In this episode, we’re chatting with Tony Parlapiano, a passionate piano instructor and the mastermind behind PopMATICS. Listen in as he takes us on a journey through his innovative curriculum designed for music enthusiasts seeking a hands-on learning experience. Tony also shares his personal evolution as a piano teacher and the transformative journey of his piano studio. From the hybrid model of live classes and video lessons to the emphasis on customization and student empowerment, get ready to explore the world of PopMATICS and its unique approach to music education.

• Tony shares a brief overview of his online music school, which offers a hybrid model blending live classes with video lessons.
• PopMATICS overview and how it aims to make music easy by simplifying the learning process, emphasizing customization for students’ needs and preferences.
• He shares his unique perspective as a piano teacher who never had piano lessons as a child, which influences his teaching approach.
• His transition to piano from brass instruments during college and his journey into music education.
• PopMATICS curriculum, focusing on creating, listening, understanding, covering improvisation, playing by ear, and music theory concepts.
• How the program evolved to streamline class structure, concentrate on key learning areas, and ensure each class offers a complete learning experience.
• The challenges of teaching to all levels simultaneously and PopMATICS’ approach has proven successful in providing a comprehensive music education online.
• Emphasis on learning music through listening rather than performance-based curriculum.
• How the curriculum bridges the gap between classical and jazz music, providing clarity and understanding for students interested in diverse genres.
• Tony highlights the role of Angela Senicz as his partner who’s instrumental in the development and success of PopMATICS.

Guest Links:

• PopMATICS Website
• TC188: Inspiring Students with Interest-Based Learning with Tony Parlapiano

Today’s Guest

Tony Parlapiano is a piano instructor and the creator of popMATICS—a curriculum for students who love music and want to take an active role in the direction of their learning. On today’s episode, Tony shares his own journey to becoming a piano teacher and how he has transformed his piano studio over the past few years. Here’s my interview with Tony.

About Rachel Ehring

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 Accompanying from the University of Kansas. She currently serves as Director at St. John’s Conservatory of the Arts in Orange County, CA. Previously, she held positions at Concordia University Irvine and Henderson State University. Rachel is passionate about empowering music teachers to create engaging and exciting lessons for students of all ages. When she isn’t playing the piano, you might find Rachel reading books with her son or walking her beagle Frieda.

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