• The TopCast: The Official Music Teachers' Podcast

  • By: Tim Topham
  • Podcast

The TopCast: The Official Music Teachers' Podcast

By: Tim Topham
  • Summary

  • The original podcast for growth-minded instrumental music and voice teachers since 2015. Our mission at TopMusic is to empower music teachers to find and nurture their innate creativity so they can teach lessons that are innovative, integrated and inspiring, and that will have a positive, life-long impact on their students. Tune in weekly as we interview teachers and creators from around the world and unpack fun and exciting ideas to maximise your teaching and studio business success.
    Copyright Top Music Education
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Episodes
  • 396: TopMusic Steps to Success in 2025
    Dec 16 2024
    In today's episode, join me as I reflect on our incredible journey throughout 2024, highlighting our significant achievements and events. We'll also be looking ahead to the exciting plans and new initiatives we have in store for the TopMusic community in the coming year. Whether you're a long-time listener or just tuning in, this episode is packed with valuable insights and inspiring updates to help you kickstart the new year on a high note.
    • Tim reflected on 2024 activities, events, and achievements.
    • The launch of TopMusic Magazine, which now has 11 issues and 1,000 subscribers.
    • Various new courses and workshops, including Tim’s keynote speech at MTNA 2024 Conference.
    • The launch of the TopMusicPiano Podcast and the reboot of The TopCast.
    • Introduction of multi-teacher memberships.
    • Steps to Success Pathway, which is a detailed plan for music teachers' growth.
    • Sneak peak on the plans for 2025, including new courses for TopMusicPro members.
    • Upcoming launching of a new podcast focused on AI for music teaching.
    • Enhancements in community engagement through Facebook groups and newsletters.
    • Tim honored the entire team behind TopMusic for all their efforts in making 2024 a successful year.
    • Tim also expressed his gratitude to listeners and TopMusicPro members for their continued and never-ending support.

    Links Mentioned
    • Download your Steps to Success handout here.
    • TopMusicSheets
    • TopMusicGames
    • TopMusic Magazine
    • TopMusic 12-Week Studio Transformation
    • No Book Beginners Book
    • Facebook Group for TopMusicPro members
    • Facebook Group for TopMusicCo
    • Email us at support@topmusic.co

    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. TopMusicPro 14-Day Free Trial Heard about TopMusicPro Membership? As a valued podcast listener, I’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

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    29 mins
  • 395: Meet TopMusicSheets Composer Nicole DiPaolo
    Dec 9 2024
    In this episode, we're delighted to introduce you to TopMusicSheets composer for December, Nicole DiPaolo, a dynamic musician praised for her powerful interpretations and sensitive performances. Nicole joins us to share her journey from a young music theory enthusiast to a celebrated collaborative pianist and educational composer. Throughout our conversation, she reveals the inspirations behind her diverse compositions, her unique pedagogical approach, and her commitment to filling gaps in the market with meaningful and challenging pieces. Tune in to explore her multifaceted career and gain insights into her process of creating music that resonates with both students and educators alike. Don't miss this deep dive into the world of a modern composer making a significant impact on music education.
    • Discussion of Nicole being the TopMusicSheets composer for December.
    • Nicole shared a brief overview of her journey in music composition and teaching.
    • Her influences from both historical composers and modern pedagogical needs.
    • Variety and challenges in her compositions, like unusual time signatures and rich harmonic content.
    • Importance of creating pedagogical pieces that sound substantial and non-childish.
    • Nicole’s emphasis on theoretical training and understanding musical grammar.
    • Her unique approach to addressing gaps in the market for educational music, particularly for adult students and those preparing for historically informed performances.
    • Insight into her methods for making complex concepts accessible to students at various skill levels.
    • Nicole's advice for other teachers and composers.
    • Importance of writing music that is both pedagogically sound and enjoyable for students.

    Links Mentioned
    • Learn more about TopMusicSheets here
    • Watch Tim playthrough Nicole DiPaolo’s TopMusicSheets Collection here.
    • Nicole DiPaolo's Website
    • Studio Di Paolo's Website
    • Galant Schemas

    Today’s Guest Praised as a "sensitive pianist" and "outstanding accompanist" who delivers "powerful interpretations," Nicole Elyse DiPaolo enjoys a multifaceted career as a sought-after collaborative pianist, educational composer, continuo harpsichordist, arranger, coach, private teacher, and professor. Ms. DiPaolo has appeared as a concerto soloist with the Ambassador Chamber Players on multiple occasions (two of which also featured her own Piano Trio in C minor) and as a recitalist, collaborator, and presenter worldwide. 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. TopMusicPro 14-Day Free Trial Heard about TopMusicPro Membership? As a valued podcast listener, I’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....
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    48 mins
  • 394: Meet TopMusicSheets Composer Matt Walker
    Dec 2 2024
    In today's episode, we dive into the creative world of Matt Walker, our TopMusicSheets composer for November 2024. Matt's diverse background as a writer, composer, pianist, and piano tutor brings a unique perspective to his compositions. Join me as we unpack Matt’s musical journey, from his early fascination with musical theater to his innovative teaching methods that inspire creativity in students. We'll explore several of Matt’s captivating pieces, discuss his pedagogical approaches, and learn invaluable advice for budding composers. If you're passionate about enriching your music teaching repertoire, this episode is a must-listen!
    • Matt shared a brief overview his background and accomplishments, including teaching, writing novels, and composing.
    • Discussion about Matt’s contributions to the November 2024 TopMusicSheets collection.
    • Matt describes his composition process and the themes behind his pieces.
    • He talks about his musical influences including musical theater and classical composers.
    • The role of improvisation and pedagogy in his teaching approach.
    • Importance of chord-based teaching and pattern recognition for students.
    • Matt's advice for other teachers and composers.

    Links Mentioned
    • Learn more about TopMusicSheets here.
    • Watch Tim playthrough Matt Walker's TopMusicSheets Collection here.
    • Walker Productions Facebook Page
    • Matt Walker's Amazon Author Page
    • Matt Walker YouTube Page

    Today’s Guest Matt Walker is a writer, composer, pianist and piano tutor. He was the resident pianist at the Ramada Birmingham for five years, has musically directed many shows with Trinity Players, the Vesey Players and Aldridge Youth Theatre, and now teaches and accompanies at different schools. For ten years he accompanied for the award-winning Singing Community of Choirs, winning the Manchester Amateur Choral Competition 2015 and reaching the category finals (last 4) of BBC Choir of the Year 2012. Matt has also written seven novels and dozens of short stories (many of which are published in international magazines). 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. TopMusicPro 14-Day Free Trial Heard about TopMusicPro Membership? As a valued podcast listener, I’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

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    35 mins

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