by Tim Topham
The original podcast for growth-minded instrumental music and voice teachers since 2015. Our mission at TopMusic is to empower music teachers to find and nurture their innate creativity so they can teach lessons that are innovative, integrated and inspiring, and that will have a positive, life-long impact on their students. Tune in weekly as we interview teachers and creators from around the world and unpack fun and exciting ideas to maximise your teaching and studio business success.
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2/19/2015
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April 21, 2025
In this special episode, we’re honored to share with you a webinar with the late Forrest Kinney, one of the most thoughtful and inspiring voices in music education. With warmth, wit, and deep insight, Forrest walks us through his framework for teaching and playing from lead sheets—starting with ear-based learning, nurturing creativity, and progressing to rich styles and arrangements. His heartfelt belief that all students can improvise, arrange, and compose, Forrest reminds us why creativity is central to joyful music-making. Whether you're a seasoned teacher or just starting with lead sheets, Forrest’s gentle wisdom and practical strategies will leave you inspired to nurture confident, creative students who can play with freedom, flexibility, and joy. <ul> <li>Tim shared his goal of creating “all-rounder musicians” who can play by ear, accompany, transpose, improvise, and use lead sheets confidently.</li> <li>Why skills like transposing, improvising, and reading lead sheets matter.</li> <li>He highlighted how chord work improves reading, composing, and playing flexibility.</li> <li>The importance of introducing lead sheet reading even if teachers haven't taught it before.</li> <li>Forrest explained a lead sheet as melody plus chord symbols.</li> <li>He highlighted that chords represent flexible families of notes, not just fixed triads.</li> <li>How lead sheet skills can lead to diverse career opportunities.</li> <li>The value of ear training and improvisation from the first lesson.</li> <li>How to prepare beginners through ear games, bass note additions, and transposition before introducing notation.</li> <li>The importance of left-hand styles in creating rhythmic impact.</li> <li>Forrest demonstrated how to build solo playing from basic chords to rich accompaniments using inversion, syncopation, and style variations.</li> <li>He shared a shortcut for adding 7ths and 2nds by moving the root note up or down.</li> <li>How inversions help with smoother playing, especially in basslines.</li> <li>Forrest recommended fake books and lyric sheet websites (like Ultimate Guitar) as resources for lead sheet practice and repertoire building.</li> </ul><br/> <h2>Links Mentioned</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://forrestkinney.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Forrest Kinney Website</a></li> <li>Blog: <a href="https://topmusic.co/whats-the-difference-between-a-chord-chart-and-a-lead-sheet/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">What’s the Difference Between a Chord Chart and a Lead Sheet?</a></li> <li>Blog: <a href="https://topmusic.co/9-reasons-why-playing-lead-sheets-is-essential-for-piano-students/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">9 Reasons Why Playing Lead Sheets is Essential for Piano Students</a></li> </ul><br/> <h2>Special Offer for Podcast Listeners</h2> <ul> <li>Go to <a href="https://topmusic.co/taking-the-lead-course/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">topmusic.co/lead</a> and get access to <a href="https://topmusic.co/taking-the-lead-course/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Forrest Kinney's Taking the Lead Course</a> for only $49 with 1 year access ($100 off the regular price of $149).</li> </ul><br/> <h2>About Forrest Kinney</h2> Forrest Kinney was an educator who taught music for over four decades. He was a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music (NCTM) as recognized by the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA). His goal in life was to help others become creative, whole musicians capable of enjoying the Four Arts of Music: improvising, arranging, composing, and interpreting. Forrest lived amongst mossy trees in the mountains east of Seattle, generally preferring what he called “a 19th-century lifestyle.” He was immensely grateful to be able to make his living by creating music and books, and by sharing his belief that creativity is a key to happiness. <h2>Thank you for tuning in!</h2> Consider implementing the ideas from this podcast by writing several actionable...
April 14, 2025
Today, we’re having a chat with Michael Clark, who’s here to discuss MTNA's new online conference, <a href="https://www.mtna.org/Tempo/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TEMPO</a>, which aims to be more accessible and cost-effective for music educators. We'll dive into the key features of TEMPO, including 40 prerecorded breakout sessions, live Q&A chats, and extensive networking opportunities. Michael highlights the importance of an international reach, unique content, and the flexibility of accessing sessions for two months. Stay tuned as Michael shares key highlights and insights into why this conference is a must-attend event for music educators worldwide. <ul> <li>Michael shared about the new online conference from MTNA called TEMPO.</li> <li>He described his role in MTNA and as an assistant professor at Baylor University.</li> <li>His project "Piano Tricks," focused on fingering redistributions for piano pieces.</li> <li>The importance of TEMPO being an accessible and cost-effective online MTNA conference.</li> <li>How is TEMPO different from MTNA’s national conference?</li> <li>What are some of the highlights of TEMPO?</li> <li>How can listeners attend and register?</li> <li>He shared some of the topics that the sessions will cover, including international repertoire.</li> </ul><br/> <h2>Guest Links</h2> <ul> <li>Michael's Website: <a href="https://www.michaelclarkpiano.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MichaelClarkPiano.com</a></li> <li>Michaels' Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/michaelclarkpiano/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">@michaelclarkpiano</a></li> <li>Michael's YouTube Channel: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@michaelwinstonclark" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.youtube.com/@michaelwinstonclark</a></li> </ul><br/> <h2>Links Mentioned</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.mtna.org/Tempo/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Click here to find out more about TEMPO</a> and use code <strong>TOP25</strong> at checkout for 20% off registration. (The conference is scheduled for April 25-26, with early bird registration available until April 15)</li> <li><a href="https://topmusic.co/piano-podcast/061-finding-your-creative-voice-with-leila-viss/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TopMusicPiano Podcast 061: Finding Your Creative Voice with Leila Viss</a></li> </ul><br/> <h2>Today's Guest</h2> Michael Clark is a pianist, teacher, and scholar noted for his “natural, clear, and nuanced” performances (Piano Magazine). An advocate for the music of Florence Price, he made the first studio recording of her <a href="https://www.navonarecords.com/catalog/nv6591/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">complete piano waltzes for Navona Records</a>, edited the first publication of <a href="https://www.halleonard.com/product/1466780/florence-price-rediscovered-gems-for-piano-solo" target="_blank" rel="noopener">twenty of her intermediate pieces for Hal Leonard</a>, and has performed her works around the United States. Clark also researches traditions of piano fingering and is the founder of <a href="https://pianotricks.net/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PianoTricks.net</a>, an online database of fingerings and redistributions for over 1000 passages from the piano repertoire. He serves as Assistant Professor of Piano at Baylor University in Waco, Texas. <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://www.topmusic.co/itunes" 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 Mondays weekly. <h2>TopMusicPro 14-Day Free Trial</h2> Heard about TopMusicPro Membership? As a valued...
April 7, 2025
Today, we dive into the world of digital organization with Amy Chaplin and Joy Morin, two passionate music educators who have transformed the way they manage their studios and lives using Notion. They share how Notion helps streamline workflows, reduce scattered files across multiple platforms, and keep everything organized in one place. They also explore why this all-in-one tool is revolutionizing productivity and discuss their Notion for Teachers workshop, designed to help educators set up their Notion pages efficiently. Plus, they wrap up with their top three productivity tips for teachers. If you’re looking to organize your studio and life more effectively, this episode is packed with insights to help you get started! <ul> <li>Amy and Joy shared their thoughts on productivity and efficiency.</li> <li>The importance of balance and avoiding the ‘hustle and grind’ mindset.</li> <li>How apps should support the way we work rather than dictating our workflow.</li> <li>Why Notion stands out as a powerful, customizable tool for organization and productivity.</li> <li>Why Amy transitioned from Evernote to Notion.</li> <li>Importance of re-evaluating tools and workflows to ensure they align with evolving needs and preferences.</li> <li>Joy highlighted the flexibility of Notion, making it a great option for users looking for a customizable note-taking and project management tool.</li> <li>The differences between Notion and project management tools like Trello, Asana, and Monday.</li> <li>How they Notion for professional tasks, such as podcast planning and project management.</li> <li>The use of Notion for personal tasks like travel planning and creating gift ideas for Christmas.</li> <li>Amy and Joy shared their top three productivity tips for teachers.</li> </ul><br/> <h2>Links Mentioned</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://topmusic.co/integrated-music-teaching-podcast/tttv014-harnessing-the-power-of-the-internet-with-joy-morin/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TopCast Episode 14: Harnessing the Power of the Internet with Joy Morin</a></li> <li><a href="https://topmusic.co/integrated-music-teaching-podcast/372-how-to-organise-your-music-studio-and-life-with-amy-chaplin/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TopCast Episode 372: How to Organise Your Music Studio and Life with Amy Chaplin</a></li> <li>Forbes Article: <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/kenrickcai/2024/04/11/10-billion-productivity-startup-notion-wants-to-build-your-ai-everything-app/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$10 Billion Productivity Startup Notion Wants To Build Your AI Everything App</a></li> </ul><br/> <h2>Guest Links Mentioned</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://pianopantry.com/notion" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Organize Your Life With Notion Workshop</a></li> <li><a href="http://pianopantry.com/notionwait" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Notion Workshops Waitlist</a></li> <li>Joy Morin's Website: <a href="https://colorinmypiano.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ColorInMyPiano.com</a></li> <li>Amy Chaplin's Website: <a href="https://pianopantry.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PianoPantry.com</a></li> </ul><br/> <strong>Blog posts:</strong> <ul> <li><a href="https://colorinmypiano.com/2024/01/24/an-introduction-to-notion-a-customizable-digital-workspace-to-organize-everything-in-your-life/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">An Introduction to Notion – A Customizable Digital Workspace to Organize Everything in Your Life</a></li> <li><a href="https://colorinmypiano.com/2024/02/29/your-qs-answered-and-how-i-use-notion-to-manage-my-piano-studio/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Your Qs Answered and How I Use Notion to Manage My Piano Studio (Joy Morin)</a></li> <li><a href="https://colorinmypiano.com/2024/09/18/40-ways-to-use-notion-as-a-music-professional/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">40 Ways to Use Notion as a Music Professional (Joy Morin)</a></li> <li><a...
Tim Topham
Nicola Cantan
Amy Chaplin
Christina Whitlock
Andrea Miller
Ashley Danyew
Ashlee Young
Unknown author
Daniel Patterson & Nate Shaw
Angela Toone
Dave Simon
Paul Hastings
Premier
Clinton Pratt
Piano Inspires Podcast
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