The TopMusic Piano Podcast is a weekly show that provides piano teachers with inspiration and ideas for teaching piano in a way that engages and motivates students. Your host, Dr. Rachel Ehring, is a pianist, teacher, music administrator, and lover of piano-teaching gadgets. Rachel holds a DMA in Collaborative Piano from the University of Colorado Boulder and an MM in Accompanying from the University of Kansas. Join Rachel as she interviews guests from the music education industry and shares tips and advice to help you run your dream piano studio.
TopMusic Piano Podcast
Claim This Podcastby Tim Topham
5.0(18 reviews)
119 episodes
Updated Daily
Accepts GuestsHas SponsorsLocation 🇺🇸
49
Podcast Authority
BetaFairBased on show quality, social media presence, reviews, charts, and more
Quality52
Social94
YouTube0
Engagement68
Podcast Overview
The TopMusic Piano Podcast is a weekly show that provides piano teachers with inspiration and ideas for teaching piano in a way that engages and motivates students. Your host, Dr. Rachel Ehring, is a pianist, teacher, music administrator, and lover of piano-teaching gadgets. Rachel holds a DMA in Collaborative Piano from the University of Colorado Boulder and an MM in Accompanying from the University of Kansas. Join Rachel as she interviews guests from the music education industry and shares tips and advice to help you run your dream piano studio.
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
12/5/2023
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Recent Episodes
June 19, 2026
119: If You Hate Invoicing, Listen to This
If there’s one part of running a studio that many teachers dread, it’s invoicing and payment collection. Today, I'm sharing some of the systems I’m putting in place this summer to make life easier, from SOPs and policy communication to automated billing and scheduling. My goal is simple: create systems that help future me spend less time on admin and more time focusing on students and teaching. <ul><li>Rachel encouraged teachers to identify one business task causing the most stress in their studio.</li><li>She shared why systems do not come naturally to her but still make a huge difference.</li><li>Rachel explained how creating SOPs can save time and reduce mental load.</li><li>She described organizing recurring studio tasks into a central reference document.</li><li>The importance of making life easier for your future self.</li><li>She shared plans to create a video explaining tuition and makeup lesson policies.</li><li>Why clear communication can reduce confusion and repetitive parent questions.</li><li>The value of using studio management software for billing and scheduling.</li><li>How automated payments help prevent missed invoices and lost income.</li><li>She encouraged teachers to invest in systems that create a more sustainable business.</li></ul><br/> <h2>Links Mentioned</h2> <ul><li><a href="https://youtu.be/7Q595UVlCYc?si=99AcsgShg4OO67JT" target="_blank" rel="noopener">YouTube Video: Should your music teacher give makeup lessons?</a></li><li><a href="https://topmusic.co/spotlight-sessions-david-cutler/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Join the Spotlight Session with David Cutler here</a></li><li><a href="https://topmusic.co/tm-local-with-rachel-ehring/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Find out more about TopMusic Local Music Teacher Meetup with Rachel Ehring</a></li><li><a href="https://topmusic.co/12wst-2026/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Find out more about the 12-Week Studio Transformation (12WST) here.</a></li><li><a href="https://topmusic.co/fons-discount/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Find out more about Fons here</a></li></ul><br/> <h2>About Rachel Ehring</h2> 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. <ul><li>Visit her website at <a href="https://rachelehring.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">RachelEhring.com</a></li><li>Visit her Instagram page: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/rachelehring/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@rachelehring</a></li><li>Visit her YouTube channel: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@dreamlavendermusic6694" target="_blank" rel="noopener">@dreamlavendermusic6694</a></li><li>Visit her Etsy shop at <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/dreamlavendermusic/?etsrc=sdt" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dream Lavender Music</a></li></ul><br/> <h2>Thank you for tuning in!</h2> 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 <a href="https://feeds.captivate.fm/topmusic-piano-podcast/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">subscribing to this show</a>, and get automatic delivery to your device every time a new episode goes live! We publish on Fridays weekly. <h2>TopMusicPro 14-Day Free Trial</h2> 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. <h4><a href="https://members.topmusic.co/register/tmp-studio-monthly?coupon=IMTPOD23" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TOPMUSICPRO MEMBERSHIP 14-DAY FREE TRIAL</a></h4>
June 12, 2026
118: Running a Vibrant Teaching Business with Leah Drake
<p>Growing a music studio requires more than great teaching. It also takes systems, leadership, and a willingness to adapt as your business evolves. In this episode, I'm chatting with Leah Drake to talk about building a thriving group piano program, using technology to streamline operations, and creating a studio that supports both meaningful musical experiences and sustainable growth.</p><ul><li>Leah shared how her studio has grown to serve more than 120 students.</li><li>She explained why group piano classes are the foundation of her teaching model.</li><li>The benefits of recreational music-making for students of all ages.</li><li>How group lessons build community and student engagement.</li><li>The importance of creating a welcoming studio culture.</li><li>How strong systems support sustainable studio growth.</li><li>Leah shared how technology helps streamline communication and organization.</li><li>She highlighted the value of using digital tools to support student practice.</li><li>How hiring a virtual assistant created more time for leadership tasks.</li><li>Leah shared what she learned from hiring her first teacher.</li><li>The importance of documenting systems before expanding a team.</li><li>How moving into a commercial space supported the studio’s growth.</li><li>She emphasized balancing educational excellence with business sustainability.</li><li>Leah encouraged teachers to build systems that support their long-term vision.</li></ul><br/><h2>Links Mentioned</h2><ul><li>Leah's website:<a href="https://www.vibrantvalleymusicstudio.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.vibrantvalleymusicstudio.com</a></li><li>Leah's Facebook Page:<a href="https://www.facebook.com/vibrantvalleymusicstudio" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Vibrant Valley Music Studio</a></li><li>Leah's Instagram Page:<a href="https://www.instagram.com/vibrantvalleymusicstudio/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@vibrantvalleymusicstudio</a></li><li>Leah's YouTube Page:<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@vibrantvalleymusicstudio" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.youtube.com/@vibrantvalleymusicstudio</a></li><li><a href="https://topmusic.co/spotlight" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Find out more about TopMusic Spotlight Session here</a></li></ul><br/><h2>Today's Guest</h2><p> Leah Drake is the owner of Vibrant Valley Music Studio in San Jose, California, with over 120 students and multiple teachers. Her studio focuses on recreational music-making for all ages and primarily offers group piano classes. The studio also offers Music Together® classes for preschoolers, supporting early childhood development through joyful music-making and family involvement. Leah’s piano-teaching approach blends strong pedagogical foundations with thoughtful use of technology, allowing her to streamline learning, enhance communication, and create an organized, welcoming studio environment. Her group piano classes are designed for ages 4+ using same-level and multi-level programs. Most of her teaching material comes from Piano Safari and Piano Pyramid. Leah is particularly passionate about building systems that support both educational excellence and sustainable business growth. In the last 2 years, Leah added Practice Space to her studio's resources, hired both a virtual assistant and her first teacher, and she also signed her first commercial lease. Even now, Leah is planning more growth in the next exciting chapter for her business.</p><h2>About Rachel Ehring</h2><p>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.</p><ul><li>Visit her website at <a href="https://rachelehring.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">RachelEhring.com</a></li><li>Visit her Instagram page: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/rachelehring/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@rachelehring</a></li><li>Visit her YouTube channel: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@dreamlavendermusic6694" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@dreamlavendermusic6694</a></li><li>Visit her Etsy shop at <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/dreamlavendermusic/?etsrc=sdt" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Dream Lavender Music</a></li></ul><br/><h2>Thank you for tuning in!</h2><p>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 <a href="https://feeds.captivate.fm/topmusic-piano-podcast/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">subscribing to this show</a>, and get automatic delivery to your device every time a new episode goes live! We publish on Fridays weekly.</p><h2>TopMusicPro 14-Day Free Trial</h2><p>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.</p><h4><a href="https://members.topmusic.co/register/tmp-studio-monthly?coupon=IMTPOD23" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">TOPMUSICPRO MEMBERSHIP 14-DAY FREE TRIAL</a></h4>
June 5, 2026
117: It Might Be Time to Get Some Help with Adella Carlson
Running a music studio involves far more than teaching lessons, and sometimes the administrative side of the business can become overwhelming. In this episode, I'm chatting with Adella Carlson about virtual assistants, delegation, automation, and the systems that help music teachers spend less time on admin and more time doing the work they love. <ul><li>Adella shared how burnout led her to create a virtual assistant business for musicians.</li><li>How virtual assistants support the administrative side of music businesses.</li><li>The importance of delegating tasks that do not directly generate income.</li><li>She described how virtual assistants can help with social media and website management.</li><li>How inbox and calendar management reduce daily stress for business owners.</li><li>Why strong systems create more time for teaching, performing, and practicing.</li><li>The value of having a trusted partner behind the scenes.</li><li>Adella described how delegation can reduce burnout and improve work-life balance.</li><li>Why musicians often become the bottleneck in their own businesses.</li><li>The importance of charging rates that reflect your true value.</li><li>How repeatable systems reduce decision fatigue and mental load.</li><li>Adella encouraged teachers to automate billing and payment collection whenever possible.</li><li>She shared how SOPs help streamline recurring studio tasks and events.</li></ul><br/> <h2>Links Mentioned</h2> <ul><li><a href="https://topmusic.co/tm-local-with-rachel-ehring/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Find out more about TopMusic Local Music Teacher Meetup with Rachel Ehring</a></li><li>Adella's website:<a href="https://www.adellacarlsonstudios.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.adellacarlsonstudios.com</a></li><li>Adella's Instagram Page:<a href="https://www.instagram.com/themusiciansassistant/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">@themusiciansassistant</a> &<a href="https://www.instagram.com/adellacarlsonstudios/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">@adellacarlsonstudios</a></li><li>Adella's TikTok Page:<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@adellacarlson" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.tiktok.com/@adellacarlson</a></li></ul><br/> <h2>Today's Guest</h2> Clarinetist Adella Carlson is the founder of The Musician’s Assistant, a virtual assistant service that supports entrepreneurial musicians and arts organizations building sustainable, long-term careers in classical music. Through her work, Adella serves as an operations and administrative partner for music businesses, helping clients streamline systems, manage projects, increase revenue, and create space for more meaningful artistic work of their own. Alongside her work in arts administration, Adella maintains an active performing career as a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral clarinetist throughout North Carolina. She is a founding member of the Chaos Incarné Clarinet Trio and a section player in the Piedmont Wind Symphony, as well as subbing regularly with various regional orchestras. Adella holds a Master of Music in Clarinet Performance from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and a Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance from Eastern Connecticut State University, where she graduated summa cum laude from the University Honors Program. Her primary clarinet teachers are Chris Howard, Andy Hudson, and Anthony Taylor. <h2>About Rachel Ehring</h2> 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. <ul><li>Visit her website at <a href="https://rachelehring.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">RachelEhring.com</a></li><li>Visit her Instagram page: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/rachelehring/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@rachelehring</a></li><li>Visit her YouTube channel: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@dreamlavendermusic6694" target="_blank" rel="noopener">@dreamlavendermusic6694</a></li><li>Visit her Etsy shop at <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/dreamlavendermusic/?etsrc=sdt" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dream Lavender Music</a></li></ul><br/> <h2>Thank you for tuning in!</h2> 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 <a href="https://feeds.captivate.fm/topmusic-piano-podcast/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">subscribing to this show</a>, and get automatic delivery to your device every time a new episode goes live! We publish on Fridays weekly. <h2>TopMusicPro 14-Day Free Trial</h2> 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. <h4><a href="https://members.topmusic.co/register/tmp-studio-monthly?coupon=IMTPOD23" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TOPMUSICPRO MEMBERSHIP 14-DAY FREE TRIAL</a></h4>
119 total episodes available
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