Group teaching doesn’t have to mean giving up individual attention. Today, I’m sharing a chat I had with Lynnette Barney about how she’s refined her overlapping lesson model to give students the best of private instruction, collaborative learning, and independent work in a single visit. Even though we recorded this a little while ago, the ideas are just as relevant today for building stronger communities and more sustainable music studios.

• Tim explained how Lynnette redesigned her overlapping lesson model.
• She shared why shorter private lessons improved student focus.
• She explained how lab time builds independent learners.
• The benefits of combining private and group learning.
• Lynnette shared how Tonara extends learning between lessons.
• She explained why she hired teaching assistants to support her studio.
• Tim highlighted the value of collaborative lesson planning.
• Lynnette shared how community improves student retention.
• She explained why making music together motivates students.
• Tim highlighted the flexibility of different group teaching models.
• Lynnette encouraged teachers to experiment and stay focused on their why.
• The importance of building a sustainable teaching business was highlighted.

Links Mentioned

• Lynnette’s website: Creative Keys
• TopCast Episode 35: Teaching outside the box with Lynnette Barney
• Download the Financial Case Study of Overlapping Group Teaching with Lynette Barney

Today’s Guest

Lynnette Barney has been a music educator in Tucson for over thirty years. She is a member of Music Teachers National Association (MTNA), Arizona State Music Teachers Association (ASMTA), and Tucson Music Teachers Association (TMTA) and has served as treasurer, state conference co-chair, committee chair and member, and in other positions. Ms. Barney was chosen as the ASMTA Janice McCurnin-Beatrice Searles Honored Teacher in May, 2025.

As a collaborative musician she has accompanied choirs, musical theater productions, voice lessons, and ballet classes. She also serves as a church musician and enjoys presenting at state, national and online music teacher conferences. She has studied with Dr. Rex Woods, Dr. Jeffrey Shumway, and David Glen Hatch. She’s been featured on podcasts and blogs with Nicola Canton, Jennifer Foxx, and Tim Topham.

Ms. Barney seeks to preparing students to be lifelong musicians and has enjoyed preparing her students to accompany school, college, and church choirs; earn college piano scholarships; serve as church organists; share music with their families; and play for their own love of the piano.

Thank you for tuning in!

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

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