The Piano Pantry Podcast

After 25 years of piano teaching, I'm reflecting on how studio size shapes everything—from scheduling and group classes to communication and materials. Whether you teach 12 or 45 students, this episode explores five key areas where size matters—and how to adapt your studio to match your life and teaching goals.Subscribe to Amy's email listEpisode Links & Transcipt: https://pianopantry.com/podcast/episode159

What does it mean to “gather with intention” when saying goodbye to long-time students? In this heartfelt episode, I share reflections, practical ideas, and meaningful rituals for the final piano lesson—celebrating growth, affirming identity, and creating a memorable close to your students' musical journey.Items Mentioned and Other Related ContentSupport the podcast Subscribe to Amy's email listEpisode Links & Transcipt: https://pianopantry.com/podcast/episode158

Celebrate the Easter season with lighthearted favorites—from lemon desserts and Reese's egg dupes to festive piano sheet music, teaching tips, and a joyful playlist.Episode Links & Transcipt: https://pianopantry.com/podcast/episode157

Explore rhythm audiation through macro- and microbeat patterns. Learn how Music Learning Theory (MLT) reframes rhythm by sound and function, not notation, using enrhythmic rhythm syllables. Guided exercises, teaching applications, and new resources to help you and your students audiate with confidence and clarity.Items Mentioned and Other Related ContentSupport the podcastSubscribe to Amy's email listEpisode Links & Transcipt: https://pianopantry.com/podcast/episode156

Relocating your piano studio can feel overwhelming, but it's also an opportunity for growth. In this episode, Laura Harding shares her experience moving her studio after 30 years of teaching. From breaking the news to students to rebuilding in a new community, Laura offers practical tips and encouragement for teachers facing a similar transition.Items Mentioned and Other Related ContentSupport the podcast Subscribe to Amy'e email listEpisode Links & Transcipt: https://pianopantry.com/podcast/episode155

Struggling to keep up with studio tasks? In this episode, Amy shares how digital calendars and task management apps can help you automate recurring tasks—weekly, monthly, or annually—so nothing slips through the cracks. A practical tool that will help streamline your workflow for both studio and personal life!Items Mentioned and Other Related ContentSupport the podcast Subscribe to Amy'e email listEpisode Links & Transcipt: pianopantry.com/podcast/episode154

In this reflective episode, Amy shares six things she's letting go of in 2025, from unrealistic expectations to daily habits that no longer serve her. Join the conversation and consider what you might release this year to create a more balanced studio and personal life.Episode Links & Transcript:https://pianopantry.com/podcast/episode153Support the podcast Subscribe to Amy'e email list

Explore audiation with "Lavender's Blue" in this fun, ear-training episode. Sing, harmonize, and deepen your understanding of music—no sheet music required! Subscribe https://PianoPantry.com/subscribe Episode Links & Transcipt: https://pianopantry.com/podcast/episode152

Discover the art of progress as we explore strategies to tackle big, daunting projects. Learn how to break tasks into manageable small chunks or dive into focused larger sessions. Packed with practical examples, this episode offers insights for cultivating a balanced and productive mindset. Transcript Find the full transcript and show notes (including any links mentioned) here: https://pianopantry.com/podcast/episode151 Subscribe Join Amy's email list Support the Podcast https://pianopantry.com/patreon

In this special 150th episode, Amy chats with fellow piano teacher and podcaster Christina Whitlock. Following their “What's Working” discussion on episode 198 of the Beyond Measure Podcast, they share what's not working this season—honest reflections, relatable struggles, and lighthearted insights. Don't miss this candid and fun two-parter! Transcript Find the full transcript and show notes (including any links mentioned) here: https://pianopantry.com/podcast/episode150 Subscribe Join Amy's email list Support the Podcast https://pianopantry.com/patreon

After the sudden shutdown of Coinhop, Amy explores new auto-payment processing options for music studios. From Stripe to studio management software and bank solutions, discover practical alternatives to streamline payments and make informed decisions for your teaching studio. Transcript Find the full transcript and show notes (including any links mentioned) here: https://pianopantry.com/podcast/episode149 Subscribe Join Amy's email list Support the Podcast https://pianopantry.com/patreon

Discover six non-musical performance skills to help piano students shine this holiday season. From speaking confidently to managing sheet music and creating impactful moments, these tips go beyond the music to elevate the art of performance. Transcript Find the full transcript and show notes (including any links mentioned) here: https://pianopantry.com/podcast/episode148 Subscribe Join Amy's email list Support the Podcast https://pianopantry.com/patreon

3 tools for your kitchen Amy thinks are necessities that are not generally considered basic kitchen staples. Transcript Find the full transcript and show notes (including any links mentioned) here: https://pianopantry.com/podcast/episode147 Subscribe Join Amy's email list Support the Podcast https://pianopantry.com/patreon

The most versatile Christmas book you'll ever own; Students will learn to play by ear, accompany singing, and use a variety of accompaniment patterns and keys. Transcript Find the full transcript and show notes (including any links mentioned) here: https://pianopantry.com/podcast/episode146 Subscribe Join Amy's email list Support the Podcast https://pianopantry.com/patreon

Amy chats with Jennifer Foxx of MusicEducatorResources.com. Jennifer shares many tools she uses for content creation, including one very surprising one! Find the full transcript and show notes (including any links mentioned) here: https://pianopantry.com/podcast/episode145 Subscribe Join Amy's email list Support the Podcast https://pianopantry.com/patreon

Voice memos are a fun and easy way to help keep parents up to date in an informal way. Plus, the format is well received by families in today's mobile age. Subscribe Join Amy's email list Support the Podcast https://pianopantry.com/patreon Transcript Find the full transcript and show notes (including any links mentioned) here: https://pianopantry.com/podcast/episode144

Janna Williamson shares advice for adjudicators, including preparation, mindset, essential elements to consider, difficulties related to time vs. feedback, and more. You'll also hear how Janna's local MTA takes intentional time to train their piano festival judges. Subscribe Join Amy's email list Support the Podcast https://pianopantry.com/patreon Transcript Find the full transcript and show notes (including any links mentioned) here: https://pianopantry.com/podcast/episode143

Five ways to add a personal touch to your music studio space. Studio ambiance is more than just our pedagogical approach or relationship with our students. Transcript Find the full transcript and show notes (including any links mentioned) here: https://pianopantry.com/podcast/episode142 Subscribe Join Amy's email list Support the Podcast https://pianopantry.com/patreon

Twelve basic office items that are must-haves for you as a studio music teacher will want to have on hand in your business. Transcript Find the full transcript and show notes (including any links mentioned) here: ⁠https://pianopantry.com/podcast/episode141⁠ Subscribe Join Amy's email list Support the Podcast https://pianopantry.com/patreon Send Amy a Voice Message

Elizabeth Davis-Everhart shares how she uses Google Classroom as a communication and assignment-delivery method in her independent studio. Subscribe Join Amy's email list Support the Podcast https://pianopantry.com/patreon Transcript Find the full transcript and show notes (including any links mentioned) here: https://pianopantry.com/podcast/episode140 Send Amy a Voice Message

Did you know about this huge music video collection? Music theory, holiday, expressive movement, and more. Use for groups, music labs, or online lessons. Subscribe Join Amy's email list Support the Podcast https://pianopantry.com/patreon Transcript Find the full transcript and show notes (including any links mentioned) here: https://pianopantry.com/podcast/episode139 Send Amy a Voice Message

Five bits of advice for both newbie and novice presenters alike. We're not just talking about writing proposals or putting together a presentation but the physical act of presenting. Subscribe Join Amy's email list Support the Podcast https://pianopantry.com/patreon Transcript Find the full transcript and show notes (including any links mentioned) here: https://pianopantry.com/podcast/episode138 Send Amy a Voice Message

Staying active, busy, and productive as a professional musician is not easy. Pianists Elizabeth Yao and Kyunghoon Kim share some of the practical tips and mindset shifts that have helped them with time management, mental health, and making space for personal priorities. Pianist Kyunghoon Kim, D.M., NCTM, is Adjunct Lecturer in Music (Piano) at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. He is also a Signature Artist on Musicnotes.com, composing under the name Piano Sandbox. Elizabeth Yao, D.M., NCTM, is Lecturer in Music (Piano) at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, where she coordinates the secondary piano program, teaches piano pedagogy, and directs the Young Pianists Program. Subscribe Join Amy's email list Support the Podcast https://pianopantry.com/patreon Transcript Find the full transcript and show notes (including any links mentioned) here: https://pianopantry.com/podcast/episode137 Send Amy a Voice Message

Amy talks with Valerie Merrell, a piano teacher from Indiana, about how she utilizes Notion - a productivity and note-taking app - to manage her piano studio. Subscribe Join Amy's email list Support the Podcast https://pianopantry.com/patreon Transcript Find the full transcript and show notes (including any links mentioned) here: https://pianopantry.com/podcast/episode136

Guest host Joy Morin talks with Stephanie Thompson, a piano teacher from Michigan, about how she utilizes Notion - a productivity and note-taking app - to manage her piano studio. Subscribe Join Amy's email list Support the Podcast https://pianopantry.com/patreon Transcript Find the full transcript and show notes (including any links mentioned) here: https://pianopantry.com/podcast/episode135

Amy talks with Jill Gilbert, a piano teacher from Washington State, about how she utilizes Notion - a productivity and note-taking app - to manage her piano studio. Subscribe Join Amy's email list Support the Podcast https://pianopantry.com/patreon Transcript Find the full transcript and show notes (including any links mentioned) here: https://pianopantry.com/podcast/episode134

In the 3rd ICYMI episode of 2024, you'll hear about a one-stop superstore for printable assignment sheets. With more than 20 sheets, you can try a variety! Subscribe Join Amy's email list Support the Podcast https://pianopantry.com/patreon Transcript Find the full transcript and show notes (including any links mentioned) here: https://pianopantry.com/podcast/episode133

Hear from Amy and seven other teacher friends on what their lesson assignment life has been like after the shutdown of Tonara one year ago. Subscribe Join Amy's email list Support the Podcast https://pianopantry.com/patreon Transcript Find the full transcript and show notes (including any links mentioned) here: https://pianopantry.com/podcast/episode132

Lessons on learning after hitting a 365-day streak on Duolingo - a popular gamified language-learning app. Subscribe Join Amy's email list Support the Podcast https://pianopantry.com/patreon Transcript Find the full transcript and show notes (including any links mentioned) here: https://pianopantry.com/podcast/episode131 Send Amy a Voice Message

Freezer meal prep with Michelle Kallod - a piano teacher from North Dakota who has run a freezer meal prep workshop for more than twenty years. Transcript Find the full transcript and show notes (including any links mentioned) here: https://pianopantry.com/podcast/episode130 Subscribe Join Amy's email list Support the Podcast https://pianopantry.com/patreon Send Amy a Voice Message

A process that creates a streamlined approach to onboarding new students so you won't miss a step. This simple checklist will save you time and sanity. Subscribe Join Amy's email list. Support the Podcast https://pianopantry.com/patreon Transcript Find the full transcript and show notes (including any links mentioned) here: https://pianopantry.com/podcast/episode129 Send Amy a Voice Message

3-ring binders are a great tool for keeping student materials organized. Here are some purchase considerations and ways to use them. Subscribe Join Amy's email list Support the Podcast https://pianopantry.com/patreon Transcript Find the full transcript and show notes (including any links mentioned) here: https://pianopantry.com/podcast/episode128 Send Amy a Voice Message

4 things for the 4th that will help elevate your holiday week and the month ahead. Two are teaching-related, one just for fun, and one will help bring attention to the reason for the season. Join Amy's Email List https://pianopantry.com/subscribe Support the Podcast https://pianopantry.com/patreon Transcript Find the full transcript and show notes (including any links mentioned) here: https://pianopantry.com/podcast/episode127 Send Amy a Voice Message --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/piano-pantry-podcast/message

The second ICYMI episode is here! - A Piano Safari stuffed animal shopping guide to help you build your own collection to support this method. Join Amy's Email List https://pianopantry.com/subscribe Support the Podcast https://pianopantry.com/patreon Transcript Find the full transcript and show notes (including any links mentioned) here: https://pianopantry.com/podcast/episode126 Send Amy a Voice Message --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/piano-pantry-podcast/message

In this episode, Amy chats with six teachers who attended the 2024 Piano Pantry Retreat. You'll hear the best of what they took away from the retreat. Guest include Michelle Miller, a teacher from Ohio; Jeanine Skinner, a teacher from North Carolina; Trudi Norman, Mary Majerus, and Becky Barber, all from Georgia; and Krysta Hawkley, from Amy's home state of Indiana. Subscribe Join Amy's email list Support the Podcast https://pianopantry.com/patreon Items Mentioned and Other Related Content Find the full transcript and show notes (including any links mentioned) here: https://pianopantry.com/podcast/episode125 Send Amy a Voice Message --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/piano-pantry-podcast/message

When was the last time you cleaned out your digital contacts? Have you ever cleaned it out? Whether you use Google or Apple's iCloud Contacts, the process is the same. In this episode, you'll get some tips on how to switch contacts managers including how to use Google Contacts on an iPhone, and steps for cleaning out your contacts. Transcript Find the full transcript and show notes (including any links mentioned) here: https://pianopantry.com/podcast/episode124 Subscribe Join Amy's email list Support the Podcast https://pianopantry.com/patreon Send Amy a Voice Message --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/piano-pantry-podcast/message

Gear up for your summertime listening and learn how to utilize more Spotify features. Here are five things that you likely didn't know you could do with Spotify playlists. I've been using Spotify for as long as I can remember, and these things took a while for me to discover. Some are features I stumbled upon randomly, and some were functions I desired and realized were possible after a bit of research. Full Transcript Find the full transcript and show notes here (including screenshots of items from the episode) https://pianopantry.com/podcast/episode123 Subscribe Join Amy's email list Support the Podcast https://pianopantry.com/patreon Items Mentioned and Other Related Content See Amy's public playlists on Spotify Building a Lending Library of Piano-Themed Children's Books Listening Playlists to Accompany Music-Themed Children's Books Music-Themed Comic Books for Your Studio Lending Library Send Amy a Voice Message --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/piano-pantry-podcast/message

Three questions to ask yourself when going through your annual studio website update. Whether you're just making small tweaks to keep it fresh or doing a complete overhaul, these three items are always important to consider. Subscribe Join Amy's email list Support the Podcast https://pianopantry.com/patreon Items Mentioned and Other Related Content Read Friday Finds #275 3 Ways to Look at Your Studio Website with Fresh Eyes (Plus, My Studio Website Overhaul!) Keep Your Studio Marketing Fresh with New Branding Transcript Find the full transcript and show notes (including any links mentioned) here: https://pianopantry.com/podcast/episode122 Send Amy a Voice Message --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/piano-pantry-podcast/message

It's time to purge one aspect of your digital life, and that's “idea” clutter. Idea clutter is all of those cool ideas you've seen or heard about on the internet that you've saved here and there and everywhere! Find the full transcript and show notes (including any links mentioned) here: https://pianopantry.com/podcast/episode121 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/piano-pantry-podcast/message

In this episode, Amy chats with Gretchen Steffen, a stay-at-home-mom who teaches 15 students two nights a week. Gretchen shares her journey through her first three years of piano teaching. She has some great advice for anyone who is interested in getting started teaching but perhaps feeling inadequate in their own skills or unsure of whether it's the right move. Find the full transcript and show notes (including any links mentioned) here: https://pianopantry.com/podcast/episode120 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/piano-pantry-podcast/message

Seven ways you can connect with and tap into your local community to promote awareness and, in turn, grow your business. Find the full transcript and show notes (including any links mentioned) here: https://pianopantry.com/podcast/episode119 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/piano-pantry-podcast/message

While it could be easy to just layer students into a recital program based on the order of age or repertoire difficulty, it may not result in a pleasing experience. Crafting a program that is positive for students, the audience, and yourself as a teacher (a.k.a. recital stage manager) requires a lot more thought, attention, and careful consideration. Find the full transcript and show notes (including any links mentioned) here: https://pianopantry.com/podcast/episode118 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/piano-pantry-podcast/message

Your business is a living, breathing thing with the beautiful ability to be flexible and evolve with culture, client needs, and/or personal life. Sometimes, changes and adjustments are needed at the micro level and sometimes at the macro level. In this episode, we'll explore what that could be like for your studio and also hear about some of the adjustments Amy's making to her own. Find the full transcript and show notes (including any links mentioned) here: https://pianopantry.com/podcast/episode117 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/piano-pantry-podcast/message

If you've ever experienced emotional labor determining makeup lesson policies in your studio, today's episode will provide a little therapy. Australian-based piano teacher Samantha Coates invites a perspective that paints a vivid picture of why a no-makeup policy is absolutely reasonable. (This episode is a replay of Episode 066 - Samantha Coates on How to NOT Give Makeup Lessons.) Samantha Coates is the creator of BlitzBooks, a popular music education series focusing on theory, rote repertoire and sight reading for piano. Her 35+ years of teaching experience combined with her entertaining presentation style has made Samantha a sought-after lecturer on a wide range of pedagogical topics. Find the full transcript and show notes (including any links mentioned) here: https://pianopantry.com/podcast/episode116 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/piano-pantry-podcast/message

Putting together formal student evaluations can be very time-consuming. If you like the idea of evaluations or progress reports but struggle with the time required to craft them, I'm here to offer an alternative solution! Find the full transcript and show notes (including any links mentioned) here: https://pianopantry.com/podcast/episode115 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/piano-pantry-podcast/message

Welcome to the first-ever “ICYMI: In Case You Missed It” episode of The Piano Pantry Podcast! ICYMI episodes will feature anything from opportunities and resources I feel those in our profession should know about to items from the archives of the Piano Pantry blog that - if you've not been following me since 2016 - you might not know about! Today's episode features three free student “awards” made available to members of Music Teachers National Association. Find the full transcript and show notes (including any links mentioned) here: https://pianopantry.com/podcast/episode114 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/piano-pantry-podcast/message

Regularly scheduled downtime from teaching is important not only for us but also for our students and for maintaining a well-run business. Time off isn't just about having unending hours to read, deep clean your freezer, or go for two-hour walks; it can also mean releasing ourselves from our normal routine to make room for other things. Find the full transcript and show notes (including any links mentioned) here: https://pianopantry.com/podcast/episode113 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/piano-pantry-podcast/message

Ponderings on how we use the term “friend” within the context of our relationships with each other in the piano teacher community Find the full transcript and show notes (including any links mentioned) here: https://pianopantry.com/podcast/episode112 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/piano-pantry-podcast/message

Opportunities for independent teachers to get conference-type professional development in both large and small-scale formats, including the pros and cons of each setting. Find the full transcript and show notes (including any links mentioned) here: https://pianopantry.com/podcast/episode111 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/piano-pantry-podcast/message

You will surely be delighted by Amy's conversation with Seattle-based pianist, teacher, and clinician Peter Mack, current President of Music Teachers National Association (MTNA)! They chat on a variety of topics, including teaching specialties, Peter's natural knack for using visual descriptors, what it's like to be on a conference planning committee, tips on the proposal submission process, and much, much more. Find the full transcript and show notes (including any links mentioned) here: https://pianopantry.com/podcast/episode110 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/piano-pantry-podcast/message

Amy and her friend Joy Morin of the Color in My Piano blog share six ways they've used Notion (a productivity and note-taking app) this week as independent piano teachers. Find the full transcript and show notes (including any links mentioned) here: https://pianopantry.com/podcast/episode109 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/piano-pantry-podcast/message