• Dr. Mario Aschauer explained musicology as the study of all aspects of music.
• He shared how his performance background led him into scholarly editing.
• The value of figured bass and continuo in modern training was discussed.
• Tim asked what makes an Urtext edition trustworthy or problematic.
• Mario emphasized that Urtext is a starting point, not an absolute truth.
• He explained why even beginners can benefit from using Urtext editions.
• The conversation highlighted editorial interpretation and creative freedom.
• Mario debunked common misconceptions about the ‘sacredness’ of Urtext.
• He shared behind-the-scenes stories of editing Beethoven and Mozart scores.
• How performance practice, research, and editing intertwine.
• Teachers were encouraged to explore the stories and context behind the scores.

• Dr Mario Aschauer's website: mario-aschauer.info
• Dr Mario Aschauer's YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/marioaschauer
• Harmonia Stellarum Houston

• Tim introduced the new TopMusic Courses platform for teacher PD.
• He explained it’s a standalone platform, separate from the membership.
• The platform offers on-demand, expert-led courses across key teaching topics.
• Tim shared that many teachers feel overwhelmed and want simple course access.
• He emphasized the flexibility of self-paced learning with one-time payments.
• The value of PD was compared to an investment that multiplies returns.
• He encouraged teachers to view online learning as part of their creative growth.
• The platform supports piano, guitar, and soon, more instruments.
• Tim invited teachers to explore the site and try one idea in one lesson.

• Click here to find out more about TopMusic Courses and use TOPCOURSE50 upon checkout to get 50% off any course.

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Too often, I see well-meaning parents unknowingly limiting their child’s potential by holding onto outdated ideas of what music lessons should be. In this episode, I’m sharing a personal message I wrote to help shift that mindset—an open letter to piano parents. It’s a heartfelt invitation to move beyond exam-driven expectations and embrace a more creative, joyful, and lasting approach to learning music. Drawing on my own experiences and conversations with educators around the world, I’ll share why it’s time to rethink how we define success in music education.

• Tim shared his open letter to help parents support modern music education.
• He explained the shift from exam-based to creative learning in piano teaching.
• The value of music lessons goes beyond exams and competitions.
• He emphasized the long-term benefits of music on brain development and life skills.
• Tim outlined the real costs—time, energy, money—involved in music education.
• He warned against the “exam express” that can lead to student burnout.
• The importance of curiosity, creativity, and relevance in music lessons was discussed.
• Tim encouraged parents to trust teachers using new, student-focused approaches.
• He urged parents not to push exams unless guided by the teacher.
• Tim highlighted that lifelong musical enjoyment should be the real goal.

• An Open Letter to Parents of Piano Students
• Contact us at support@topmusic.co

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

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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.

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• Anna shared how her pet-themed compositions were inspired by connecting with students’ pets during lockdown.
• The use of phrases like “ice cream for breakfast” to help students internalize tricky rhythms.
• The importance of tailoring rhythm games and phrases to each student’s interests.
• How she integrates movement and conducting to teach articulation and phrasing.
• Why she considers herself a pedagogical composer, writing with specific teaching goals in mind.
• How modulation and pivot chords are introduced naturally in her compositions.
• Tim noted how Anna’s left-hand writing often uses patterns that look complex but are easy to teach and break down.
• How composing often begins as a response to a specific student need or learning gap.
• Modeling creativity and improvisation during lessons as a way to normalize student composition.
• Anna's advice to teachers and composers.

• Anna's website: Flying Ivories Music
• Anna's YouTube Channel: Flying Ivories Music
• Find more about TopMusicSheets here.
• Download the latest TopMusic Magazine edition here.

• Tim shared his personal experience switching to monthly billing in his own studio.
• The benefits of monthly billing, including consistent income and automated payments.
• How this model removes the need for invoicing and chasing late payments.
• The importance of using software like My Music Staff to streamline billing.
• The 4-step process of setting up monthly billing.
• Tim encouraged teachers not to undercharge and to price confidently based on their value.
• He suggested bundling costs like recital fees and materials into the monthly charge for simplicity.
• The value of automation was emphasized—once set up, teachers no longer worry about billing.

• Download your Free Monthly Billing Template
• Find more about Fons here

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• David shared his new book The Savvy Musician 2.0, a sequel to his widely influential original.
• Why success is not about choosing between money and meaning but about aligning all three.
• He highlighted that being “savvy” means being strategic, creative, and intentional.
• The value of cross-industry inspiration as key to fresh thinking and innovation in music education.
• How listening to diverse stories helped him discover unexpected, deeply inspiring ideas for the book.
• David noted that innovation often comes from applying ideas in new contexts.
• He challenged the perception that classical musicians should only recreate composers’ intent.
• The concept of Creative Performance Practice, which invites students to co-create with composers.
• How teachers can help students build ownership and decision-making by embracing creativity.
• The limitations of popular terms like “entrepreneur” or “innovator” and why “savvy” is more inclusive.
• He encouraged music teachers to ask better questions that unlock bold, unconventional answers.
• David predicted that by 2050, music education will rely on immersive virtual environments and AI, but human creativity will remain irreplaceable.
• He emphasized that savvy teachers of the future will be those who help students develop the human skills that technology can’t replicate.

• David's Website: SavvyMusician.com
• David's Book: The Savvy Musician 2.0: Amplifying Impact, Income, and Inspiration
• David's Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/drdavidcutler
• David's LinkedIn Profile: www.linkdin.com/in/davidjcutler
• The Puzzler Company

• TTTV043: Building Impact and Income with David Cutler
• TopCast 412: Cracking the Code: Studio Business Lessons from My Chiropractor
• TopCast 416: Bundling: How to Position Your Music Studio for Value, Not Price
• If you’d like to read David’s full article, download your copy of TopMusic Magazine, free at topmusic.co/magazine.

• Tim explained that lowering prices isn’t the solution—raising your value is.
• He shared that parents often compare studios on price when all the offerings seem the same.
• The importance of differentiation either through your lesson experience or bundled offerings.
• Identifying your “zone of genius” and build their studio around what energizes them.
• How to structure standout lessons like focusing on specific students or unique teaching methods.
• Bundling as a strategy to include extras like group classes, welcome packs, and app subscriptions.
• Why bundling shifts the conversation from “Why so expensive?” to “Wow, that includes everything?”
• Marketing your studio as a full musical experience and not just a service.
• Real-world examples of how to reframe your pricing with bundled value and perks.

• Make More, Teach Less with Pairs, Buddies and Labs Course

TOPMUSICPRO MEMBERSHIP 14-DAY FREE TRIAL

• Tim shared some practical, low-cost ideas for finding new students fast.
• He introduced the “Find Students Fast” checklist, available as a free download for music teachers.
• Jono and Sarah explained that your current students and their families are your best starting point for referrals.
• The value of testimonials, reviews, and word-of-mouth as powerful trust-builders.
• Optimizing your Google Business profile and Facebook page for local visibility.
• Offering events like “Bring a Friend Day” or casual group sessions to attract new interest.
• Connecting with school teachers, music stores & local groups to build long-term referral networks.
• They recommended joining local teacher directories and online platforms.
• The value of old-school promotion like flyers, signs, and community noticeboards.
• Tim encouraged teachers to take just one actionable idea and try it this week for results.

• Download your Find Students Fast: The Essential Music Teacher Marketing Checklist here

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