Teaching Studio Stories

Quit your day job with Becs Leighton

Nicola Cantan — Tue, 28 Jun 2022 09:00:00 +0100

Today we’re heading to the UK to visit Becs Leighton. Becs had a successful career and one that she enjoyed before she gave it up to go all in with teaching and find a better life-balance for her and her family. I hope you’ll be inspired by her bravery and passion, I know I was!

Becs Leighton is a piano and flute teacher based in Bingley, West Yorkshire. She teaches from a studio in her back garden, and she teaches all ages from 4 to retired-a-long-time-ago! She is also one of the 2 Musical Directors of Bradford and Airedale Youth Choir, and occasional MD for theatre productions. Her core teaching values are built on her belief that music is for everyone - it should be inclusive, collaborative, individualised, inspiring and fun. She absolutely LOVES her job and is super geeky about putting theory into practice, so you'll find her on any training courses that help her understand more about piano and flute pedagogy, vocal coaching, and how our brains work!

Links mentioned today…

Vibrant Music Teaching: vibrantmusicteaching.com

Tell me you don't know with Lisa Kisselstein

Nicola Cantan — Tue, 21 Jun 2022 09:00:00 +0100

Today we’re visiting with Lisa Kisselstein in New York. Lisa is the definition of a lifelong learner in my book, she’s constantly questioning and seeking out answers and, as we discuss, admitting when she doesn’t know something yet. I know you’ll love our conversation and that it’ll give you an energy boost for your day.

Links mentioned today…

Vibrant Music Teaching: vibrantmusicteaching.com
TopMusic: topmusic.co
Sara Campbell: savvymusicstudio.com
Tiny Finger Takeoff: vibrantmusicteaching.com/courses/tiny-finger-takeoff
Practice Pro: vibrantmusicteaching.com/courses/practice-pro

A world-inspired studio with Aura Ruddell

Nicola Cantan — Tue, 14 Jun 2022 09:00:00 +0100

Today we’re heading to Seattle to chat to Aura Ruddell. Aura’s diverse studio sounds like exactly the place I want to learn! Content warning that you may have an urge to head back in time and sign up for lessons with her too. ;)

Aura Ruddell is a musician and the owner of Cicada Music School, an inclusive music and piano studio in Seattle for students of all ages and backgrounds.

www.cicadamusicschool.com

Links mentioned today…

Vibrant Music Teaching: vibrantmusicteaching.com
www.cicadamusicschool.com

Embracing imperfection with Marcia Kravis

Nicola Cantan — Tue, 07 Jun 2022 09:00:00 +0100

Today we’re heading to New Jersey to hear from Marcia Kravis. Marcia’s journey from harpsichordist to piano teacher is a fascinating one with lots of lessons about enjoying the longer route on the way.

Marcia teaches children ages 4 - 80 in Philadelphia, USA. Because her piano lives out of town, she bicycles to her students’ homes to teach them. Trained as a harpsichordist, she plays baroque music professionally.

Links mentioned today…

Vibrant Music Teaching: vibrantmusicteaching.com

Travelling to teaching with Mei Po Sum

Nicola Cantan — Tue, 31 May 2022 09:00:00 +0100

Today we’re heading to Singapore to visit Mei Po Sum. She hasn’t always lived there, though…far from it. Her story gave me instant itchy feet for travelling and, even more that, many flashbacks to my beginning years of teaching when I let parents run my studio. If you can relate, I think you’ll appreciate Mei Po’s perspective.

Mei Po has played the piano since she was a young child and is embracing her purpose as a piano teacher since leaving the corporate profession. Her mission is to instil a love of learning in her students so that their journey with piano will stay with them for life, even after they stop having lessons. Being based in the international hub of Singapore gives Mei Po the opportunity to teach students from different backgrounds, and she loves the diverse personalities that she interacts with each week. In her spare time, Mei Po loves to travel, cook, and indulge in her favourite books and tv shows.

Links mentioned today…

Vibrant Music Teaching: vibrantmusicteaching.com

Exploring new strategies with Juanita Stauffer

Nicola Cantan — Tue, 24 May 2022 09:00:00 +0100

Today we’re visiting Juanita Stauffer in Alberta, Canada. I’m hoping to meet Juanita in real life when covid finally allows me to attend the Alberta Piano Teacher’s Association conference but until then it was such a pleasure to chat with her virtually. I think Juanita’s advice about sticking to your policies might hit home for you in a way that this hasn’t rung true before.

Juanita Stauffer teaches a great group of students in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, in her private piano studio. She enjoys making music with her students, playing cello in a community orchestra, reading, knitting, baking and gardening. Juanita is the president of the Alberta Piano Teachers Association and loves to encourage other teachers in their teaching endeavours.

Links mentioned today…

Vibrant Music Teaching: vibrantmusicteaching.com

Teach or swim with Graham Diesel

Nicola Cantan — Tue, 17 May 2022 09:00:00 +0100

Today we’re visiting Graham Diesel in South Africa. Graham has been thrown into the deep end of teaching over and over and has some great insights on the differences between the classroom and the private lesson.

Links mentioned today…

Vibrant Music Teaching: vibrantmusicteaching.com

Stop shoulding yourself with Fiona Cockling

Nicola Cantan — Tue, 10 May 2022 09:00:00 +0100

Today we’re going to hear from Fiona Cockling in England. Like me, Fiona didn’t study music at university and she sometimes deals with self-doubt when talking to other teachers online. Listen to hear how she manages these thoughts and finds balance in her studio.

Fiona has lived and worked in the north east of England for almost 2 decades and teaches students from age 3 to retired adults. She also plays church organ on Sundays and has played the clarinet in orchestras and wind bands.

Links mentioned today…

Vibrant Music Teaching: vibrantmusicteaching.com

Late to the games party with Carmen Carpenter

Nicola Cantan — Tue, 03 May 2022 09:00:00 +0100

Today we’re heading over to Carmen Carpenter in Pennsylvania. Carmen describes herself in this interview as being late to using games but I say you’re never too late to join this party! If you’ve never used games to teach…perhaps this will inspire you to try it this week?

Carmen Carpenter has taught music in a school setting as well as in her home studio for almost 30 years. Teaching combines two of her favorite things: music and kids! Besides teaching music, Carmen loves spending time with family playing games, working puzzles, and watching movies. She is also an avid reader and loves taking long walks on her local, woodsy trails.

Links mentioned today…

Vibrant Music Teaching: vibrantmusicteaching.com

Search for the Spark with Lydia Wills

Nicola Cantan — Tue, 26 Apr 2022 09:00:00 +0100

LYDIA INTRODUCTION

Today we’re heading to Australia to visit Lydia Wills. Her first teacher is an unusual story! I’d love to hear if you had a similar experience. Lydia’s thoughts on understanding that our students are not us particularly stood out to me in our conversation and I hope you get some thinking points from that too.

Links mentioned today…

FACEjibbidy-jibbidyFACE: https://vibrantmusicteaching.com/facejibbidy-jibbidyface/

Growth mindset with Helen Raymaker

Nicola Cantan — Tue, 01 Mar 2022 09:00:00 +0100

Today we’re heading over to see Helen Raymaker in Illinois. Helen has experienced many studio moves which must have been challenging but she always seems to see the light and the delight in everything. I’m sure this episode will delight you too.

Helen Raymaker is a pianist with a passion for kids in music. She is a past accompanist for Harmonium Choral Society in New Jersey, Drew University, Light Opera of New Jersey, and various schools and faith communities. She currently maintains a dynamic online teaching studio in Northbrook, IL, and is the accompanist for the Glenbrook North High School choral program. Helen has music and business degrees from Northwestern University.

Links mentioned today…

Vibrant Music Teaching: vibrantmusicteaching.com

Games on repeat with Ashmitha Jasper

Nicola Cantan — Tue, 22 Feb 2022 09:00:00 +0100

Today we’re going to visit Ashmitha Jasper in Delhi, India. Ashmitha took a break from teaching to go get a “real” job before coming back to where she should have been all along. It’s clear that she puts a lot of attention into how she teaches and no spoilers but I know you’ll love the story of her travelling student.

Ashmitha Jasper showed an interest in music very early in life, prompting her parents to introduce her to classical music. She began formal piano classes when she turned six. Her classical training opened up opportunities in other aspects of her life, in school she played the piano for all school assemblies and other events. She also performed solo piano recitals at various school level competitions. During college she regularly performed at cultural festivals and at different music venues. Amidst all of these, she continued to stay focused on her classical training. She appeared for her ATCL by the age of 19 and passed the exam. While pursuing a professional career in the financial sector, she discovered she had a passion for teaching, quit her job, and began to pursue teaching as a full time occupation. Nurturing the love of classical music in her pupils, helping them express themselves through music, and watching them grow musically became a passionate pursuit.

Links mentioned today…

Practice Plays: https://vibrantmusicteaching.com/practice-plays/

One step at a time with Victoria Clark

Nicola Cantan — Tue, 15 Feb 2022 09:00:00 +0100

Today we’re heading over to the UK to meet Victoria Clark. I’m sure Victoria’s transfer student story will sound familiar to you too. You’ve either had a student like this or you will soon and I being prepared to take it back to the start is essential.

Victoria Clark is a piano teacher based near Portsmouth, UK, and teaches both adults and children from beginner level upwards. She has been teaching since 2007 and is an ISM member (Incorporated Society of Musicians) as well as a member of VMT (Vibrant Music Teaching) and CPT (Curious Piano Teachers). She aims to inspire her students to not only learn the foundations of playing the piano, but also to discover the beauty of music themselves and enjoy all the benefits that piano playing provides.

victoriaclarkpiano.com

Links mentioned today…

Vibrant Music Teaching: vibrantmusicteaching.com

Smooth Student-Teacher Sailing with Colin Campbell

Nicola Cantan — Tue, 08 Feb 2022 09:00:00 +0100

Today we’re visiting Colin Campbell in Virginia. Colin had the enviable experience of being mentored by his teacher in his first years. I hope his story inspires you to seek out a mentor if you’re a new teacher or to help a new teacher find their feet so their first years are as smooth as Colin’s!

Colin Campbell is the owner of PianoMusicality, a piano studio located in the countryside of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. He loves finding creative approaches to teaching that align with each individual student’s unique learning styles and musical aspirations. An avid pianist since childhood, he became interested in teaching piano in his mid-teens, when he completed a year long internship with his teacher, where he taught students under her guidance and received mentoring on how to become a piano teacher. After that, he started his own music studio, where he now teaches 18 students, encompassing a wide range of ages and abilities, from young children to adults, and beginners to early advanced students.

Links mentioned today…

https://vibrantmusicteaching.com/courses/mentorship-model

Relaxing strictness with April Wentzell

Nicola Cantan — Tue, 01 Feb 2022 09:00:00 +0100

Today we’re talking to April Wentzell. When preparing for this interview, April said she thought she would be a good fit for our show ethos because she’s “perfectly imperfect”. I’m sure many of you will resonate with that statement and others will aspire to feel that relaxed and comfortable in our own little imperfections.

April Wentzell started playing the electronic organ when she was 5 for fun and formally started piano studies at age 8 with her lifelong mentor, Mrs. Sylvia Javellana. She finished her Bachelor's Degree in Music (Major in Piano Performance) from the University of the Philippines. She has been teaching piano since she was 19 years old. She now lives in Gloucester City, New Jersey with her husband and daughter, where she has been teaching piano from her home studio for almost 9 nine years. She loves teaching piano and she hopes what she teaches to her students will last a lifetime.

Links mentioned today…

Vibrant Music Teaching: vibrantmusicteaching.com

The Joy of the Moment with Teresa Petrusma

Nicola Cantan — Tue, 25 Jan 2022 09:00:00 +0100

Today we’re going to visit Teresa Petrusma in Ontario, Canada. I had the pleasure of meeting Teresa in person when I was in Canada a few years ago and she is a ray of sunshine personified. I know you’ll love this chat and that it will bring joy to your day as it did mine!

Links mentioned today…

Practice Plays: https://vibrantmusicteaching.com/practice-plays/

Letting teaching take over with Roopika Bhatla

Nicola Cantan — Tue, 18 Jan 2022 09:00:00 +0100

Today we’re talking to Roopika Bhatla, a piano and voice teacher in Noida, India. Roopika was one of the lucky ones who had her former teacher to guide her when she first started teaching. In this interview, she shares her lessons from preschoolers, games and so much more.

Roopika is a young pianist, teacher and owner at the Trill Piano Studio in Noida, India and has been teaching Western Classical music since 2016. Her love for music started as early as when she was 5 years old . And growing up she always had music in her life, learning the Hindustani Classical Music, being part of the school choir throughout, playing the keyboard and finally finding her love in piano. She is now preparing for her ATCL diploma. Her passion for music and teaching drove her to leave a successful corporate career and change her profession completely. She loves to teach young children and make their learning experience a joyful and memorable one! She understands the importance of music and hopes to enhance the music education system in India!

Links mentioned today…

Dogs and Gates: https://vibrantmusicteaching.com/dogs-and-gates

Dedication and self-doubt with Serena Sheane

Nicola Cantan — Tue, 11 Jan 2022 09:30:00 +0100

Today we’re visiting with Serena Sheane. Serena is a piano teacher based in London who is originally from Ireland so you’ll get double the Irish accents in this episode. Serena was a highly motivated student herself and we discuss the benefits and difficulties of teaching when you come from that background as well dealing with self-doubt as a younger teacher.

Before we get going I want to explain one little thing. In the first section, Serena refers to “GAA” and neither of us thought to explain it in the moment! That’s a common abbreviation here in Ireland for our local Gaelic sports.

Links mentioned today…

Rhythm Railroad: https://vibrantmusicteaching.com/rhythm-railroad-1-tappers
Circle of Fifths Odyssey: https://vibrantmusicteaching.com/courses/circle-of-fifths-odyssey

Trusting your teaching gut with Heidi Vandermeersch

Nicola Cantan — Tue, 11 Jan 2022 09:15:00 +0100

Today we’re visiting with Heidi Vandermeersch in Belgium. Heidi has been teaching for a long time but had to make some big pivots a few years ago when the curriculum and structure changed. I found it fascinating to learn about a music education system that is so different from the Irish one and yet still has echoes of the same conundrums we face here and I’m sure you will too.

Heidi is a 50 year old happily married mum of 4 kids between 8 and 14. She graduated in 1994 at the Lemmensinstituut (now part of “School of Arts”) in Leuven, Belgium as “Laureaat” piano and piano pedagogy. She lives in Ieper, Belgium where she teaches piano at “dé Academie”, the local music academy. She teaches around 60 students between 8 and 80. She also sings in Chorus, a local choir, and accompanies the Chorus Youth choir. In the little bit of spare time she has, she enjoys reading a good historic or romantic novel, going for a walk and cooking for the family.

You be YOU with Stephan Nance

Nicola Cantan — Tue, 11 Jan 2022 09:00:00 +0100

Today we’re talking to Stephan Nance, a musician, writer, and piano teacher in Oregon. Stephan jumped head first into teaching before realising how much work is involved, an approach I think many of us, including myself, can relate to. In this interview, there are so many lessons about self-acceptance, being who you are and running your own race. You’re going to love it. If you want more from Stephan, go look up their album Look at the Harlequins! on Spotify after this. I think you’ll love that too.

Stephan’s performing credits under the name Sparkbird include multiple tours in Japan and Europe. Their album Look at the Harlequins! attracted the attention of Birding Magazine and the National Audubon Society for its abundant bird references. For their fiction, Stephan is a 2021 Lambda Literary Fellow and a 2022 Tin House YA Workshop Scholar. Stephan lives in Portland, Oregon, with their partner Adam, as well as two parrots who love to do tricks for piano students.

Links mentioned today…

Rainbow Race: vibrantmusicteaching.com/rainbow-race
Piano Safari for the Older Student: https://pianosafari.com/product-category/method/older-student/level-1-older-student
Look at the Harlequins! https://open.spotify.com/album/4YRDi6Hh6rMTnkmqx4Iudx?si=Kb0_cZ4nQcaBiYQAsoyvPQ

Teaching Studio Stories Podcast Trailer

Nicola Cantan — Tue, 21 Dec 2021 09:00:00 +0100

Welcome to Teaching Studio Stories, the podcast that brings you lessons and laughter from real music teachers all around the world. Each week we’ll visit with a teacher to learn about their studio and their journey with music so far. They may be young, old, experienced or brand new. They might have 5 other jobs or run a multi-teacher music school. The one thing that’s for certain is that you’ll see part of your story in theirs.

I’m your host Nicola Cantan. My membership site, Vibrant Music Teaching, helps teachers all over the world to include more games and creativity in their lessons, so that their students giggle their way through music theory and make faster progress. I also run a popular blog, Colourful Keys, where we write about creative ideas and teaching strategies and a solo podcast, The Vibrant Music Teaching Podcast where I share proven and practical tips and strategies for music teachers.

Episodes publish each Tuesday morning so tell your teaching friends that they can listen for free in any audio app that supports podcasts. Listen to the episodes to discover the teaching studio stories you didn’t know you needed to hear and hit the subscribe button so you don’t miss the next one.