The TopCast: The Official Music Teachers' Podcast

• 420: Open Letter to Parents of Piano Students

  Too often, I see well-meaning parents unknowingly limiting their child’s potential by holding onto outdated ideas of what music lessons should be. In this episode, I’m sharing a personal message I wrote to help shift that mindset—an open letter to piano parents. It’s a heartfelt invitation to move beyond exam-driven expectations and embrace a more creative, joyful, and lasting approach to learning music. Drawing on my own experiences and conversations with educators around the world, I’ll share why it’s time to rethink how we define success in music education.Tim shared his open letter to help parents support modern music education.He explained the shift from exam-based to creative learning in piano teaching.The value of music lessons goes beyond exams and competitions.He emphasized the long-term benefits of music on brain development and life skills.Tim outlined the real costs—time, energy, money—involved in music education.He warned against the “exam express” that can lead to student burnout.The importance of curiosity, creativity, and relevance in music lessons was discussed.Tim encouraged parents to trust teachers using new, student-focused approaches.He urged parents not to push exams unless guided by the teacher.Tim highlighted that lifelong musical enjoyment should be the real goal.Links MentionedAn Open Letter to Parents of Piano StudentsContact us at [email protected] 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 TrialHeard about TopMusicPro Membership? As a valued podcast listener, I’d like to offer you a special chance to try our community free for 14 days. You can access a treasure trove of teaching resources, professional development courses, and creative lesson ideas. Click the link below to access your exclusive 14-day free trial for our Studio Membership.TOPMUSICPRO MEMBERSHIP 14-DAY FREE TRIAL

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• 419: Teaching Masterclass with TopMusicSheets Composer Anna Robinson

  In this episode, we’re chatting with TopMusicSheets composer Anna Robinson for a deep dive into the teaching strategies behind her engaging, pedagogy-rich pieces. Anna shares how her compositions are often sparked by her students’ needs, interests, and even their pets—and how fun, pattern-based writing can make tricky concepts more accessible. We explore how she uses rhythm phrases, movement, and articulation from the very first lesson, and how her journey from arts administration to full-time teaching and composing has shaped her creative voice. If you’ve ever wanted to bring more musical storytelling and intention into your teaching, this masterclass is full of practical, inspiring takeaways. Anna shared how her pet-themed compositions were inspired by connecting with students’ pets during lockdown. The use of phrases like “ice cream for breakfast” to help students internalize tricky rhythms. The importance of tailoring rhythm games and phrases to each student’s interests. How she integrates movement and conducting to teach articulation and phrasing. Why she considers herself a pedagogical composer, writing with specific teaching goals in mind. How modulation and pivot chords are introduced naturally in her compositions. Tim noted how Anna’s left-hand writing often uses patterns that look complex but are easy to teach and break down. How composing often begins as a response to a specific student need or learning gap. Modeling creativity and improvisation during lessons as a way to normalize student composition. Anna's advice to teachers and composers. Links Mentioned Anna's website: Flying Ivories Music Anna's YouTube Channel: Flying Ivories Music Find more about TopMusicSheets here. Download the latest TopMusic Magazine edition here. Today's Guest Anna Robinson started learning the piano at age 6 and flute at age 12. After graduating in Mathematics from University College London, she worked in administrative roles in classical music in London for several years before moving to Melbourne and working in the world of opera and artist management. After gaining performing and teaching diplomas in piano, Anna left the opera world to focus on teaching. Her student roster quickly grew, and she currently teaches at two government schools whilst maintaining a busy home studio. An experienced accompanist, Anna enjoys collaborating with fellow musicians of all ages and welcomes further opportunities to perform in this special supportive role. She regularly accompanies AMEB and VCE exam candidates; at eisteddfods and auditions; for choirs, musicals, school ensembles and instrumental teachers’ studio concerts. 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,...

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• 418: Setting Up Automated Monthly Studio Billing

  In today’s show, I’m walking you through exactly how to set up automated monthly billing in your music studio, a change I made that’s saved me hours of admin time and created consistent, predictable income. I’ll break down the full process step by step, from calculating your rates to including admin expenses and using software to automate the entire system. If you’ve been curious about making the switch, this episode will help you get started with confidence. Tim shared his personal experience switching to monthly billing in his own studio. The benefits of monthly billing, including consistent income and automated payments. How this model removes the need for invoicing and chasing late payments. The importance of using software like My Music Staff to streamline billing. The 4-step process of setting up monthly billing. Tim encouraged teachers not to undercharge and to price confidently based on their value. He suggested bundling costs like recital fees and materials into the monthly charge for simplicity. The value of automation was emphasized—once set up, teachers no longer worry about billing. Links Mentioned Download your Free Monthly Billing Template Find more about Fons here 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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• 417: Being a SAVVY Music Teacher with David Cutler

  In this episode, I’m joined by returning guest Dr. David Cutler, an award-winning composer, pianist, educator, and one of the world’s leading voices in arts entrepreneurship. David is back to share fresh insights from his upcoming book, The Savvy Musician 2.0. We explore how music teachers can amplify their income, impact, and inspiration while building innovative and fulfilling careers. From creative performance practice to defining your unique niche, this conversation is packed with bold ideas to help you grow as both an educator and entrepreneur. David shared his new book The Savvy Musician 2.0, a sequel to his widely influential original. Why success is not about choosing between money and meaning but about aligning all three. He highlighted that being “savvy” means being strategic, creative, and intentional. The value of cross-industry inspiration as key to fresh thinking and innovation in music education. How listening to diverse stories helped him discover unexpected, deeply inspiring ideas for the book. David noted that innovation often comes from applying ideas in new contexts. He challenged the perception that classical musicians should only recreate composers’ intent. The concept of Creative Performance Practice, which invites students to co-create with composers. How teachers can help students build ownership and decision-making by embracing creativity. The limitations of popular terms like “entrepreneur” or “innovator” and why “savvy” is more inclusive. He encouraged music teachers to ask better questions that unlock bold, unconventional answers. David predicted that by 2050, music education will rely on immersive virtual environments and AI, but human creativity will remain irreplaceable. He emphasized that savvy teachers of the future will be those who help students develop the human skills that technology can’t replicate. Guest Links Mentioned David's Website: SavvyMusician.com David's Book: The Savvy Musician 2.0: Amplifying Impact, Income, and Inspiration David's Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/drdavidcutler David's LinkedIn Profile: www.linkdin.com/in/davidjcutler The Puzzler Company Links Mentioned TTTV043: Building Impact and Income with David Cutler TopCast 412: Cracking the Code: Studio Business Lessons from My Chiropractor TopCast 416: Bundling: How to Position Your Music Studio for Value, Not Price If you’d like to read David’s full article, download your copy of TopMusic Magazine, free at topmusic.co/magazine. Today's Guest An award-winning, multi-genre composer, pianist, and Yamaha Master Educator, Dr. David Cutler balances a varied...

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• 416: Bundling: How to Position Your Music Studio for Value, Not Price

  Today, I’m diving into one of the most effective ways to stand out in a crowded teaching market: bundling. If you’ve ever felt pressured to lower your rates to compete with the teacher down the street, this strategy is for you. I’ll show you how to reframe your offer so families focus on the value and experience you provide—not just your hourly rate. From lesson extras and welcome packs to creative group events, bundling can transform how your studio is perceived and help you confidently charge what you're worth. Tim explained that lowering prices isn’t the solution—raising your value is. He shared that parents often compare studios on price when all the offerings seem the same. The importance of differentiation either through your lesson experience or bundled offerings. Identifying your “zone of genius” and build their studio around what energizes them. How to structure standout lessons like focusing on specific students or unique teaching methods. Bundling as a strategy to include extras like group classes, welcome packs, and app subscriptions. Why bundling shifts the conversation from “Why so expensive?” to “Wow, that includes everything?” Marketing your studio as a full musical experience and not just a service. Real-world examples of how to reframe your pricing with bundled value and perks. Links Mentioned Make More, Teach Less with Pairs, Buddies and Labs Course 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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