Creative Piano Teaching Podcast

Playing by ear is an area of piano that can intimidate some teachers. If you’ve never done it yourself, it can be hard to know where to start when it comes to teaching students these skills. On the other hand, teaching songs to students by ear is often the quickest route to getting them sounding great and playing the music they want to play – especially for teens. My guest today, Ruth Power, is here to talk us through the process and demystify playing by ear. She has a step-by-step course where she teaches students songs by ear and she’s here to show us the ropes. Transcript If you’d like to download a PDF transcript of this episode, please click below. In this episode, you’ll learn * Why Ruth wanted to create a course about playing by ear * How teachers who are nervous about playing by ear can still help students * What she teaches in her course * The first steps to teaching a song by ear * How she activates and exercises up her students’ ears * How this approach can lead students to understand harmony Links Mentioned * Piano Picnic * Ruth’s courses Today’s Sponsor My Music Staff is studio management made easy – our web-based software helps you manage the core aspects of your private music teaching business. Whether you are a single teacher or part of a multi-teacher studio team, our affordable software is a perfect fit and designed to help your business achieve success. My Music Staff can do everything your private music studio needs. It helps you centrally manage your website, student contact information, schedule, invoicing and more. Visit our website (www.mymusicstaff.com) to start your FREE 30-day trial today and experience all of the features that My Music Staff has to offer. No credit card is required to start your trial and there is no obligation to subscribe. Get $100 off Annual Inner Circle Membership As a valued podcast listener, you’re eligible for a $100 discount on an annual Inner Circle Membership. This discount lasts for as long as you’re a member and whatever price you sign up for today is the price you’ll pay as long as you remain a member. Copy this coupon code to use when you see the “Coupon Code” box:  PIANOPODCAST. Thank you for Tuning In! There are a lot of podcasts you could be tuning into today, and I’m grateful that you’ve chosen mine. Whether you’re at the gym, on the bike or in the car, I know that you and your students will get lots out of what you learn in the long run. Just make sure you try out some of the ideas before they get lost in the business of your next lessons! If you enjoyed today’s show, please share it by using the social media buttons on the left of the page. Also, kindly consider taking the 60-seconds it takes to leave an honest review and rating for the podcast on iTunes or on my Facebook page. Reviews are extremely helpful when it comes to show’s ranking and you can bet that I read every single one of them...

Some teachers really find teen beginners a bit of a struggle. These students come to us from a very different place than our younger kiddos and often with pretty unreal expectations of how fast they’re going to progress. But these were some of Jennifer Eklund’s favourite students to teach. She’s on the podcast today to convince you that they can be your favourites too, and give you some great tips on how to be successful with teen beginners. Jennifer Eklund has just launched a new method book especially for older beginners. Fired Up! uses rich harmonies, duets and backing tracks right from the get-go and is perfect for those teen beginners who want to sound good yesterday. Transcript If you’d like to download a PDF transcript of this episode, please click below. Inner Circle Members: You can access your PDF download now from the Resource Library. Not a member? In this episode, you’ll learn * Why teen beginners were some of Jennifer’s favourite students * What makes teaching teen beginners tricky for some teachers * How we can deal with YouTube tutorials * How to approach the first lessons with a new teen beginner * What to do with students who want to “sound good yesterday” * The value of backing tracks for teenage students * Why you should be playing duets with all your students * How to get started with improv based on your students’ pieces Links Mentioned * Piano Pronto * Piano Pronto Lead Sheets * Fired Up! – method book for older students * FM Sheet Music Special Discount for Listeners Jennifer has been very generous in offering an extra 10% discount on the Fired Up! books for listeners of this podcast. Make sure to enter the coupon code FIREDUP when ordering from Piano Pronto to get this awesome discount! Today’s Sponsor Sheet Music Plus isn’t just fantastic because it’s the largest sheet music directory online (which it is!) they’re also doing their part to help music teachers with their program Easy Rebates. If you sign up to Easy Rebates you get access to 8% cash-back on all your orders. You can also set up lists for your students to purchase and get the 8% cash back on those too! Since Sheet Music Plus has over 1,000,000 titles including print and digital downloads, it’s the best place to go when you have student requests or need something for an upcoming recital, so you should definitely take advantage of this free program. Go to sheetmusicplus.com/easyrebates to find out more and sign up today. Get $100 off Annual Inner Circle Membership As a valued podcast listener, you’re eligible for a $100 discount on an annual Inner Circle Membership. This discount lasts for as long as you’re a member and whatever price you sign up for today is the price you’ll pay as long as you remain a member. Copy this coupon code to use when you see the “Coupon Code” box:  PIANOPODCAST. Thank you for Tuning In!

Teaching online could open up so many opportunities for you to work different hours, make more money and reach students you couldn’t otherwise. Whether you want to teach on YouTube, Skype or Facetime my guest today can definitely give you some great tips. Josh Wright has been taught by an amazing pedigree of teachers and now shares insightful tips he has picked up along the way in his fantastic YouTube videos and online courses. He also teaches students both in-person and on Skype around the world. In this interview, we dive into YouTube tips, tech setups and teaching ideas. Josh does lots of demonstrating in this episode so if you’re an Inner Circle member make sure to watch the video of this one in the Resource Library. Transcript If you’d like to download a PDF transcript of this episode, please click below. Inner Circle Members: You can access your PDF download now from the Resource Library. Not a member? In this episode, you’ll learn * Why Josh got started creating YouTube videos * How to get a good recording setup for less than $200 * Why he believes YouTube tutorials do not undercut teachers * Where the tips he shares come from * The benefits of teaching piano online * Tips for Skype and other online lessons * What Josh does with students who love learning video game music Links Mentioned * Blue Yeti microphone * Pro Practice Repertoire Series * ForScore iPad app * Do Skype lessons actually work – YouTube video * Adult Piano Adventures * Piano Marvel – use this link to get a special discount for podcast listeners or start a free trial! * CPTP133 with Aaron Garner from Piano Marvel * The Tim Ferriss Show * Travel like a Boss Special Deals for Listeners Josh has been extremely generous in offering some special deals for listeners of the Creative Piano Teaching Podcast. Use the coupon code “Tim” for 20% off any product from Josh’s online store and “Timskype” for 10% off your first Skype lesson with Josh. Today’s Sponsor Sheet Music Plus isn’t just fantastic because it’s the largest sheet music directory online (which it is!) they’re also doing their part to help music teachers with their program Easy Rebates. If you sign up to Easy Rebates you get access to 8% cash-back on all your orders. You can also set up lists for your students to purchase and get the 8% cash back on those too! Since Sheet Music Plus has over 1,000,000 titles including print and digital downloads,

Playing simple 4 chord progressions can open up so many possibilities for students. It can lead them to a better understanding of music and it can give them the skills they need to recover from a mistake in a performance or accompany a singer. One of my favourite activities for piano lessons is chord composing. In fact, I have a full course to show you how to teach this inside my Inner Circle community. In this podcast, you can hear one module from this course and learn how to teach your students the 3 most common pop chord progressions. In this episode, you’ll learn * What the 4 Chord Composing approach is * How the course is structured * What this type of teaching can do for your students * How to teach the most common pop chord progressions * How to integrate chords into your teaching Links Mentioned * Top 20 Tips for 4 Chord Composing Transcript If you’d like to download a PDF transcript of this episode, please click below. Today’s Sponsor Sheet Music Plus isn’t just fantastic because it’s the largest sheet music directory online (which it is!) they’re also doing their part to help music teachers with their program Easy Rebates. If you sign up to Easy Rebates you get access to 8% cash-back on all your orders. You can also set up lists for your students to purchase and get the 8% cash back on those too! Since Sheet Music Plus has over 1,000,000 titles including print and digital downloads, it’s the best place to go when you have student requests or need something for an upcoming recital, so you should definitely take advantage of this free program. Go to sheetmusicplus.com/easyrebates to find out more and sign up today. Get $175 off Annual Inner Circle Membership This is the biggest discount I’ve ever offered on the podcast so grab it while you can. It’s going away on September 7th! Copy this coupon code to use when you see the “Coupon Code” box:  CHORDPODCAST. Thank you for Tuning In! There are a lot of podcasts you could be tuning into today, and I’m grateful that you’ve chosen mine. Whether you’re at the gym, on the bike or in the car, I know that you and your students will get lots out of what you learn in the long run. Just make sure you try out some of the ideas before they get lost in the business of your next lessons! If you enjoyed today’s show, please share it by using the social media buttons on the left of the page. Also, kindly consider taking the 60-seconds it takes to leave an honest review and rating for the podcast on iTunes or on my Facebook page. Reviews are extremely helpful when it comes to show’s ranking and you can bet that I read every single one of them personally. Lastly, don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, to get automatic updates every time a new episode goes live. Have you tried 4 Chord Composing? If not, does the idea of teaching like this appeal to you? What way do you teach chords to students at the moment? Playing simple 4 chord progressions can open up so many possibilities for students. It can lead them to a better understanding of music and it can give them the skills they need to recover from a mistake in a performance or accompany a singer. One of my favourite activities for piano lessons is chord composing. In fact, I have a full course to show you how to teach this inside my I...

I sincerely doubt Randy Faber needs any introduction to most piano teachers. He is one of the creators of the extremely popular Piano Adventures method books, and regularly speaks on pedagogy and performs across the world. I’m delighted to have Randy on the podcast today to share his thoughts on piano technique. His experience working with both students and teachers gives him a unique and invaluable insight into how we move at the piano. In this episode, Randy Faber gives his thoughts on arm movements, 3D playing, legato for beginning students and Hanon exercises. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from this superstar of the piano pedagogy world! In this episode, you’ll learn * How Nancy and Randy got started in teaching * The beginnings of the Piano Adventures method books * Why patterns are so important for great teaching * Where the “American” piano technique comes from * How Randy feels about big arm movements * When legato should come in a student’s development * What’s coming up at Piano Adventures Links Mentioned * Piano Adventures * Faber Piano Institute Transcript If you’d like to download a PDF transcript of this episode, please click below. Today’s Sponsor Sheet Music Plus isn’t just fantastic because it’s the largest sheet music directory online (which it is!) they’re also doing their part to help music teachers with their program Easy Rebates. If you sign up to Easy Rebates you get access to 8% cash-back on all your orders. You can also set up lists for your students to purchase and get the 8% cash back on those too! Since Sheet Music Plus has over 1,000,000 titles including print and digital downloads, it’s the best place to go when you have student requests or need something for an upcoming recital, so you should definitely take advantage of this free program. Go to sheetmusicplus.com/easyrebates to find out more and sign up today. Get $100 off Annual Inner Circle Membership As a valued podcast listener, you’re eligible for a $100 discount on an annual Inner Circle Membership. This discount lasts for as long as you’re a member and whatever price you sign up for today is the price you’ll pay as long as you remain a member. Copy this coupon code to use when you see the “Coupon Code” box:  PIANOPODCAST. Thank you for Tuning In! There are a lot of podcasts you could be tuning into today, and I’m grateful that you’ve chosen mine. Whether you’re at the gym, on the bike or in the car, I know that you and your students will get lots out of what you learn in the long run. Just make sure you try out some of the ideas before they get lost in the business of your next lessons! If you enjoyed today’s show, please share it by using the social media buttons on the left of the page. Also, kindly consider taking the 60-seconds it takes to leave an honest review and rating for the podcast on iTunes or on my Facebook page. Reviews are extremely helpful when it comes to show’s ranking and you can bet that I read every single one of them personally. Lastly, don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, to get automatic updates every time a new episode goes live. Does this approach to technique resonate with you? Is there anything you disagreed with in this episode?...

The thought of how to hire your first piano teacher can be a daunting one…but exciting at the same time. When you have too many students, a waiting list or new enquiries coming in frequently – it might be a good idea to start thinking about how to capitalise on this opportunity. Anastasia Buettner-Moore has just gone through this process this year and she’s on the podcast today to help you hire your first piano teacher too. Annie made this decision because her schedule was simply too full. She couldn’t maintain her current schedule, let alone add new students as requests came in. She chose to hire a college student so that she could also act as a mentor and provide training for a new teacher and this model has worked out very well for her. Take a listen to hear how she went about it and how you could do something similar. Transcript If you’d like to download a PDF transcript of this episode, please click below. Inner Circle Members: You can access your PDF download now from the Resource Library. Not a member? In this episode, you’ll learn * Why Annie decided to hire a teacher * Where she advertised for a new teacher * Why she chose to look for a student to hire * How much she pays her contracted teacher * How Annie goes about training and mentoring * Mistakes to avoid when hiring your first teacher Links Mentioned * Acuity Scheduling * Wave * Play Well Perth Today’s Sponsor Sheet Music Plus isn’t just fantastic because it’s the largest sheet music directory online (which it is!) they’re also doing their part to help music teachers with their program Easy Rebates. If you sign up to Easy Rebates you get access to 8% cash-back on all your orders. You can also set up lists for your students to purchase and get the 8% cash back on those too! Since Sheet Music Plus has over 1,000,000 titles including print and digital downloads, it’s the best place to go when you have student requests or need something for an upcoming recital, so you should definitely take advantage of this free program. Go to sheetmusicplus.com/easyrebates to find out more and sign up today. Get $100 off Annual Inner Circle Membership As a valued podcast listener, you’re eligible for a $100 discount on an annual Inner Circle Membership. This discount lasts for as long as you’re a member and whatever price you sign up for today is the price you’ll pay as long as you remain a member. Copy this coupon code to use when you see the “Coupon Code” box:  PIANOPODCAST. Thank you for Tuning In! There are a lot of podcasts you could be tuning into today, and I’m grateful that you’ve chosen mine. Whether you’re at the gym, on the bike or in the car, I know that you and your students will get lots out of what you learn in the long run. Just make sure you try out some of the ideas before they get lost in the business of your next lessons! If you enjoyed today’s show, please share it by using the social media buttons on the left of the page. Also, kindly consider taking the 60-seconds it takes to leave an honest review and rating for the podcast on iTunes or on my Facebook page.

Instagram is a unique social media platform. It’s all images, with no links…and it can be confusing to know how we can use Instagram to market our studios effectively. Is Instagram just for building our community, or can we use it to attract new students? What are the best images to post and where can we get them? Those are the questions that Dawn Ivers is here to answer today. Dawn has a beautifully curated Instagram for her own studio, and she also helps to create graphics for Shelly Davis’s Piano Parent Podcast. I’m delighted she was able to join me for this interview and I hope it helps you demystify Instagram for your piano studio once and for all. Transcript If you’d like to download a PDF transcript of this episode, please click below. Inner Circle Members: You can access your PDF download now from the Resource Library. Not a member? In this episode, you’ll learn * How Instagram is most useful for piano studios * The demographics who Instagram is popular with * What to post on Instagram * Where you can use links on Instagram * How to get permission to use students’ photos * What hashtags are for and when to use them * How “Stories” work and how you might use them Links Mentioned * Dawn’s Instagram * Planoly (Dawn’s app for scheduling) * Grum (Tim’s app for scheduling) * Teach Piano Today’s photo props * CPTP95 – we talk about media releases in this episode * Repost * Boomerang * Canva * Light Widget * Snap Widget * Slidesome Today’s Sponsor Sheet Music Plus isn’t just fantastic because it’s the largest sheet music directory online (which it is!) they’re also doing their part to help music teachers with their program Easy Rebates. If you sign up to Easy Rebates you get access to 8% cash-back on all your orders. You can also set up lists for your students to purchase and get the 8% cash back on those too! Since Sheet Music Plus has over 1,000,000 titles including print and digital downloads, it’s the best place to go when you have student requests or need something for an upcoming recital, so you should definitely take advantage of this free program. Go to sheetmusicplus.com/easyrebates to find out more and sign up today. Get $100 off Annual Inner Circle Membership As a valued podcast listener, you’re eligible for a $100 discount on an annual Inner Circle Membership. This discount lasts for as long as you’re a member and whatever price you sign up for today is the price you’...

Sally Cathcart and Sharon Mark-Teggart are curious. And they want to spread that curiosity to other piano teachers around the world.  They’re big believers in professional development and they deliver content to help teachers improve in their membership site and regular online workshops. They’re just about the launch a new session of their comprehensive course to help piano teachers achieve a diploma qualification. In this interview, we talk about the changes in professional development for piano teachers, the importance of controlling your advice monster, and how we can all continue to get better as teachers each and every year. Take a listen to find out more about these truly inspiring teachers! Transcript If you’d like to download a PDF transcript of this episode, please click below. Inner Circle Members: You can access your PDF download now from the Resource Library. Not a member? In this episode, you’ll learn How Sally and Sharon started the Curious Piano Teachers * How they make sure their training is practical and relevant * What the internet has done to open up piano teacher professional development * Why you need to tame your advice monster * Where the idea for the new diploma course came from * How the diploma course works and who it’s for Links Mentioned * Curious Piano Teachers * The Piano Teachers’ Course UK * Curious Diploma Workshop Facebook Group Today’s Sponsor Sheet Music Plus isn’t just fantastic because it’s the largest sheet music directory online (which it is!) they’re also doing their part to help music teachers with their program Easy Rebates. If you sign up to Easy Rebates you get access to 8% cash-back on all your orders. You can also set up lists for your students to purchase and get the 8% cash back on those too! Since Sheet Music Plus has over 1,000,000 titles including print and digital downloads, it’s the best place to go when you have student requests or need something for an upcoming recital, so you should definitely take advantage of this free program. Go to sheetmusicplus.com/easyrebates to find out more and sign up today. Get $100 off Annual Inner Circle Membership As a valued podcast listener, you’re eligible for a $100 discount on an annual Inner Circle Membership. This discount lasts for as long as you’re a member and whatever price you sign up for today is the price you’ll pay as long as you remain a member. Copy this coupon code to use when you see the “Coupon Code” box:  PIANOPODCAST. Thank you for Tuning In! There are a lot of podcasts you could be tuning into today, and I’m grateful that you’ve chosen mine. Whether you’re at the gym, on the bike or in the car, I know that you and your students will get lots out of what you learn in the long run. Just make sure you try out some of the ideas before they get lost in the business of your next lessons! If you enjoyed today’s show, please share it by using the social media buttons on the left of the page. Also, kindly consider taking the 60-seconds it takes to 

Aaron Garner used to be like many teachers, frustrated by sitting in lessons correcting note errors in his students’ pieces all day. That is, until he found a way to help students practice better. Aaron brought together the magic of backing tracks and technology to create a comprehensive practice solution for students: Piano Marvel. This software breaks pieces down and gamifies the process of practising the piano. Learn how you could help students practice in your studio and what effective practice looks like in this episode. Transcript If you’d like to download a PDF transcript of this episode, please click below. Inner Circle Members: You can access your PDF download now from the Resource Library. Not a member? In this episode, you’ll learn * Where we’re going wrong with teaching students how to practice * Why students need a way to self-analyse their practice * Why technology will never replace good teachers * How Aaron reduces the preparation time for a piece with a new student * Where gamification can help in piano practice * Why Aaron builds up a new piece in layers with a student Links Mentioned * Piano Marvel – use this link to get a special discount for podcast listeners or start a free trial! Today’s Sponsor Sheet Music Plus isn’t just fantastic because it’s the largest sheet music directory online (which it is!) they’re also doing their part to help music teachers with their program Easy Rebates. If you sign up to Easy Rebates you get access to 8% cash-back on all your orders. You can also set up lists for your students to purchase and get the 8% cash back on those too! Since Sheet Music Plus has over 1,000,000 titles including print and digital downloads, it’s the best place to go when you have student requests or need something for an upcoming recital, so you should definitely take advantage of this free program. Go to sheetmusicplus.com/easyrebates to find out more and sign up today. Get $100 off Annual Inner Circle Membership As a valued podcast listener, you’re eligible for a $100 discount on an annual Inner Circle Membership. This discount lasts for as long as you’re a member and whatever price you sign up for today is the price you’ll pay as long as you remain a member. Copy this coupon code to use when you see the “Coupon Code” box:  PIANOPODCAST. Thank you for Tuning In! There are a lot of podcasts you could be tuning into today, and I’m grateful that you’ve chosen mine. Whether you’re at the gym, on the bike or in the car, I know that you and your students will get lots out of what you learn in the long run. Just make sure you try out some of the ideas before they get lost in the business of your next lessons! If you enjoyed today’s show, please share it by using the social media buttons on the left of the page. Also, kindly consider taking the 60-seconds it takes to leave an honest review and rating for the podcast on iTunes or on my Facebook page. Reviews are extremely helpful when it comes to show’s ranking and you can bet that I read every single one of them personally. Lastly, don’t forget to 

Not all piano teachers want to teach piano full-time. If you’ve ever thought of starting a new business in a related (or completely different) area to your studio – then today’s episode will provide great inspiration for you. There’s nothing wrong with loving piano teaching…but not loving the idea of doing it 50 hours a week. Sometimes even though we enjoy our teaching businesses, we want to do more, or we want more variety. That’s how Janna felt when she decided to start her new business: Studio Rocket Web Design. Janna still teaches in her thriving studio, but she’s someone who likes to be pushed and take on new challenges. If that sounds like you, I hope you’ll get something out of listening in on this coaching call. Transcript If you’d like to download a PDF transcript of this episode, please click below. Inner Circle Members: You can access your PDF download now from the Resource Library. Not a member? In this episode, you’ll learn * Why you might like to consider a side-hustle alongside your piano teaching * Pricing considerations for a new business * How to launch a new project or business * Methods of managing projects between multiple people * The pitfalls to watch out for in a new business * What to track and what to do with metrics * How the Inner Circle Roadmap could help you with exploring a new business Links Mentioned * Studio Rocket Web Design * CPTP120: 5 Simple Tips to Improve Your Piano Studio Website * Masters of Scale podcast Today’s Sponsor My Music Staff is studio management made easy – our web-based software helps you manage the core aspects of your private music teaching business. Whether you are a single teacher or part of a multi-teacher studio team, our affordable software is a perfect fit and designed to help your business achieve success. My Music Staff can do everything your private music studio needs. It helps you centrally manage your website, student contact information, schedule, invoicing and more. Visit our website (www.mymusicstaff.com) to start your FREE 30-day trial today and experience all of the features that My Music Staff has to offer. No credit card is required to start your trial and there is no obligation to subscribe. Get $100 off Annual Inner Circle Membership As a valued podcast listener, you’re eligible for a $100 discount on an annual Inner Circle Membership. This discount lasts for as long as you’re a member and whatever price you sign up for today is the price you’ll pay as long as you remain a member. Copy this coupon code to use when you see the “Coupon Code” box:  PIANOPODCAST. Thank you for Tuning In!

Philip Johnston brings a fresh take to music teaching ideas and preconceptions. The piano teaching unthinkables we discuss in this episode may be controversial, but even if you disagree they provide fantastic food for thought. In today’s show we bring video game thinking into the piano studio, abolish long-held beliefs about piano practice and throw reading out the window for beginner piano students. This is a different style of podcast episode but it’s still chock-full of inspiration. Take a listen and prepare to be challenged! Transcript If you’d like to download a PDF transcript of this episode, please click below. Inner Circle Members: You can access your PDF download now from the Resource Library. Not a member? In this episode, you’ll learn * How martial arts relates to piano teaching * The value of digital pianos in piano teaching studios * Why you should be recording all your student’s playing * How and why we should rethink daily practice requirements * Why reading should not always be your first priority * What the most exciting thing you can do in your business is Links Mentioned * The Practice Revolution * The Dynamic Studio * Scales Bootcamp * How to choose the best digital piano for your students * Best digital pianos for students * CPTP129: Why practice might be killing your studio business Today’s Sponsor My Music Staff is studio management made easy – our web-based software helps you manage the core aspects of your private music teaching business. Whether you are a single teacher or part of a multi-teacher studio team, our affordable software is a perfect fit and designed to help your business achieve success. My Music Staff can do everything your private music studio needs. It helps you centrally manage your website, student contact information, schedule, invoicing and more. Visit our website (www.mymusicstaff.com) to start your FREE 30-day trial today and experience all of the features that My Music Staff has to offer. No credit card is required to start your trial and there is no obligation to subscribe. Get $100 off Annual Inner Circle Membership As a valued podcast listener, you’re eligible for a $100 discount on an annual Inner Circle Membership. This discount lasts for as long as you’re a member and whatever price you sign up for today is the price you’ll pay as long as you remain a member. Copy this coupon code to use when you see the “Coupon Code” box:  PIANOPODCAST. Thank you for Tuning In!

Facebook ads can be a little tricky for piano teachers. I know many teachers who have accidentally spent too much without any tangible result. But they can also be extremely powerful if used the right way. Danny Thompson is back on the show today for part 3 of our business masterclass, and this time we’re diving deep on Facebook ads. How can we make them work for us? What does all that jargon even mean? Find out everything you need to know about Facebook ads for piano teachers in this episode. Transcript If you’d like to download a PDF transcript of this episode, please click below. Inner Circle Members: You can access your PDF download now from the Resource Library. Not a member? In this episode, you’ll learn * How Facebook ads work for Danny’s studio * Why getting expert help is so important * Why boosting posts is usually not a good idea * What retargeting is and what it can do for you * How email marketing works for music studios * How to set up your targeting for Facebook ads * What types of images and videos to use in your ads Links Mentioned * Music Lesson Business Academy * Drip * ActiveCampaign * How to Nurture and Retain Students on Autopilot with Chantelle Duffield Today’s Sponsor My Music Staff is studio management made easy – our web-based software helps you manage the core aspects of your private music teaching business. Whether you are a single teacher or part of a multi-teacher studio team, our affordable software is a perfect fit and designed to help your business achieve success. My Music Staff can do everything your private music studio needs. It helps you centrally manage your website, student contact information, schedule, invoicing and more. Visit our website (www.mymusicstaff.com) to start your FREE 30-day trial today and experience all of the features that My Music Staff has to offer. No credit card is required to start your trial and there is no obligation to subscribe. Get $100 off Annual Inner Circle Membership As a valued podcast listener, you’re eligible for a $100 discount on an annual Inner Circle Membership. This discount lasts for as long as you’re a member and whatever price you sign up for today is the price you’ll pay as long as you remain a member. Copy this coupon code to use when you see the “Coupon Code” box:  PIANOPODCAST. Thank you for Tuning In! There are a lot of podcasts you could be tuning into today, and I’m grateful that you’ve chosen mine. Whether you’re at the gym, on the bike or in the car, I know that you and your students will get lots out of what you learn in the long run. Just make sure you try out some of the ideas before they get lost in the business of your next lessons! If you enjoyed today’s show,

Is the way we approach practice in our studios all wrong? Are our practice expectations unrealistic or counterproductive? Danny Thompson and I will unpack this idea of taking practice and homework out of the equation and focusing instead on inspiring our students and growing their love of music. Could this be a useful experiment in your studio? Explore this controversial idea of not having a practice requirement for beginning lessons with your students on today’s episode and see why it’s not quite as crazy as it first sounds. Transcript If you’d like to download a PDF transcript of this episode, please click below. Inner Circle Members: You can access your PDF download now from the Resource Library. Not a member? In this episode, you’ll learn * Why Danny is changing the practice expectation in his studio * What it can do when you remove the homework discussion from lessons * Why it’s so hard to change our thinking and habits in this area * How we can inspire students to want to practise * The impact of the coolness and likeability factor on retention * How this comes across in Danny’s communication and website Links Mentioned * Music Lesson Business Academy * Cure the Practice Problem podcast episode * Dave Simon’s website * The Music Factory * Building a Storybrand * No Book Beginners Today’s Sponsor My Music Staff is studio management made easy – our web-based software helps you manage the core aspects of your private music teaching business. Whether you are a single teacher or part of a multi-teacher studio team, our affordable software is a perfect fit and designed to help your business achieve success. My Music Staff can do everything your private music studio needs. It helps you centrally manage your website, student contact information, schedule, invoicing and more. Visit our website (www.mymusicstaff.com) to start your FREE 30-day trial today and experience all of the features that My Music Staff has to offer. No credit card is required to start your trial and there is no obligation to subscribe. Get $100 off Annual Inner Circle Membership As a valued podcast listener, you’re eligible for a $100 discount on an annual Inner Circle Membership. This discount lasts for as long as you’re a member and whatever price you sign up for today is the price you’ll pay as long as you remain a member. Copy this coupon code to use when you see the “Coupon Code” box:  PIANOPODCAST. Thank you for Tuning In! There are a lot of podcasts you could be tuning into today, and I’m grateful that you’ve chosen mine.

What is a studio brand, is it the same as your logo or letterhead? And what’s the point of understanding your studio brand anyway? Knowing how people perceive you and how you want to be seen in the community is an important part of gaining clarity in your marketing and business. Danny Thompson is on the podcast today to give us an insight into branding and what it means to us as piano teachers. Danny came to the music teaching business from a different perspective than most of us, and I always enjoy his unique views on business and marketing. Find out what you need to know about your studio brand by listening in. Transcript If you’d like to download a PDF transcript of this episode, please click below. Inner Circle Members: You can access your PDF download now from the Resource Library. Not a member? In this episode, you’ll learn * Danny’s unusual route to running a music studio * What branding is and why it’s helpful for your business * The step-by-step process to finding your brand identity * Where your “USP” fits into the business planning process * How to get help with your design and writing for your website * The most common branding mistakes teachers make Links Mentioned * Music Lesson Business Academy * Article about USP by Dave Simon * UpWork * Small Business Big Marketing podcast Today’s Sponsor My Music Staff is studio management made easy – our web-based software helps you manage the core aspects of your private music teaching business. Whether you are a single teacher or part of a multi-teacher studio team, our affordable software is a perfect fit and designed to help your business achieve success. My Music Staff can do everything your private music studio needs. It helps you centrally manage your website, student contact information, schedule, invoicing and more. Visit our website (www.mymusicstaff.com) to start your FREE 30-day trial today and experience all of the features that My Music Staff has to offer. No credit card is required to start your trial and there is no obligation to subscribe. Get $100 off Annual Inner Circle Membership As a valued podcast listener, you’re eligible for a $100 discount on an annual Inner Circle Membership. This discount lasts for as long as you’re a member and whatever price you sign up for today is the price you’ll pay as long as you remain a member. Copy this coupon code to use when you see the “Coupon Code” box:  PIANOPODCAST. Thank you for Tuning In! There are a lot of podcasts you could be tuning into today, and I’m grateful that you’ve chosen mine. Whether you’re at the gym, on the bike or in the car, I know that you and your students will get lots out of what you learn in the long run. Just make sure you try out some of the ideas before they get lost in the business of your next lessons!

Jon Schmidt is none other than the “piano guy” from The Piano Guys. He is a pianist, composer, piano teacher, and author, and I’m delighted to have him join me on the podcast for this episode. The Piano Guys are known for their incredible pop and classical arrangements. In 2016 they passed 1 billion views on YouTube with their amazing videos with unbelievable backdrops like cliffs, forests and even the great wall of China! In this interview Jon gives us the inside scoop on those awesome videos, as well as his thoughts on tampering with the classics, and what we can do to inspire the next generation of creative pianists. You don’t want to miss this one! Transcript If you’d like to download a PDF transcript of this episode, please click below. Inner Circle Members: You can access your PDF download now from the Resource Library. Not a member? In this episode, you’ll learn * The magic behind their incredible music videos * What it’s like to be inspiring so many piano students around the world * How Jon got his start with traditional piano lessons * Where the inspiration for Waterfall came from * How Jon approaches teaching chords to students * How they go about choosing and creating new arrangements * Jon’s views on “messing” with the music of the great composers * The essentials of Jon’s own practice routine * What we can do to inspire the Jon Schmidts of the future! Links Mentioned * The Piano Guys * The Piano Guys YouTube channel * Waterfall Today’s Sponsor My Music Staff is studio management made easy – our web-based software helps you manage the core aspects of your private music teaching business. Whether you are a single teacher or part of a multi-teacher studio team, our affordable software is a perfect fit and designed to help your business achieve success. My Music Staff can do everything your private music studio needs. It helps you centrally manage your website, student contact information, schedule, invoicing and more. Visit our website (www.mymusicstaff.com) to start your FREE 30-day trial today and experience all of the features that My Music Staff has to offer. No credit card is required to start your trial and there is no obligation to subscribe. Get $100 off Annual Inner Circle Membership As a valued podcast listener, you’re eligible for a $100 discount on an annual Inner Circle Membership. This discount lasts for as long as you’re a member and whatever price you sign up for today is the price you’ll pay as long as you remain a member. Copy this coupon code to use when you see the “Coupon Code” box:  PIANOPODCAST. Thank you for Tuning In! There are a lot of podcasts you could be tuning into today,