Episode Details

As I approach episode 100, I wanted to pause and reflect on what the first 99 episodes of this podcast have meant to me. In this solo episode, I'm going to share memories from my own early piano lessons, the lessons I’ve learned from incredible guests, and how hosting this podcast has shaped me as a teacher and leader. It’s a look back filled with gratitude, growth, and excitement for what’s coming next.

• Rachel shared why episode 99 felt like the right moment to pause before episode 100.
• How her early piano lessons began with confusion and the need to start simpler.
• The importance of meeting students where they are rather than pushing ahead too fast.
• Rachel shared how enjoyment and exploration at the piano fueled her long-term growth.
• She reflected on the teachers and incentives that shaped her love for music.
• How saying yes to hosting the podcast came with excitement and imposter syndrome.
• She highlighted how curiosity has driven meaningful conversations with guests.
• Rachel shared how the podcast has made her a better teacher and conservatory leader.
• She reflected on standout guest episodes that reshaped her thinking on teaching and careers.
• Rachel expressed gratitude to listeners, guests, Tim Topham, and the TopMusic team as she looks ahead to episode 100.

Links Mentioned

• TopCast 448: Well… This Is Happening!
• TMPP 001: Using Stories in Beginner Piano Lessons
• TMPP 002: How to Have Conversations With Parents of Neurodiverse Students with Tara Mock
• TMPP 031: The Power of Music with Robin Spielberg
• TMPP 049: Growing Creative Cultivation Studio with Shannon Saravia
• TMPP 057: Performing in the Context of YouTube with Annique Göttler
• TMPP 082: Introducing the Athena Narrow Keys Piano with Linda Gould
• TMPP 086: What Happens When You Double Your Rates with Eric Branner

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