TopMusic.co Integrated Music Teaching Logo

431: My Favourite Framework for Piano Teachers: 4 Chord Composing

If you’ve ever felt unsure about how to teach chords or help your students create music from scratch, this episode is for you. Today, Iโ€™m sharing a deep dive into my all-time favourite course, 4 Chord Composing. Iโ€™ll walk you through why this framework works so well, how it connects theory and creativity, and how you can use it even if youโ€™ve never composed a thing in your life. Youโ€™ll also hear from other teachers whoโ€™ve used this approach to transform their students’ confidence and engagement.

  • Tim reflected on how most teachers weren’t taught chords or lead sheets in their own lessons.
  • He explained how a chord-based approach improves sight reading, creativity, and understanding.
  • The benefits of teaching harmony through popular styles were emphasized.
  • Tim introduced his favorite course: 4 Chord Composing Course, offeringย a 10-week plan for introducing students to composing using just four chords.
  • He highlighted how the framework builds theory, form, and improvisation skills naturally.
  • How it simplifies teaching composition and makes learning feel intuitive.
  • The course videos show Tim teaching a real student, making the approach easy to follow.
  • Tim shared feedback from teachers who have used the course with great success and student engagement.

Links Mentioned

Todayโ€™s Sponsor

RSL Awards is leading the next generation of creativity. We are an international Awarding Organisation, creating qualifications in music, performing arts, and creative industries subjects.

Our vision is to help teachers and students within the creative arts sector through a range of innovative, relevant, and rewarding resources and qualifications. This includes our flagship Rockschool graded resources for piano.

The new edition of Rockschool Piano offers a holistic approach to piano education, shaped around the needs of todayโ€™s musicians. Exploring five centuries of music, from classical to classic rock, this genre-spanning syllabus features an expansive mix of popular Hit Tunes, bespoke Rockschool Originals, and brand-new suites of technical study, all packed with class-leading technology.

Thank you for tuning in!

Consider implementing the ideas from this podcast by writing several actionable steps for your teaching practice if itโ€™s inspired you.

If you enjoyed todayโ€™s show, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, which helps other teachers find our show.

Stay updated byย subscribing to this show, and get automatic delivery to your device every time a new episode goes live! We publish on Mondays weekly.

TopMusicPro 14-Day Free Trial

Heard about TopMusicPro Membership? As a valued podcast listener, Iโ€™d like to offer you a special chance to try our community free for 14 days. You can access a treasure trove of teaching resources, professional development courses, and creative lesson ideas. Click the link below to access your exclusive 14-day free trial for our Studio Membership.

TOPMUSICPRO MEMBERSHIP 14-DAY FREE TRIAL

Your ultimate teaching resource

subscribe to the
Integrated music teaching podcast

Are you ready to upgrade your teaching?

Join the world's largest
creative music teaching membership

30 day money back guarantee

We understand that confirming your membership is a significant decision, so if you purchase a subscription and, within the first month, realise that this is not the right fit for you, simply send a message and we will refund your money immediately.

contact us

Copyright 2026 Top Music Education PTY LTD

Reach out to learn more about our multi-teacher memberships