The Vibrant Music Teaching Podcast | Proven and practical tips, strategies and ideas for music teachers

Desirable difficulties might sound like a contradiction, but they're actually the key to deeper, longer-lasting piano learning. In this episode, we explore how introducing the right kind of challenge into piano practice—like rhythm variations, interleaved practice, self-testing, and varied environments—can accelerate progress and strengthen memory. Whether you're a piano teacher or a dedicated student, you'll learn how to use these evidence-based strategies to make practice more effective, meaningful, and rewarding. Discover why making things harder (on purpose!) can be the smartest way to learn.Find out more about membership at vibrantmusicteaching.com.

Why Your Child Won't Practice (and What You Can Do About It) — 2025 EditionThis age-old question has a fresh twist in 2025. In this episode, we break down the classic — and surprising new — reasons kids resist practicing music. From overscheduling and poor instruments to screen time battles and misunderstood routines, we explore what's really getting in the way and how you can turn it around. No guilt trips, just real talk and practical strategies to support your young musician.Find out more about membership at vibrantmusicteaching.com.

Struggling with student focus? In this episode of Vivid Practice, Nicola Cantan dives into why kids' attention spans really are shrinking—and what we as teachers can actually do about it. From screen-time hangovers to too-challenging repertoire, Nicola breaks down the real reasons your students might be zoning out and shares practical strategies to keep them engaged, focused, and thriving in lessons. It's not about gimmicks—it's about connection, pacing, and smart teaching.Find out more about membership at vibrantmusicteaching.com.

Here's a short and optimized podcast description for you:"Want to boost your students' sight reading skills? In this episode, I share my favorite sight reading resources and why an intervallic approach is the key to success. We'll explore books like Piano Safari Reading Cards, Paul Harris' Improve Your Sight Reading, and Piano Adventures Sight Reading—plus practical strategies like duets and quick-study pieces. Whether you're teaching beginners or advanced students, these tools and tips will help make sight reading more effective and enjoyable!"Find out more about membership at vibrantmusicteaching.com.

How often do you find yourself rushing to finish a lesson on time? Let's fix that! In today's episode, I'm sharing creative ways to wrap up lessons with intention—whether it's through improvisation, reviewing practice plans, playing favorite pieces, or even dancing it out! These closing activities can leave students feeling accomplished, confident, and ready to practice. Tune in for some fresh ideas to help you finish lessons on a high note!

Tired of endless explanations? Let's stop talking about scales and start playing them! In this episode, I'll share how I transformed my teaching by focusing on action—introducing scales through improvisation, minimizing verbal instructions, and using backing tracks for accountability. Discover why letting students figure it out leads to deeper learning and how you can revolutionize your approach to teaching scales. Ready to rethink your methods? Let's dive in!

"The Power of Buddy Lessons: Real Examples from My Studio"In this episode, I share my personal experience with buddy lessons—why I missed them when my schedule changed and how they bring a unique dynamic to piano teaching. I walk you through three real-life examples from my studio, from a young beginner pair to a group of teens, showing the creative activities we use to build rhythm, technique, and musical confidence. Whether you're a music teacher or just curious about how small group learning works, this episode gives you an inside look at the benefits of buddy lessons in action.Find out more about membership at vibrantmusicteaching.com.

"Struggling to get yourself or others to practice piano? You're not alone! In this episode, we're skipping the usual advice on time management and motivation—instead, we're diving into three key missing ingredients that can transform practice sessions. From smart repetition to 'desirable difficulties' and the power of performance pressure, these strategies will help students (and teachers) get real results. Tune in to level up your piano practice!"Let me know if you'd like any tweaks!Find out more about membership at vibrantmusicteaching.com.

"Are you a 'one-method-book' teacher? In this episode, I dive into the idea of method book loyalty—why some teachers stick to just one, why that doesn't sit right with me, and how it might limit both teachers and students. It's not about judgment, just an open conversation about flexibility, creativity, and lifelong learning. Let's explore the balance between structure and adaptability in our teaching. Are you method book loyal or disloyal? Let's discuss!"Let me know if you want any tweaks!

"Teaching Teen Piano Transfer Students: Strategies for Success"Hey there, beautiful teachers! Today, we're diving into the world of teenage piano students who transfer from another teacher. How do we assess their skills, build trust, and keep them engaged—especially if motivation is questionable? I'll share key strategies, from essential first meetings to lesson activities that foster connection and success. Plus, why building a strong teacher-student relationship is the #1 priority. If you've ever struggled with teen transfers, this episode is for you!

Hey lovely teachers!

Is struggle a requirement for success? In today's episode, we unpack a deeply ingrained belief in music education—and beyond—that says, because I struggled, you should too. From extreme examples like Whiplash to subtle teaching habits, we explore how this mindset impacts students, the role of grit, and why making things unnecessarily difficult might actually be exclusionary. Instead of reinforcing outdated traditions, how can we empower students with smarter, more effective learning strategies? Let's rethink the struggle bus and make music education more inclusive, engaging, and fun.

Welcome to the Vibrant Music Teaching Podcast with Nicola Cantan! In this final episode of 2024, Nicola shares insights from an unexpected source—dog training! Discover how principles like celebrating success, avoiding overloading, and embracing the learning process can transform your teaching. Reflect on a year of growth, celebrate wins, and get inspired for 2025. Don't miss this fun, insightful episode packed with lessons for every music teacher!Find out more about membership at vibrantmusicteaching.com.

Hi, I'm Nicola Cantan! In today's episode, we're diving into organizing teaching resources—a hot topic for many teachers. Zsuzsa asked how to manage both physical and digital resources, especially from multiple sources. I'll share practical tips for creating a system that works for your brain, keeping everything accessible and tidy—just in time for year-end organization!We'll explore:Streamlining physical games and books.Setting up user-friendly digital folders and naming systems.Tools like Dropbox and why a good enough system beats perfection.Stay tuned to get inspired for your 2025 teaching organization goals!Find out more about membership at vibrantmusicteaching.com.

This week, Nicola dives into a question from Michelle about helping a tween piano student overcome their resistance to practicing strategies in lessons. This student, who prefers working independently at home, is now facing challenges at the early intermediate level. Nicola explores the underlying issues, like vulnerability and fear of mistakes, and shares playful, gentle approaches to ease the transition.Learn how to use games, role-reversal, and creative strategies to teach practice techniques without adding pressure or embarrassment. Tune in to gain fresh insights into supporting students through emotional challenges in lessons—and fostering a love for learning.Find out more about membership at vibrantmusicteaching.com.

You're Listening to the Vibrant Music Teaching Podcast with Nicola CantanDiscover step-by-step strategies to implement meaningful changes in your music studio, like transitioning to a practice app. Nicola offers practical advice on handling resistance to change, setting up systems, and engaging students and parents effectively. Whether you're streamlining your studio's organization or enhancing student practice, this episode provides actionable tips to ensure smooth transitions and lasting improvements. Follow along for insights, tools, and encouragement to elevate your teaching journey!Find out more about membership at vibrantmusicteaching.com.

In this episode of the Vibrant Music Teaching Podcast, Nicola Cantan discusses a unique perspective on what she calls “the good ones” – those students who are quiet, diligent, and well-behaved. Nicola explores how these "good" students often fly under the radar and might not get the same level of attention or adjustments to their learning approach that more demanding students do. Through her own childhood stories and experiences with the Colorful Keys team, she encourages music teachers to reflect on whether these students could benefit from more movement, new learning strategies, or simply more of the teacher's active focus.Find out more about membership at vibrantmusicteaching.com.

Join host Nicola Cantan in this episode of The Vibrant Music Teaching Podcast as she shares insights from watching nearly 60 video clips submitted by passionate music teachers around the world. Discover valuable lessons from different teaching styles, creative strategies, and unique approaches that can help inspire your own music teaching journey. Nicola discusses the power of recording lessons for growth, the joy of watching dedicated teachers in action, and the importance of supporting one another in this field. Plus, get a sneak peek into the new "Music Lesson Clips" YouTube channel, launching soon, where you can witness these incredible teaching moments firsthand.Find out more about membership at vibrantmusicteaching.com.

Welcome to the Vibrant Music Teaching Podcast! I'm Nicola Cantan, your host, and today we're diving into the world of music practice mottos. Whether you're out for a walk, cleaning up, or simply relaxing, thanks for letting me join you for a few moments. Today, we're talking about those words of wisdom that can guide music practice, support our students, and spark progress, whether it's a catchy rhyme or a saying that helps students tackle perfectionism or keep a steady beat. I'll be sharing some mottos and would love to hear any you use in your teaching!And if you want to contribute or have questions, head over to vibrantmusicteaching.com/question. Stay tuned to be inspired with mottos that can make a difference in the way students approach practice. Plus, if you're interested in joining the best community of music teachers online, check out vibrantmusicteaching.com for resources, games, and support every month. Let's get started!Find out more about membership at vibrantmusicteaching.com.

In this episode of the Vibrant Music Teaching Podcast, host Nicola Cantan dives into programs for young beginners, offering valuable advice for structuring music lessons, especially for homeschool groups. Nicola also introduces the Epic Clip Contest, where teachers can win a $1,000 Visa gift card by submitting a short video of their teaching. With practical tips on using existing curricula, like Mini Musicians, and ideas for making lessons engaging and effective for mixed-age groups, this episode is packed with inspiration for music teachers. Don't forget to submit your clips before the October 31st deadline!Find out more about membership at vibrantmusicteaching.com.

In this episode of the Vibrant Music Teaching Podcast, host Nicola Cantan answers a listener's question about handling a tricky piano student who rushes through pieces and struggles with learning new ones. Nicola shares creative strategies for making lessons more engaging, using improvisation, games, and thoughtful planning to help students build skills without feeling overwhelmed. Whether you're facing similar challenges or just looking to refresh your teaching approach, Nicola offers practical advice to inspire your next lesson. Submit your own teaching questions at vibrantmusicteaching.com!Find out more about membership at vibrantmusicteaching.com.

Welcome to the Vibrant Music Teaching Podcast with Nicola Cantan! In this episode, we dive into two important topics: easing students back into lessons after a break and choosing the perfect name for your piano studio. Nicola shares tips on helping students transition smoothly after time off and offers advice for naming your music studio, whether you're staying local or planning to expand. Tune in for practical insights and fun ideas to keep your teaching vibrant!Find out more about membership at vibrantmusicteaching.com.

The Vibrant Music Teaching Podcast, hosted by Nicola Cantan, tackles key challenges for music teachers. In this episode, Nicola explores two important questions: navigating printed versus digital lesson assignments for traveling teachers and finding time to practice as a busy teacher. Nicola offers practical advice for using hybrid assignment systems and balancing teaching with personal practice. She also shares details about the EPIC Clip Contest, encouraging teachers to submit videos of their lessons for a chance to win $1,000. Tune in for insights and tips to enhance your teaching journey!Find out more about membership at vibrantmusicteaching.com.

The Vibrant Music Teaching Podcast, hosted by Nicola Canton, offers proven, practical tips and strategies for music teachers. In this episode, Nicola answers listener questions about helping students overcome start-and-stop habits during playing and advice for starting a new music studio. She also shares exciting updates, including a new Vivid Practice Podcast, a practice survey, and details about an upcoming teacher retreat in Ireland. Nicola encourages teachers to reflect on their teaching methods, marketing strategies, and how to grow their studios, offering insightful advice for both new and experienced educators.Find out more about membership at vibrantmusicteaching.com.

The Vibrant Music Teaching Podcast, hosted by Nicola Canton, explores how music teachers can adapt their teaching styles to fit different students and instruments. In this episode, Nicola responds to a question from Emily, a teacher of both piano and brass instruments, about whether her varied teaching approaches for each instrument are acceptable. Nicola delves into the idea of aligning expectations across instruments, considering factors like performance experience and student dynamics. Teachers are encouraged to reflect on their own methods and consciously shape their teaching to meet both their goals and their students' needs.Find out more about membership at vibrantmusicteaching.com.

In this podcast episode, the host shares insights and practical advice for music teachers who conduct lessons at students' homes. They discuss the importance of charging a travel fee to account for time spent commuting, and offer tips on organizing materials efficiently using a folder system. The host also explores strategies for transitioning from home visits to studio-based lessons, including adjusting fees to encourage students to come to a dedicated teaching space. Whether you're a seasoned traveling teacher or considering opening your own studio, this episode provides valuable guidance on managing logistics and fees effectively.Find out more about membership at vibrantmusicteaching.com.

Join Nicola Canton as she delves into building confidence in public speaking and offers insights into teaching young students effectively. This episode covers how to overcome the fear of speaking, the importance of practice, and the challenges of teaching preschoolers, with real questions from teachers like you. Tune in for practical tips and thoughtful discussions that can transform your teaching approach and boost your confidence. Don't forget to submit your own questions at vibrantmusicteaching.com/question to be featured in future episodes!

Join Nicola as she shares new resources, exciting announcements, and honest reflections on the teaching profession. Whether you're a seasoned teacher or just starting out, there's something here for everyone. This week, discover new resources for piano teachers, learn about Nicola's upcoming podcast, Vivid Practice, and hear about her latest book, Zero to Studio. Tune in and elevate your teaching today!Find out more about membership at vibrantmusicteaching.com.

Join me for a general catchup after my summer of conferences and some thoughts for upcoming plans.Find out more about membership at vibrantmusicteaching.com.

I'm delighted to be joined by Leila Viss today to talk about reusing and recycling objects for games in your studio.Leila Viss generates imaginative resources for her piano studio and website. She holds Composiums, which inspire pianists to nurture their creative voice through composition and arranging. Viss is known for her innovative pedagogy and engaging presentations and is Colorado's 2024 MTNA Foundation Fellow.Find out more about membership at vibrantmusicteaching.com.

Today we're joined by Nicole Douglas for a fascinating discussion about practice, motivation and ownership.Nicole Douglas teaches piano near Chicago, Illinois. She previously worked in business and marketing research, and now enjoys getting to combine her love for both by consulting for music ed tech companies. Nicole is passionate about teaching beginners, studying injury-preventive technique, and learning about the process of learning.Find out more about membership at vibrantmusicteaching.com.

Today's guest is Christina Whitlock. We're going to be chatting about some fun hidden truths about the teaching life. Christina Whitlock, MM, NCTM, fancies herself a friend and philosopher to the piano teaching profession. Connecting primarily with audiences through the Beyond Measure Podcast, she enjoys supporting the piano teaching community in many ways. Check out ChristinaWhitlock.com for more details on her varied offerings.Find out more about membership at vibrantmusicteaching.com.

Jenny Walker is on the show today to share about her composing process.Born in Southampton, I now live in Lincolnshire where I have a successful teaching practice. I compose piano music and write songs and arrangements for my ladies; singing group. I play most genres; folk, jazz, big band key parts, popular music and classical.Find out more about membership at vibrantmusicteaching.com.

Crystal Boyack is coming on the podcast today. We're discussing her creative method for violin students and what went into its development.Crystal Boyack is a leader in early childhood violin pedagogy and the best selling author of Wee Violin: Music for Young Violinists Preparatory to Twinkle.She currently teaches at the University of New Mexico's String Lab School and runs a private studio teaching Suzuki Violin and Music Together in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA.She loves spending her time gardening, doing yoga, and adventuring with her husband and four young children.Find out more about membership at vibrantmusicteaching.com.

Kate Boyd is on the show today and we're chatting about preparing teens to progress to music majors.Kate Boyd is the head of the piano area at Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana. She regularly performs throughout the US and abroad as a soloist and chamber musician. She has a YouTube channel called “The Piano Prof” where she shares instructional piano videos geared towards advanced piano students and their teachers.Find out more about membership at vibrantmusicteaching.com.

Paul Myatt is joining me today to discuss the value of community and collaboration in the teaching world.Paul Myatt is a passionate piano teacher, author, composer, and workshop presenter. Paul co-founded the 30-year-old Forte Music School network with over 8,000 UK, USA, Canada, Australia and NZ students. Through Forte and Piano Teaching Success, Paul helps piano teachers engage and motivate their students by coaching them to use the Whole Body Learning approach, teaching success guides and backing tracks so they can accelerate their teaching success and earn more.Find out more about membership at vibrantmusicteaching.com.

Juliet Robinson is on the podcast today and we're chatting about bringing movement into every lesson and including ensembles in recitals.Trained as a classroom music specialist having gained a 1st Class Honours degree from Trinity College of music and a PGCE at Kingston Polytechnic. Spent over 30 years then teaching in the Midhurst area in the middle of the South Downs, first as an upper secondary teacher, then as an Intermediate school teacher gaining AST (Advanced Skills Teacher) status which gave me the opportunity to support teachers in primary schools. I then worked as a primary music specialist for 10 years working in several schools. On my retirement I then started up a private music business from home, teaching children to be musicians through the piano. I also run two choirs and am a member of two other choirs as well as playing in a recorder group and a steel band.Find out more about membership at vibrantmusicteaching.com.

Amy Chaplin joins us on the show today to talk about conferences, proposals and presentations.Amy Chaplin is a piano teacher, speaker, blogger, and podcaster. She loves supporting teachers on all things related to teaching, organization, productivity, and life on the Piano Pantry blog and podcast and through her digital organization coaching series and retreat. Her independent piano studio is located in Bluffton, Indiana.Find out more about membership at vibrantmusicteaching.com.

To celebrate the 300 episode milestone, I'm taking you on a journey through a week in my life. Hope you enjoy this different style of episode!Link to the August challenge: https://vibrantmusicteaching.com/8TF

Today I'm sharing some intriguing questions to get your brain juices flowing. Hope you enjoy these doodles for your noodle!Find out more about membership at vibrantmusicteaching.com.

If you're going to be attending a workshop, conference or other training event soon, make sure you listen to these tips! They could save you time, money and stress.Find out more about membership at vibrantmusicteaching.com.

A reflection on my experience with the Music Teachers Board exams and who they suit best.Find out more about membership at vibrantmusicteaching.com.