a lifelong skill that grows with you, she inspires students of all ages to discover joy, confidence, and lasting progress through music. Jessie’s teaching philosophy emphasizes strong foundational skills in music reading, rhythm, and technique, supported by a thoughtfully chosen method book series. She also enriches her students' experience through recitals, group lessons, and festival opportunities, creating a vibrant and supportive learning environment for every child. 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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    30 m
  • 069: The Note Reading Struggle is Real

    069: The Note Reading Struggle is Real
    Jun 6 2025
    Lately, I’ve been having a lot of conversations with other teachers about something we’re all seeing—students who can play pretty well but still guess at basic notes. In this solo episode, I’m diving into why note reading continues to be such a challenge, even for students who seem to be progressing. I’ll talk about how method books might be part of the problem, why students get overwhelmed, and what we can do to slow things down and build stronger foundations. I’m also sharing practical tools and a sneak peek at the sight reading framework I’ve been developing to help students become confident, fluent readers.
    • Rachel shared that note reading struggles came up during a conversation with her teaching team.
    • The importance of not rushing through method books as a common teaching pitfall.
    • Why some students rely on hand positions and interval cues instead of truly reading notes.
    • How the layout of certain method books, like Faber, might unintentionally contribute to the problem.
    • She suggested separating elements like rhythm and pitch during lessons to reduce overwhelm.
    • Recommended hands-on tools like Easy Notes tiles and magnetic whiteboards for reinforcement.
    • How anchor notes like middle C, treble G, and bass F can serve as visual reference points.
    • Her success using Flashnote Derby with limited note sets to build confidence.
    • Rachel introduced her view of sight reading as advanced note reading, built on strong fundamentals.
    • She previewed a new seven-part sight reading framework she’s developing for pianists.

    Links Mentioned
    • Podcast Freebie: 5 Simple Ways to Improve Sight-Reading Immediately

    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 can access a treasure trove of teaching resources, professional...
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    18 m
  • 068: Piano Behind Bars with Florence Phillips

    068: Piano Behind Bars with Florence Phillips
    May 30 2025
    What happens when you bring piano lessons into a prison? Florence Phillips shares how a personal connection to the justice system led her to start a music program inside a Pennsylvania prison. With no template and plenty of obstacles, she built something powerful from scratch. Florence opens up about the messy first class, the transformation that followed, and the impact music had on her students and on herself. This is an episode about resilience, creativity, and what it really means to teach with purpose.
    • Florence shared an overview of her multi-teacher piano studio.
    • How a loved one’s incarceration opened her eyes to life inside prison.
    • She discovered that there were no music programs post-COVID at a nearby facility.
    • The logistical challenge of not being allowed to bring anything inside—not even a pen or notebook.
    • How she prepared by sending lesson plans in advance and staying flexible.
    • She shared about her first class feeling chaotic, with mixed levels and little structure.
    • How she almost quit, but support from colleagues pushed her to try again.
    • How her second class improved after she set clear goals and expectations.
    • Structuring a routine with solo sharing, group work, and one-on-one help.
    • How clapping and celebration slowly became natural for the group.
    • Florence shared that the music gave the men something to look forward to and feel proud of.
    • She reflected that teaching in prison changed her deeply.

    Links Mentioned
    • Florence's website: Florence Phillips Music
    • Florence's Instagram page: @florence_phillips_music
    • Florence's Facebook page: Florence Phillips Music

    Today's Guest Florence Phillips is a pianist and educator based in Chester County, Pennsylvania. She founded her private studio in 2020 and works with a diverse range of students—from young beginners to advanced adults—providing a welcoming, creative, and supportive environment for musical growth. A native of West Chester, Florence is passionate about enriching her community through music. She holds both a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in Piano Pedagogy, the former from West Chester University, where she currently serves as an adjunct professor in the Wells School of Music. In addition to her university work, she teaches group piano classes at SCI Phoenix and remains active as a church musician. With over a decade of performance experience, Florence has appeared as a soloist, collaborative pianist, and orchestral performer. Her repertoire includes virtuosic works such as Balakirev’s Islamey, Ravel’s Ondine, and Saint-Saëns’ Piano Concerto No. 2 in G Minor, which she performed with the WCU Symphony Orchestra. Outside of her musical pursuits, Florence enjoys spending time with her large extended family, exploring her hometown, and traveling with her daughter. 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.
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    46 m
  • 067: How to Stop “Shoulding” with Rhonda Rizzo

    067: How to Stop “Shoulding” with Rhonda Rizzo
    May 23 2025
    What if the key to reconnecting with your creativity wasn’t more discipline—but less pressure? In this episode, pianist and writer Rhonda Rizzo invites us to let go of perfectionism and the constant stream of “shoulds” that often weigh down music teachers and performers. She shares how returning to beloved repertoire, collaborating with composers, and giving herself permission to simply play helped her rediscover joy at the piano. Whether you’re feeling stuck, uninspired, or disconnected from your own playing, Rhonda’s honest reflections and gentle wisdom will remind you that it’s never too late to reclaim the music that moves you.
    • Rhonda shared that she’s had a multifaceted career as a pianist, writer, teacher, and blogger.
    • How her blog No Dead Guys celebrates the music of living composers and new creative paths.
    • Her deep love for collaborative piano and chamber music, calling it her favorite way to make music.
    • Letting go of perfection and "shoulds".
    • Why returning to her favorite pieces helped reignite her joy and motivation.
    • Importance of choosing performance repertoire based on passion, not pressure or expectations.
    • Why performing new music offers freedom from preconceived interpretations and a chance to “leave the first footprints.”
    • The empowering experience of working directly with composers
    • How collaborative interpretation brings music to life.
    • Last piece of advice: Drop the pressure of “should” and follow the music that brings you joy.

    Links Mentioned
    • Rhonda Rizzo's Website: No Dead Guys
    • Rhonda's Book: The Waco Variations
    • Rhonda's YouTube Channel: Rhonda (Ringering) Rizzo

    Today's Guest Rhonda (Ringering) Rizzo is a writer and a performing and recording pianist. Her novel, The Waco Variations , was released in the summer of 2018, and her numerous articles have appeared in national and international music magazines, including Pianist Magazine, American Music Teacher, Clavier, Piano & Keyboard, and Flute Talk. A specialist in music that borrows from both classical and jazz traditions, Rizzo released four CDs, Made in America, Oregon Impressions: the Piano Music of Dave Deason, 2 to Tango: Music for Piano Duet, and A Spin on It. Recordings can be found on streaming platforms (under the name Rhonda Ringering) and on YouTube. She holds a BA from Walla Walla University and a MM from Boston University and is a passionate advocate of new music and living composers. 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:
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    42 m