About the author

Tim Topham

Tim Topham is the founder and director of TopMusic. Tim hosts the popular Integrated Music Teaching Podcast, blogs regularly at topmusic.co and speaks at local and international conferences on topics such as integrated teaching, creativity, business, marketing and entrepreneurship. Tim has been featured in American Music Teacher, The Piano Teacher Magazine, California Music Teacher and EPTA Piano Professional. Tim holds an MBA in Educational Leadership, BMus, DipEd and AMusA.

Strategies for teaching improvisation to beginners

by Tim Topham

When it comes to teaching improvisation to beginners, many piano teachers shy away. They either reserve that activity for more advanced students or they don’t do it at all. I’m here to explain why and how you should teach your beginner piano students to improvise. Note: This blog was first posted in 2012, but the ... Strategies for teaching improvisation to beginners

04/22/2024 Read more

Teaching Beginner Piano Students with TopMusic

by Tim Topham

Teaching beginner piano students is a widely discussed topic. There are numerous online communities, courses, memberships, video tutorials, etc, etc… We wanted to pool our resources in one place so you can return when you need help and inspiration to teach beginner piano students. PLUS, you can download the FREE copy of the TopMusicMag: Teaching ... Teaching Beginner Piano Students with TopMusic

04/16/2024 Read more

Teaching Songwriting to Your Piano Students: A Q&A

by Tim Topham

how can you incorporate teaching songwriting into your piano lessons?

03/25/2024 Read more

How To Teach Songwriting to Your Piano Students

by Tim Topham

So your piano student wants to write their own music. How can you help them?

03/18/2024 Read more

Teaching Piano Technique To Advanced Students

by Tim Topham

Teaching advanced students piano technique can be a challenge. You know what to teach, but you don't know how to make it engaging and interesting.

10/30/2023 Read more

Preparing For Performance Success

by Tim Topham

Preparing students for a performance or an exam is a lengthy process. From setting goals and establishing a purpose to preparing students for the unexpected, there’s much to consider.

09/18/2023 Read more
 

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CPTP152: A Musicolor Method for Preschoolers with Andrew Ingkavit

by Tim Topham

When Andrew Ingkavit’s son wanted to learn piano at age 3, no teacher was willing to take him. This started him on his quest to find a way to teach his son and eventually lead to the creation of the Musicolor method for preschoolers and other beginners. Listen in to learn how Andrew integrates colours ... CPTP152: A Musicolor Method for Preschoolers with Andrew Ingkavit

09/15/2023 Read more

TC210: Daniel Patterson on why studio marketing matters at any stage

by Tim Topham

In this episode, you’ll learn how studio marketing tips can help your studio quality at any stage, even if your spots are already all filled. Daniel Patterson, one of the top thinkers about music studio marketing, joins us talk about better marketing tips for music teachers. His focus is on understanding the mindset and needs ... TC210: Daniel Patterson on why studio marketing matters at any stage

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TC221: From the archives – Best of Nick Ambrosino

by Tim Topham

In this favourite episode from our archives, author Nick Ambrosino joins us to talk about how to reframe your teaching viewpoint to experience more joy and less burnout. As teachers, we want to see motivated students pursuing their goals with an ownership attitude — but how do you make the switch? Listen to Nick’s powerful ... TC221: From the archives – Best of Nick Ambrosino

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What Type Of Music Teacher Are You?

by Tim Topham

There are many benefits to knowing the type of music teacher you are.

08/28/2023 Read more

10 Ways Creativity Helps Music Teachers And Students

by Tim Topham

You've probably heard us talk a lot about creativity when it comes to music lessons. But have you ever stopped to think about the benefits of being creative for both the music teacher and their students?

07/17/2023 Read more

A Piano Teacher’s Guide To Piano Method Books

by Tim Topham

Knowing how to find the right method book can be tricky - our guide will help you feel inspired to start your search.

07/10/2023 Read more