• Rachel reflected on the highlights and lessons from 2024 to carry forward into the new year.
• Embracing reading books on her phone while balancing physical books for family moments.
• Simplifying and automating systems like payments and scheduling, while thoughtfully using AI tools like ChatGPT.
• Staying consistent with weekly YouTube videos to improve video editing skills and share knowledge on collaborative piano.
• Rebuilding piano technique with Hanon exercises and encouraging regular warm-up routines.
• Connecting with other piano teachers through podcasts, social media, and in-person retreats for inspiration and support.
• Setting boundaries by focusing on what I can control and communicating policies clearly.
• Practicing gratitude daily while manifesting goals as if they’ve already been achieved.
• Rachel's word of the year and her upcoming goals for 2025.

• Check out the new TopMusic AI Podcast here
• My Music Staff
• Fons
• TopMusicPro Members' Lounge Facebook Group
• TopMusicCo Facebook Group
• TopCast Episode 396: TopMusic Steps to Success in 2025

• Visit her website at RachelEhring.com
• Visit her Instagram page: @rachelehring
• Visit her YouTube channel: @dreamlavendermusic6694
• Visit her Etsy shop at Dream Lavender Music

• Abigail shared her journey to becoming a piano teacher and her passion for teaching.
• Her online business for music teachers, offering music theory resources and workshops.
• Her experiences teaching preschoolers, both in groups and private lessons.
• Emphasis on playful, sound-based learning, using games and improvisation.
• Advice for and tips for teachers to better understand and teach preschoolers.
• The importance of a strong rhythmic foundation for better sight-reading skills.
• Discussion on specific curriculums such as Piano Adventures, WunderKeys, Celebrate Piano, Music for Little Mozarts, Music Play Curriculum, Piano Safari, etc.
• Importance of a combination of different methods over relying on one.
• Abigail shared some practical tips and encourages not focusing too heavily on hand shape for very young children.
• She shared details about her Preschool Piano Crash Course.

• The Whole-Brain Child Book by Daniel Siegel and Tina Bryson
• The Power of Play Book by David Elkind
• How to Talk so Little Kids Will Listen Book by by Joanna Faber
• Faber Piano Adventures
• WunderKeys
• Celebrate Piano!
• Music for Little Mozarts
• Music Play
• Theory Made Fun by Kevin Olson
• Piano Safari
• Piano Safari Friends

• Whole Foundation Method Etsy Shop
• Proffitt Piano Studio Instagram Page

• Krista and Hannah shared a brief overview of their background and their music studio.
• Importance of starting music education early, targeting ages 4-6.
• Benefits of music education for neural development and building foundational musical skills.
• Explanation of audiation and its role in music learning theory.
• Details on the Music Moves for Piano curriculum by Marilyn Lowe.
• Comparison between music learning and language acquisition.
• Personal stories on how they both became interested in audiation and music learning theory.
• Challenges and milestones in their professional development.
• Impact of early music education on young learners.
• Preferred techniques for teaching preschoolers, including the center finger approach.
• Addressing common concerns such as singing and movement in lessons.
• Integrating audiation into piano lessons in manageable ways.
• Timing of introducing formal music reading, typically around age 11.
• Balancing playing capability with reading skills.

• Music Learning Academy Website
• Music Learning Academy YouTube Page
• Mayo Piano Website
• Music Moves for Piano Website
• Introduction to Audiation-Based Piano Instruction and Music Moves for Piano Facebook Group
• Keys to Music Learning Podcast
• The Ways Children Learn Music Book

• Amy shared a brief overview of her background and her teaching business.
• She talks about her multi-teacher studio and the range of lessons they offer.
• She shared how preschool piano classes started in her studio.
• Rachel shares her inspiration from Amy to start piano classes for preschoolers.
• The benefits and impact of preschool piano on students and business.
• Amy introduces the ART framework for teaching preschool piano (Aural, Rhythm, Theory, and Technique).
• Discussion on practical aspects such as class size, equipment needed, and duration of classes.
• Amy answers rapid-fire questions on space requirements, materials, class size, pricing, and more.
• Tips on managing behavioral challenges in preschool piano classes.
• The importance of ignoring, redirecting, and keeping the class moving.
• The value of building a network of teacher friends.
• Information about Amy’s Piano Teacher Happy Hour, Preschool Group Piano Blueprint course, and coaching sessions.

• Amy Elmore's Website
• Preschool Group Piano Blueprint
• Amy's Instagram Page: @amy_elmore_piano
• Keys to Praise Studio Instagram Page: @keys_to_praise_studio
• Download your latest TopMusic Magazine here.

Music is more than just sound — it’s the foundation of how our brains connect, grow, and thrive. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Jane Bader, DMA, whose remarkable journey from marine biology and medical labs to award-winning composer and educator has led her to uncover the transformative power of music in early childhood development. Drawing from her book, Music for the Developing Brain, Dr. Bader shares how music shapes young minds, strengthens cognitive abilities, and lays a foundation that lasts a lifetime. Join us as we explore the science behind music’s profound impact on early brain development, how to actively engage children in music, and why these skills create a foundation that benefits individuals throughout their entire lives. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or music enthusiast, this conversation will leave you inspired to make music an integral part of life’s earliest moments.

• Dr. Bader shared her unique career background, starting with 10 years of piano study, a computer programming job, and two diverse careers - medical laboratory science and music education.
• How she transitioned to music education after becoming a parent for more flexibility.
• Her research in sequencing elementary piano music, which emphasized teaching sound before sight, which aligns with her observations and research.
• Her research interest in neuroscience and music education.
• Key discoveries about music and brain development.
• Importance of teaching sound before sight, comparing it to how children learn spoken language before reading.
• Discussion about her book, Music for the Developing Brain.
• Rachels share about her experience with college students without inner pulse.
• Importance of establishing an early foundation in music during preschool or toddler years.
• Why it's important to adjust our expectations for young learners.
• Scientific insights on music’s role in development.
• Active vs. passive music listening.
• Recommendations and practical applications for older beginners.

• Dr. Jane Bader's Website
• Dr. Jane Bader's LinkedIn Page
• Dr. Jane Bader's Book: Music for the Developing Brain: A Simple, At-Home Program
• Dr. Jane Bader's Email: Jane@DrJaneJBader.com

• Dr. Jane Bader is giving away a free copy of her e-book. Listeners can send her a direct email for the free e-book at Jane@DrJaneJBader.com.

Dr. Jane J. Bader, DMA, didn’t set out to be a music teacher. In her first career, she performed research in marine biology, conducted routine testing in a blood bank in Alaska, and orchestrated the ins and outs of a medical laboratory thanks to a Bachelor of Science in cell biology and a certificate in medical technology. After becoming an award-winning composer, she earned a Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts in piano pedagogy and started teaching at a local university. She wrote Music for the Developing Brain to help parents everywhere share music with their children from the very beginning.

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...

Practice is the bridge between goals and accomplishments. In this episode, we're having a chat with Leslie Thackeray, a dedicated Suzuki violin teacher and the creative force behind The Practice Shoppe. Leslie shares her journey from receiving her first violin at age four to becoming a pioneering music educator known for her innovative teaching methods. They dive into practical tips for making practice fun and enjoyable, insights on parental involvement, and the story behind Leslie's unique products designed to aid music practice. Tune in to discover how Leslie combines her love for violin, teaching, and creativity to inspire young musicians.

• Leslie describes how she started The Practice Shoppe.
• She talks about managing a business with physical products from home.
• How she uses different methods incorporates fun games to motivate practice.
• Tools and tips for effective practice.
• Importance of parental support in organizing and encouraging practice.
• Strategies for parents who aren’t musicians to still effectively guide their children.
• Leslie shares how interactive and visual learning aids are used to reinforce musical concepts and improve practice habits.
• She encourages listeners to share ideas for new products they would like to see.

• The Practice Shoppe Website
• The Practice Shoppe Instagram Page
• The Practice Shoppe Facebook Page
• TopCast 391: Meet Brian Shepard, New CEO of MTNA

At the age of four, Leslie Thackeray's musical journey began when she received her first violin as a birthday gift. She pursued her passion for music and obtained a BA in Music from the University of Utah. In 2000, she started her teaching career, combining her love for the violin with her enthusiasm for education. Leslie has been an active member of the Suzuki community and is a past president of the Suzuki Association of Utah. In addition, she owns The Practice Shoppe, which allows her to connect her love of music with her creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. Leslie's life is a harmonious blend of family, music, and education.

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 https://rachelehring.com/
• Visit her Instagram page: @rachelehring
• Visit her Etsy shop at Dream Lavender Music

TOPMUSICPRO MEMBERSHIP...

Playing the piano is not just about hitting the right keys, it's about sharing the joy of music and inspiring others. Jenny Boster, owner of The Playful Piano and a dedicated piano teacher with over 25 years of experience, exemplifies this philosophy. In this episode, we explore Jenny's journey, from teaching over 25 students in her home studio to creating innovative resources like music history coloring books and comprehensive technique programs for young pianists. We’ll learn how she seamlessly integrates creative teaching methods into her lessons, making music history come alive. Balancing her professional life with being a mother of five, Jenny’s enthusiasm for music and commitment to her students are truly inspiring. Tune in to discover how she brings the joy of music to life for her students and beyond.

• Jenny shared a brief overview of background as a piano teacher.
• How she balances teaching with parenting.
• She share details about the creation of her website "The Playful Piano.”
• Importance of introducing students to classical music early.
• Various techniques for teaching music history in a fun and engaging manner.
• Jenny highlights the use of music and movement in teaching.
• Techniques for effective practice and memorization.
• Fun, engaging ways to reinforce learning and technique outside traditional method books.
• Importance of engaging young students with creative teaching methods.
• How to incorporate creative activities without straying too far from essential lessons.
• Strategies to ensure students have a balanced learning experience.
• Jenny shares her passion for highlighting female composers in her teachings.
• The importance of community and sharing resources with other educators.

• The Playful Piano Website
• Female Composer Club Website
• The Playful Piano Facebook Page
• The Playful Piano Instagram Page

Jenny Boster has loved teaching piano lessons for over 25 years. She earned her Bachelor of Music degree in piano performance from Brigham Young University, studying with Dr. Scott Holden. She is a nationally-certified teacher of music and currently serves as president of her local MTNA chapter. She teaches over 25 students in her piano studio each week, and she is passionate about piano pedagogy and about sharing the joy of music with her students. She is a frequent presenter and exhibitor at music teacher conferences, and she is the author of many books and resources about music history and piano teaching. Her website, The Playful Piano, features unique and engaging piano teaching resources, including a music history coloring book curriculum, a comprehensive technique program for young pianists and much more. She has studied and published about female composers for many years, and for the past four years has curated an annual “Female Composers Challenge” for Women’s History Month to help spread awareness of these composers. Jenny lives in Farr West, Utah with her husband and five children.

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...

The profound influence of a passionate educator can ripple through generations, touching lives far beyond what they might ever envision. In this episode, we dive into an inspiring conversation with Liz Boyd, who now runs Susan Paradis Piano Teaching Resources, an online hub beloved by piano teachers globally. Liz shares her journey from a career in digital arts and academia to carrying forward her mother's mission after Susan's passing. We explore the rich legacy of Susan Paradis, whose innovative and colorful teaching materials have engaged young piano students for years. Liz also talks about the challenges and joys of taking over the family business, her creative process, and how she balances her role as a mom and entrepreneur. Join us as we celebrate the enduring impact of Susan Paradis's work and Liz's exciting plans for the future.

• Liz shared her brief background and her work with Susan Parody Piano Teaching Resources.
• Overview of the blog and online store for piano teaching materials.
• The legacy of Susan Paradis and her contributions to piano teaching.
• She shared her transition to managing the website and how she prepared to take over the business from Susan.
• Some of her challenges and plans for the future.
• Liz explains the process of developing new games and educational materials.
• Advice on organizing teaching materials and resources to easily find and use them.
• Strategies for maintaining an effective system of educational resources.
• Upcoming winter-themed fun sheets and seasonal games.
• Liz's excitement for future projects, including potential physical products.

• Susan Paradis Website
• Susan Paradis Piano Teaching Resources Facebook Page
• Susan Paradis Instagram Page
• Susan Paradis YouTube Page

• Download your latest issue of TopMusic Magazine here.
• TopCast 389: Burnout, Cancer and a Learning Legacy with Dr Edward Gifford

Liz Boyd runs Susan Paradis Piano Teaching Resources (www.SusanParadis.com), an online blog and shop serving piano teachers around the world. She inherited this legacy from her mother, Susan Paradis, and creates whimsical, colorful teaching materials that make piano engaging for children. Music and art shaped Liz's early life through her mother's guidance. Susan encouraged Liz to follow her passions and pursue a career in visual arts. After earning her MFA in Arts and Technology, Liz worked as a 3D modeling artist in the animation film and video game industry before spending 15 years as a professor at The University of Texas in Dallas.

Following Susan's passing, Liz took over her mother's website. Through Susan Paradis Piano Teaching Resources, Liz unites her three passions: music, art, and education. One of the many joys of this new career path has been meeting her mother’s fans and followers, some of whom have been coming to the website since it started in 2006. Additionally, Liz is a wife and a mother of two young boys. They live in north Texas with their sweet, old, shaggy dog named Scruffy. Here’s my interview with Liz.

Dr.