• 410: TEMPO – The New Online Conference from MTNA
    2025/04/14
    Today, we’re having a chat with Michael Clark, who’s here to discuss MTNA's new online conference, TEMPO, which aims to be more accessible and cost-effective for music educators. We'll dive into the key features of TEMPO, including 40 prerecorded breakout sessions, live Q&A chats, and extensive networking opportunities. Michael highlights the importance of an international reach, unique content, and the flexibility of accessing sessions for two months. Stay tuned as Michael shares key highlights and insights into why this conference is a must-attend event for music educators worldwide.
    • Michael shared about the new online conference from MTNA called TEMPO.
    • He described his role in MTNA and as an assistant professor at Baylor University.
    • His project "Piano Tricks," focused on fingering redistributions for piano pieces.
    • The importance of TEMPO being an accessible and cost-effective online MTNA conference.
    • How is TEMPO different from MTNA’s national conference?
    • What are some of the highlights of TEMPO?
    • How can listeners attend and register?
    • He shared some of the topics that the sessions will cover, including international repertoire.

    Guest Links
    • Michael's Website: MichaelClarkPiano.com
    • Michaels' Instagram: @michaelclarkpiano
    • Michael's YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@michaelwinstonclark

    Links Mentioned
    • Click here to find out more about TEMPO and use code TOP25 at checkout for 20% off registration. (The conference is scheduled for April 25-26, with early bird registration available until April 15)
    • TopMusicPiano Podcast 061: Finding Your Creative Voice with Leila Viss

    Today's Guest Michael Clark is a pianist, teacher, and scholar noted for his “natural, clear, and nuanced” performances (Piano Magazine). An advocate for the music of Florence Price, he made the first studio recording of her complete piano waltzes for Navona Records, edited the first publication of twenty of her intermediate pieces for Hal Leonard, and has performed her works around the United States. Clark also researches traditions of piano fingering and is the founder of PianoTricks.net, an online database of fingerings and redistributions for over 1000 passages from the piano repertoire. He serves as Assistant Professor of Piano at Baylor University in Waco, Texas. 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...
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    19 分
  • 409: Using Notion to Organise Your Studio and Life with Amy Chaplin & Joy Morin
    2025/04/07
    Today, we dive into the world of digital organization with Amy Chaplin and Joy Morin, two passionate music educators who have transformed the way they manage their studios and lives using Notion. They share how Notion helps streamline workflows, reduce scattered files across multiple platforms, and keep everything organized in one place. They also explore why this all-in-one tool is revolutionizing productivity and discuss their Notion for Teachers workshop, designed to help educators set up their Notion pages efficiently. Plus, they wrap up with their top three productivity tips for teachers. If you’re looking to organize your studio and life more effectively, this episode is packed with insights to help you get started!
    • Amy and Joy shared their thoughts on productivity and efficiency.
    • The importance of balance and avoiding the ‘hustle and grind’ mindset.
    • How apps should support the way we work rather than dictating our workflow.
    • Why Notion stands out as a powerful, customizable tool for organization and productivity.
    • Why Amy transitioned from Evernote to Notion.
    • Importance of re-evaluating tools and workflows to ensure they align with evolving needs and preferences.
    • Joy highlighted the flexibility of Notion, making it a great option for users looking for a customizable note-taking and project management tool.
    • The differences between Notion and project management tools like Trello, Asana, and Monday.
    • How they Notion for professional tasks, such as podcast planning and project management.
    • The use of Notion for personal tasks like travel planning and creating gift ideas for Christmas.
    • Amy and Joy shared their top three productivity tips for teachers.

    Links Mentioned
    • TopCast Episode 14: Harnessing the Power of the Internet with Joy Morin
    • TopCast Episode 372: How to Organise Your Music Studio and Life with Amy Chaplin
    • Forbes Article: $10 Billion Productivity Startup Notion Wants To Build Your AI Everything App

    Guest Links Mentioned
    • Organize Your Life With Notion Workshop
    • Notion Workshops Waitlist
    • Joy Morin's Website: ColorInMyPiano.com
    • Amy Chaplin's Website: PianoPantry.com

    Blog posts:
    • An Introduction to Notion – A Customizable Digital Workspace to Organize Everything in Your Life
    • Your Qs Answered and How I Use Notion to Manage My Piano Studio (Joy Morin)
    • 40 Ways to Use Notion as a Music Professional (Joy Morin)
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    43 分
  • 408: A Simple Website Solution for Music Teachers with Demitris Maddox
    2025/03/31
    In this episode, we’re chatting with Demitris Maddox to explore the key elements of a successful website for music teachers. Demitris shares how he developed a streamlined approach to website design that helps studios attract more students. We discuss the importance of clear messaging, an engaging hero section, and user-friendly navigation that encourages visitors to take action. He also highlights common website mistakes and simple fixes that can make a big difference.
    • Demitris shared insights on building a strong online presence for music teachers.
    • The importance of having a professional website to attract students.
    • He highlighted how a well-designed site can showcase your teaching style and credentials.
    • The value of clear, engaging content was emphasized to keep visitors interested.
    • Why an easy-to-navigate layout improves user experience.
    • How search engine optimization (SEO) can help teachers reach more potential students.
    • Tips on integrating scheduling tools to streamline lesson bookings.
    • The importance of mobile-friendly design was stressed for accessibility.
    • How testimonials and reviews build credibility and trust.
    • He encouraged teachers to update their websites regularly to stay relevant.

    Links Mentioned
      • Learn more about TopMusicSheets here
      • Learn more about TopMusicGames here
      • Demitris Maddox's website: ProvideImpact.com
      • Hero Section Henry


    Today's Guest Demitris Maddox began his journey in 2016 helping his girlfriend build her thriving piano studio. Drawing from years as the Chief Marketing Officer of that successful studio, where he also provided website services for other music studios along the way, Demitris is now the confident founder of Provide Impact, where he helps private music studios attract more students through his Impact Method which focuses on optimized websites and online marketing. When he's not in the kitchen experimenting to find the perfect chocolate chip cookie recipe, he's on a mission to help private music studios elevate their online presence to attract more students and grow their business. He's put together a free quiz for music teachers who want to know how ready they are for a professional music teaching website. Check it out at MusicTeacherQuiz.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 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 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

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    36 分
  • 407: The Power of Storytelling with Andrea Dow from Teach Piano Today
    2025/03/24
    In today’s episode, I’m thrilled to welcome Andrea Dow from Teach Piano Today. Andrea shares her unique approach to piano teaching, emphasizing the importance of storytelling, creativity, and building strong teacher-student relationships. We dive into how she and her husband Trevor started Teach Piano Today, how they developed their popular WunderKeys method, and how they’ve kept students engaged through imaginative, game-based learning materials. Andrea also opens up about her own teaching journey, the early influences that shaped her, and how she balances creativity with family life. You’ll come away inspired by the power of storytelling in piano education and how it can transform your studio.
    • Andrea shared a brief overview of her background and reflected on her early podcasting experience.
    • She shared her introverted nature and challenges balancing family life.
    • How piano teaching has evolved toward business and entrepreneurship.
    • How transitioning from Suzuki to traditional methods shaped her musical path.
    • Andrea shared how she grew her teaching studio to over 350 students before eventually selling it.
    • The importance of teacher-student relationships.
    • How she and her husband Trevor started Teach Piano Today in 2011, motivated by the disparity between classroom learning materials and piano resources.
    • The storytelling approach in the WunderKeys method, which enhances student engagement and emotional expression.
    • She emphasized starting composition and improvisation early in lessons.
    • The value of integrating composing and improvisation early in lessons to foster creativity.
    • She shared how Trevor’s background supports their resource design.
    • The importance of game-based learning to build rapport, reduce fear of failure, and reinforce concepts in a fun, memorable way.
    • Why games are helpful for all ages, including teens and adults.

    Links Mentioned
    • Learn more about TopMusicSheets here
    • Learn more about TopMusicGames here

    Guest Links Mentioned
    • Teach Piano Today Website
    • WunderKeys Website
    • Teach Piano Today Facebook Page
    • Teach Piano Today Instagram Page

    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. 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...
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    57 分
  • 406: Meet TopMusicSheets Composer Kai Ono
    2025/03/17
    After wrapping up the Assess, Plan & Execute series, I’m excited to be back hosting this week’s episode with our featured TopMusicSheets composer, Kai Ono. Kai is a versatile musician whose work spans classical, jazz, and popular styles, blending the academic with the intuitive. In our conversation, he shares insights into his creative process, the inspiration behind his bird-themed compositions, and how his diverse musical background influences his teaching and writing. Plus, you’ll hear him perform some of his incredible pieces and discuss how teachers can encourage creativity in their students. Get ready to be inspired by Kai’s unique approach to composition and musicianship!
    • Kai shared his background in teaching, performing, and composing.
    • How he learned multiple instruments to write better compositions for different ensembles.
    • His love for birds and how they inspire his compositions.
    • Why he has three keyboards, noting that he uses them for different performance settings.
    • His childhood music education, particularly his experience with the Yamaha Music School.
    • The importance of early solfège training and improvisation in developing musicianship.
    • His biggest musical influences, including Debussy, Stevie Wonder, and jazz pianists like Bill Evans.
    • His pedagogical approach to composition, writing music that helps students develop specific technical skills.
    • How modal harmony gives him freedom in composition and improvisation.
    • Kai shared his positive experience working with TopMusicSheets and how the editing process improved his work.

    Links Mentioned
    • Learn more about TopMusicSheets here
    • Listen to TopMusicSheets Collections on SoundCloud
    • Find out more about Jam Sessions Course here
    • Check out TopMusicPro courses here

    Guest Links Mentioned
    • Kai's Instagram Page: @iamokkai
    • Kai's Music at My-Melodies.com

    Today's Guest Kai Ono is a composer-pianist/singer-songwriter in Queens, NY. A winner of NFMC awards for his classical writing and the ASCAP Herb Alpert Award for his jazz writing, Kai commands a musical style that sways between the cathartic and the intimate, the academic and the intuitive, the traditional and the new. His current artist project, OK KAI, innervated by his neo-soul and folk influences beyond his classical and jazz writing, is his most recent project driven by his love for the marriage of compassion and intellectualism as well as singing with random people in a circle. As an educator, Kai teaches a wide gamut of skills including composition, music theory, playing and improvising popular styles, production, songwriting, and of course classical piano. You can even ask him about his book, For the Birds, which he got published recently as his way of combining all his loves in music (and birds). 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...
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    40 分
  • 405: Assess, Plan & Execute: Execute Your Weekly and Daily Plans Using Google Calendar
    2025/03/10
    In this final episode of the Assess, Plan & Execute series, we’re diving into the crucial step of executing your weekly and daily plans. I’ll walk you through how to break down your quarterly goals into manageable tasks, structure your schedule for maximum efficiency, and stay flexible when life happens. Whether you prefer digital tools or pen and paper, this episode will help you build a system that keeps you on track. Let’s put your plan into action and set you up for success!
    • The importance of executing weekly and daily plans to achieve long-term goals.
    • Tara shared how she uses Google Calendar to organize tasks and block time effectively.
    • Her color-coding system to prioritize urgent tasks and reschedule incomplete ones.
    • She highlighted the importance of morning productivity and how she structures her day accordingly.
    • How blocking time for personal activities helps maintain work-life balance.
    • How she tracks priorities by breaking down tasks within each time block.
    • The value of completing essential tasks first, using the “eat the frog” method.
    • She recommended creating a routine that aligns with personal productivity peaks.

    About Tara Wright Tara Wright is an Education and Operations Director, Creative Strategist, and Music Educator who helps music educators transform their teaching studios and businesses through innovative strategies, clear processes, and actionable tools. Known for her no-fluff advice, Tara blends creative thinking with real-world solutions to make complex systems simple and effective. With over 20 years of teaching experience and 10+ years in operations management, Tara brings expertise in branding, copywriting, and process improvement to the music industry. She has overseen the creation of impactful content, from managing digital media platforms to developing professional training materials. Tara’s work inspires music educators to build thriving studios while balancing creativity with practicality. Tara’s certifications include Google Project Management, Google Workspace Administration, and Google E-commerce Marketing. She also holds degrees in photography, music education, genetic engineering, and marketing, which fuel her unique approach to problem-solving and innovation. When not optimizing workflows or mentoring teams, Tara raises ostriches, Great Danes, and other two- and four-legged friends on her farm near St. Louis. You’ll often find her taking her Jeep off-road or exploring a new hobby because learning is her ultimate joy. Tara’s advice is grounded in experience and designed to inspire action. Whether it’s simplifying studio operations, enhancing marketing strategies, or sparking creativity, Tara’s solutions resonate with educators ready to grow. 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 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

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    10 分
  • 404: Assess, Plan & Execute with Tara Wright: Execute and Assess Your Quarterly Plan
    2025/03/03

    Today, we’re continuing the Assess, Plan & Execute series by diving into the next crucial step—executing and assessing your quarterly plan. Now that we’ve mapped out our goals, it’s time to put them into action while regularly evaluating our progress. I’ll share strategies to stay on track, make adjustments when needed, and ensure your quarterly plan is setting you up for success. Let’s keep moving forward and make the most of this quarter!

    • Tara shared how quarterly planning helps organize the year without feeling overwhelming.
    • She explained that planning three months at a time allows for flexibility when life changes.
    • Importance of marking non-negotiable dates like vacations, work commitments, and family events.
    • How color-coded sticky notes and dry/wet erase markers help visually organize schedules.
    • Her approach to mapping out projects, launches, and major events.
    • Why scheduling rest periods after intense work periods is essential for balance.
    • Her method for tracking long-term goals, like obtaining her pilot’s license.
    • How she plans and schedules social media content to stay consistent.
    • The importance of batching content to make posting easier and more manageable.
    • How to evaluate the past quarter with a self-assessment.
    • Why reviewing accomplishments and challenges helps refine future plans.
    • How financial check-ins help track income, expenses, and business growth.
    • She encouraged keeping quarterly assessments for future reference and long-term improvement.

    About Tara Wright

    Tara Wright is an Education and Operations Director, Creative Strategist, and Music Educator who helps music educators transform their teaching studios and businesses through innovative strategies, clear processes, and actionable tools. Known for her no-fluff advice, Tara blends creative thinking with real-world solutions to make complex systems simple and effective.

    With over 20 years of teaching experience and 10+ years in operations management, Tara brings expertise in branding, copywriting, and process improvement to the music industry. She has overseen the creation of impactful content, from managing digital media platforms to developing professional training materials. Tara’s work inspires music educators to build thriving studios while balancing creativity with practicality.

    Tara’s certifications include Google Project Management, Google Workspace Administration, and Google E-commerce Marketing. She also holds degrees in photography, music education, genetic engineering, and marketing, which fuel her unique approach to problem-solving and innovation.

    When not optimizing workflows or mentoring teams, Tara raises ostriches, Great Danes, and other two- and four-legged friends on her farm near St. Louis. You’ll often find her taking her Jeep off-road or exploring a new hobby because learning is her ultimate joy. Tara’s advice is grounded in experience and designed to inspire action. Whether it’s simplifying studio operations, enhancing marketing strategies, or sparking creativity, Tara’s solutions resonate with educators ready to grow.

    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 chance to try our community free for 14 days. You can access a treasure trove of...

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    19 分
  • 403: Assess, Plan & Execute with Tara Wright: Plan Your Quarter
    2025/02/24

    Today, we’re continuing the Assess, Plan & Execute series by diving into the next crucial step — planning your quarter. Now that we’ve mapped out the big picture for the year, it’s time to break it down into actionable, manageable goals. I’ll guide you through setting priorities, aligning your schedule with life’s seasons, and focusing on what truly moves your business forward. Let’s get strategic, stay realistic, and set up the next three months for success!

    • The importance of planning quarterly to manage time, money, and goals effectively.
    • Tara emphasized that life seasons impact scheduling, requiring flexibility in goal setting.
    • Why assessing available time is crucial before committing to new projects or goals.
    • How reducing unnecessary tasks, like excessive social media use, can free up time for business growth.
    • She highlighted the need to set revenue goals each quarter and track income sources.
    • The importance of identifying the primary revenue stream to focus on for each quarter.
    • Tara encouraged writing down big dreams and breaking them into small, realistic quarterly goals.
    • She recommended setting no more than three key goals per quarter to stay focused.
    • How goal setting applies to business projects like launching a summer camp, requiring early preparation and marketing.
    • Why batching tasks, such as handling finances on specific days, can improve efficiency.
    • The importance of dedicating regular time blocks to work on long-term business goals.

    About Tara Wright

    Tara Wright is an Education and Operations Director, Creative Strategist, and Music Educator who helps music educators transform their teaching studios and businesses through innovative strategies, clear processes, and actionable tools. Known for her no-fluff advice, Tara blends creative thinking with real-world solutions to make complex systems simple and effective.

    With over 20 years of teaching experience and 10+ years in operations management, Tara brings expertise in branding, copywriting, and process improvement to the music industry. She has overseen the creation of impactful content, from managing digital media platforms to developing professional training materials. Tara’s work inspires music educators to build thriving studios while balancing creativity with practicality.

    Tara’s certifications include Google Project Management, Google Workspace Administration, and Google E-commerce Marketing. She also holds degrees in photography, music education, genetic engineering, and marketing, which fuel her unique approach to problem-solving and innovation.

    When not optimizing workflows or mentoring teams, Tara raises ostriches, Great Danes, and other two- and four-legged friends on her farm near St. Louis. You’ll often find her taking her Jeep off-road or exploring a new hobby because learning is her ultimate joy. Tara’s advice is grounded in experience and designed to inspire action. Whether it’s simplifying studio operations, enhancing marketing strategies, or sparking creativity, Tara’s solutions resonate with educators ready to grow.

    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 chance to try our community free for 14 days. You can access a treasure trove of teaching resources, professional

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    16 分