Making music with others can transform how students experience learning the piano. Today, we’re chatting with Kay Lowry about why ensemble playing should start from the very first lesson, and how collaborative music-making helps students build rhythm, listening skills, confidence, and a deeper sense of joy in their musical journey.

• Kay shared how she has spent more than 40 years teaching music to children.
• Why ensemble playing can begin from a student’s very first lesson.
• How playing with others builds listening and coordination skills.
• She described how ensemble activities help students develop steady rhythm.
• Why ensemble playing encourages students to stay engaged and motivated.
• How duets can make early lessons more interactive and fun.
• She explained how ensemble work strengthens students’ confidence.
• The importance of making music a shared experience.
• How ensemble playing helps students feel part of a musical community.
• Kay shared that ensemble playing reduces the pressure of performing alone.
• Why playing together helps students develop stronger musical awareness.
• She encouraged teachers to model collaborative music-making in lessons.
• Kay reminded teachers that joy and connection are central to music learning.

Links Mentioned

• Get your EARLY BIRD tickets for TopMusicLive 2026 here.
• Kay’s website: www.pianomusicforkids.com
• Kay’s Instagram page: @pianomusicforkids
• Kay’s Facebook page: Piano Music for Kids 
• Kay’s YouTube page: www.youtube.com/@pianomusicforkids
• Download Kay’s free, multi-level ensemble with a training video.

Today’s Guest

Kay Lowry is a piano teacher dedicated to helping people learn and love music! For over 40 years, Kay has been teaching children through her studio, classroom, or choir room. She hopes to help parents, kids, and teachers have joy and fun as they continue in the journey of music making. When not teaching or creating, Kay is busy with her grandchildren, her miniature dachshund, and going on hiking adventures with her energetic husband!

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.

• Visit her website at RachelEhring.com
• Visit her Instagram page: @rachelehring
• Visit her YouTube channel: @dreamlavendermusic6694
• Visit her Etsy shop at Dream Lavender Music

Thank you for tuning in!

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