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TopMusic Piano Podcast

TopMusic Piano Podcast

Written by: Tim Topham
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About this listen

 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.2023 Economics Music
Episodes
  • 100: The Teacher Who Shaped Me as a Pianist with Dr. Un-Young Whang

    100: The Teacher Who Shaped Me as a Pianist with Dr. Un-Young Whang
    Feb 6 2026
    Reaching episode 100 feels surreal, and I couldn’t imagine marking this milestone with anyone else. For this very special episode, I’m joined by the teacher who shaped me as a pianist, Dr. Un-Young Whang, whose guidance, artistry, and mentorship have had a lasting impact on my life and career. This conversation is a full-circle moment as we reflect on teaching, perseverance, and the joy of music across generations.
    • Rachel shared why episode 100 felt deeply personal and meaningful.
    • She reflected on how her own piano journey began with curiosity rather than clarity.
    • Dr. Un-Young shared how her early performing career began at a remarkably young age.
    • How discipline and structure supported her development as a concert pianist.
    • The importance of imagination in musical interpretation.
    • Why storytelling and character shape expressive playing.
    • The value of perseverance through challenge and transition.
    • Dr. Un-Young shared how studying abroad shaped her resilience and independence.
    • How learning from multiple master teachers broadened her artistic voice.
    • Rachel reflected on how mentorship builds confidence beyond technical skill.
    • Dr. Un-Young discussed the responsibility teachers have to nurture the whole person.
    • She highlighted how teaching and performing inform each other in powerful ways.
    • The importance of joy, warmth, and humor in lessons was reinforced.
    • Why long-term consistency matters more than short-term results.
    • Rachel reflected on how her teacher’s influence continues to guide her leadership today.
    • Dr. Un-Young emphasized that music education is an act of service and generosity.

    Links Mentioned
    • Get your SUPER EARLY BIRD tickets for TopMusicLive 2026 here.

    Today's Guest Dr. Un-Young Whang was born in Seoul, Korea, and began concertizing at 10 years of age as a soloist with Seoul Symphony Orchestra. At 14, she won the Presidential Award for Excellence in piano and received a grant from the Korean government to study abroad. She was accepted as a scholarship student in the Pre-College Division at The Juilliard School in New York, where she earned Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees in piano performance. She continued her studies under Dr. Robert Pace at Teachers College, Columbia University, earning Master of Education and Doctor of Education degrees. Her principal piano teachers were Ania Dorfmann, William Masselos and Ann Schein. She is recently retired from the faculty of Moody Bible Institute where she taught for 35 years. In addition, she was given opportunities by her generous teachers to study with Lillian Kallir, Aube Tzerko, Hebert Stessin, and Leon Fleisher during the summers while she was at Juilliard. About Rachel Ehring 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 RachelEhring.com
    • Visit her Instagram page: @rachelehring
    • Visit her YouTube channel:
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    43 mins
  • 099: Reflections on 99 Episodes of the TopMusic Piano Podcast

    099: Reflections on 99 Episodes of the TopMusic Piano Podcast
    Jan 30 2026
    As I approach episode 100, I wanted to pause and reflect on what the first 99 episodes of this podcast have meant to me. In this solo episode, I'm going to share memories from my own early piano lessons, the lessons I’ve learned from incredible guests, and how hosting this podcast has shaped me as a teacher and leader. It’s a look back filled with gratitude, growth, and excitement for what’s coming next.
    • Rachel shared why episode 99 felt like the right moment to pause before episode 100.
    • How her early piano lessons began with confusion and the need to start simpler.
    • The importance of meeting students where they are rather than pushing ahead too fast.
    • Rachel shared how enjoyment and exploration at the piano fueled her long-term growth.
    • She reflected on the teachers and incentives that shaped her love for music.
    • How saying yes to hosting the podcast came with excitement and imposter syndrome.
    • She highlighted how curiosity has driven meaningful conversations with guests.
    • Rachel shared how the podcast has made her a better teacher and conservatory leader.
    • She reflected on standout guest episodes that reshaped her thinking on teaching and careers.
    • Rachel expressed gratitude to listeners, guests, Tim Topham, and the TopMusic team as she looks ahead to episode 100.

    Links Mentioned
    • TopCast 448: Well… This Is Happening!
    • TMPP 001: Using Stories in Beginner Piano Lessons
    • TMPP 002: How to Have Conversations With Parents of Neurodiverse Students with Tara Mock
    • TMPP 031: The Power of Music with Robin Spielberg
    • TMPP 049: Growing Creative Cultivation Studio with Shannon Saravia
    • TMPP 057: Performing in the Context of YouTube with Annique Göttler
    • TMPP 082: Introducing the Athena Narrow Keys Piano with Linda Gould
    • TMPP 086: What Happens When You Double Your Rates with Eric Branner

    About Rachel Ehring 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 RachelEhring.com
    • Visit her Instagram page:
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    15 mins
  • 098: Behind the Scenes with Wedding Pianist James Roscoe

    098: Behind the Scenes with Wedding Pianist James Roscoe
    Jan 23 2026

    Many pianists tell me they’d love to play more weddings but feel unsure about where to start. In this episode, we're having a chat with James Roscoe, a full-time wedding pianist based in the UK, who takes us behind the scenes of building a thriving wedding music business. We talk about repertoire, marketing, Instagram, working with venues, pricing, and what it really takes to succeed as a wedding pianist.

    1. James shared how he transitioned from general performing into weddings as a focused niche.
    2. He explained how playing for friends and family weddings helped him gain early experience.
    3. He shared why weddings now make up 90–95% of his performance work.
    4. How Instagram became a major source of inquiries for wedding bookings.
    5. The importance of treating Instagram like a visual portfolio for couples.
    6. How posting short performance clips helps couples imagine their own wedding day.
    7. Why behind-the-scenes stories build trust and connection with potential clients.
    8. James discussed how SEO and a well-optimized website drive direct inquiries.
    9. He highlighted how word-of-mouth referrals grow naturally over time.
    10. Why strong relationships with wedding venues lead to consistent referrals.
    11. He explained how playing at venue open days introduces him to many couples at once.
    12. James discussed how reading, lead sheets, and improvisation all support wedding work.
    13. James explained why aesthetics matter and how his white baby grand shell elevates the setup.
    14. The importance of bringing backup gear to every wedding.
    15. He explained how he prices by sections of the day rather than by the hour.
    16. James emphasized setting clear expectations with couples around repertoire and requests.
    17. He encouraged pianists to start small, build repertoire, and gather testimonials early.

    Links Mentioned
    1. James wesbite:www.jamesroscoe.co.uk
    2. James Instagram page:@jamesroscoepiano
    3. James Facebook page:James Roscoe: Wedding Pianist

    Today's Guest

    James Roscoe is a professional wedding pianist based in the Midlands, UK. He specialises in performing beautiful instrumental arrangements of classic and contemporary pop and rock...
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    44 mins
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