• 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.

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

• Visit her website at RachelEhring.com
• Visit her Instagram page: @rachelehring
• Visit her YouTube channel:

• 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.

• 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

• Visit her website at RachelEhring.com
• Visit her Instagram page:

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.

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

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...

Dr. Stephanie Archer brings a thoughtful and experience-driven perspective to piano technique and pedagogy. Drawing from her work as a university professor, private teacher, and researcher in injury prevention, she shares practical strategies for teaching healthy movement from the very first lesson. In this episode, Stephanie explores beginner technique, arm weight, warmups, and how thoughtful teaching choices can support both musical growth and long-term physical well-being.

1. Stephanie shared a brief overview of her background and her music teaching studio.
2. She shared how a playing-related injury reshaped her approach to piano technique.
3. Why technique issues often develop gradually rather than from a single event.
4. The importance of teaching healthy movement from the very first lesson.
5. Why beginner technique plays a major role in preventing injury later on.
6. The value of delaying five-finger position for very young students.
7. How one-finger playing supports arm weight and reduces tension.
8. Stephanie explained why non-legato playing helps establish healthy motion before legato.
9. She shared how imagery and hands-on guidance support relaxed technique in young learners.
10. Why arm weight is often misunderstood or overlooked in early teaching.
11. Common technique mistakes caused by focusing only on finger numbers.
12. Strategies for helping students feel arm release away from the piano first.
13. She explained how adult beginners often carry more tension than children.
14. The importance of warming up to prepare the body for playing.
15. Why scales and technical exercises matter only when played with awareness.
16. Stephanie shared how Hanon and scales can support healthy playing when used intentionally.
17. Why curved-finger language can sometimes create unnecessary tension.
18. The importance of an engaged hand bridge rather than forced finger shape.

1. Stephanie's website:Stephanie Archer Piano
2. Stephanie's Instagram page:@stephaniethepianoteacher
3. TopCast...

As I wrap up 2025, I’ve been reflecting on the moments, conversations, and discoveries that made this year so meaningful. In this episode, I’m sharing 10 of my favorite things, from standout podcast interviews and inspiring books to teaching resources, conservatory highlights, and the incredible connections I’ve made along the way. It’s a look back at what brought joy, growth, and encouragement to my teaching life this year, and I can’t wait to celebrate it all with you.

1. Rachel shared a look back at her favorite moments and discoveries from 2025.
2. She highlighted episode 68 with Florence Phillips as one of the most inspiring interviews of the year.
3. Connecting with more than 40 podcast guests and learn from their experiences.
4. Rachel shared her admiration for a TopCast episode with David Martin.
5. She highlighted the new podcast The Four 40 with Eric Branner.
6. Her favorite book of the year was Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina Garten.
7. Rachel celebrated Nicola Canton’s new piano method Piano Paint Box.
8. She shared her gratitude for rebuilding a strong, reliable teaching team at her conservatory after a challenging previous year.
9. The value of attending NCKP and connecting with piano teachers from around the world.

1. TopCast 417: Being a SAVVY Music Teacher with David Cutler
2. TopCast 439: From Bankruptcy to 1000 Students with David Martin
3. TopMusic Piano Podcast 068: Piano Behind Bars with Florence Phillips
4. TopMusic Piano Podcast 086: What Happens When You Double Your Rates with Eric Branner
5. Eric’s Podcast:The Fourforty (440) with Eric Branner

1. Be Ready When the Luck Happens: A Memoir by Ina Garten
2. The Savvy Musician 2.0 by David Cutler

Kelsey Berg brings a fascinating perspective to the worlds of piano and organ. With roles spanning church music, university teaching, and private instruction, she shares how her unexpected transition from piano to organ opened a new musical path. In this episode, she explores the key differences between the instruments, the challenges of technique and registration, the realities of practicing without an organ at home, and how injury-preventive training shaped her approach to healthy playing.

1. Kelsey shared a brief overview of her background as multifaceted organist and music teacher.
2. How she switched from playing the piano after unexpectedly taking a church organ job.
3. She explained why the myth “piano players can automatically play organ” is false.
4. Kelsey how the organ’s sound production differs from the piano.
5. How organ musicality relies on timing, articulation, phrasing, and managing silence rather than varying touch like on the piano.
6. Why practicing organ music at the piano improves musical shaping.
7. The challenge of accessing instruments, since organists depend on churches for practice time.
8. How to approach churches or universities politely to request practice access.
9. She explained why the organ is not a dying art.
10. Kelsey highlighted that there are more organ jobs than organists.
11. She encouraged pianists to consider the field for stable employment.
12. How studying injury-preventive technique at the Lister-Sink Institute transformed her playing and resolved pain from overuse.
13. Common technique misconceptions, including misunderstanding anatomy and finger independence.

1. Kelsey's Instagram page:@kelseymberg
2. Kelsey's Facebook profile:Kelsey Berg
3. Kelsey's YouTube page:www.youtube.com/@kelseyberg3278

Praised by Cleveland Classical for her “subtlety, depth, and affect” in performance, Kelsey Berg is a multifaceted organist, music theorist, and teacher. She currently serves as the Assistant Organist-Choirmaster at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Akron, OH. Kelsey is also a Guest Lecturer in Organ at the Cleveland Institute of Music (CIM), where she teaches secondary organ lessons to both graduate and undergraduate students, as well as applied organ at Case Western Reserve University as part of the Joint Music Program. Kelsey maintains a private piano and organ studio, with students of all levels. Kelsey recently graduated with a Doctor of...

Jerald Simon’s creativity knows no bounds—from composing hundreds of piano pieces to writing motivational poetry and now fiction. In this episode, he shares how his debut novel The Musical Realm brings music to life through an imaginative fantasy world. Jerald also offers valuable insights into self-publishing, branding, and marketing for teachers and creatives who want to share their work with the world.

1. Jerald shared his journey from piano teacher and composer to author and entrepreneur.
2. How his company, Music Motivation®, helps students learn theory, improvisation, and composition through a practical, creative approach.
3. He shared about his new book, The Musical Realm, as his first full-length fictional novel.
4. He discussed his creative process, explaining how he outlines all five books in advance.
5. The challenges and rewards of self-publishing, including handling editing and cover design.
6. The importance of marketing and retaining rights as an independent author.
7. Jerald discussed his marketing strategies, including sending out 500–1,000 review copies, using press releases, and building grassroots engagement before paid ads.
8. How branding, consistency, and niche focus help authors and teachers stand out.
9. He encouraged teachers and creators to “think like a business”.

1. Enjoy 15% off any purchase fromMusic Motivation®for life using the discount codeTOPMUSIC, which can be used multiple times on any product.

1. Jerald's website:Music Motivation®
2. Jerald's YouTube channel:YouTube.com/jeraldsimon
3. Jerald's book:The Musical Realm (Amazon link)

Jerald Simon is the founder of Music Motivation® and focuses on helping piano students and piano teachers learn music theory, improvisation, and composition. He refers to these areas as: Theory Therapy, Innovative Improvisation, and Creative Composition. Simon is an author and composer and has written 29 music books featuring almost 400 original compositions, 14 albums, three motivational poetry books featuring over 400 original poems, and is the creator of the best-selling Cool Songs Series, the best-selling Essential Piano Exercises Series and Essential Piano Lessons for piano students and also Essential Piano Teachers for piano teachers.

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...

Jessica Homewood has transformed how piano teachers think about group lessons. From managing 60 private students to creating efficient, engaging group programs, Jess now helps teachers scale their studios while maintaining quality instruction. In this episode, she shares how group lessons benefit both teachers and students, common myths that hold teachers back, and practical advice for creating a thriving, collaborative learning environment.

1. Jess shared how she rebuilt her piano studio multiple times after moving across the U.S.
2. How burnout from teaching 60 private students led her to explore group lessons.
3. The early challenges of group teaching and how flexibility and patience helped her adapt.
4. How becoming a beginner again as a teacher was key to her success in group instruction.
5. Her group formats, including multi-level classes with headphones and guided rotation models.
6. How teaching in groups helped students develop problem-solving skills and self-directed learning.
7. Jess discussed the financial and time-saving benefits of group lessons for teachers.
8. How she cut her teaching hours by half while doubling her income and improving work-life balance.
9. She highlighted how group lessons made piano lessons more affordable and accessible for families.
10. The costs and setup challenges of transitioning to groups, including sourcing quality keyboards.
11. She advised teachers to keep lesson plans simple to allow space for flexibility and connection.
12. Why students in groups learn effective practice habits and become more confident players.
13. She explained how community and peer interaction improve retention and motivation.
14. Jess emphasized that marketing and communication are vital when introducing group lessons to parents.

1. Jess's website:Not Your Mother's Piano Studio
2. Jess's Instagram page:@notyourmotherspianostudio
3. Related Episode:TopCast 350: Simplify and Streamline with Jess Homewood from Not Your Mother’s Piano Studio

Jess Homewood is the creator of *The Group Conversion Collective*, a program that guides piano teachers in transitioning from 1:1 lessons to group lessons, scaling income and winning back their time. She has also created *The No Printout Playbook*...