Best Musiclessons Podcasts (2026)

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A Strategy for Setting Intentions for the New Year for Our Music Lives 8:08

Play Pause

5d ago8:08

8:08

As we enter the new year, this short episode is meant to give you food for thought as you set your goals or intentions for your music life in the new year. That could be for your own music practice or for your child(ren) involved in music lessons. Whenever you listen, I hope it gives you some good starting points to think about your own goals and i…

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How to Turn January Enrollment Into Year-Round Retention | Ep 271 26:22

7d ago26:22

26:22

January isn't just another enrollment push. It's your launchpad for the entire year. In this episode, Dave breaks down how music school owners can turn January sign-ups into long-term, emotionally connected families who stay through summer and beyond. This isn't about more ads or better discounts—it's about building the kind of experience families …

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Nicola Cantan answers the Question: How do I get my Child to Want To Practice? 14:27

14d ago14:27

14:27

This week, as the holidays are upon us we're revisiting a practice tip from expert guest Nicola Cantan. This is a short excerpt from a longer episode 80 when Nicola came and joined us on the podcast. You can find the link to the full episode and to Nicola's resources below. I enjoyed revisiting this practice advice and found it super valuable and I…

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6 Things Keeping Me Motivated & Engaged with Music RIght Now 17:34

20d ago17:34

17:34

It's a busy time of year. It seems teachers, students and families alike are go-go-go. I am hitting pause this week to share 6 things keeping me motivated, inspired, and engaged in music over the last couple of weeks. My list may look totally different than yours, but I hope in listening to mine you can connect with what would go on YOUR list and t…

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176 - Building a Flexible Music Career Through Recessions, COVID, and Beyond with Barbara Siesel and Keith Torgan 55:06

20d ago55:06

55:06

Today's episode is a rebroadcast of a super fun conversation I had a few years ago. I'm talking to two musicians about how they've made a career in music over the last 15 years. I think their story illustrates what it means to be not just an entrepreneurial musician, but an entrepreneur in general. You'll hear about how they've made plans and pursu…

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The Holiday Playbook for Turning Gifts Into New Students | EP 270 25:07

22d ago25:07

25:07

Holiday season isn't just recital season… it's decision season. In this episode, you'll learn how to turn the "new instrument" moment (Christmas/Hanukkah gifts) into a powerful enrollment boost without sounding salesy or generic. If you want more students in January, this is the window to act, and we'll show you exactly how. In this episode, you'll…

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Linda Piatt (Part Two): Solutions for Challenging Behaviors in Music Practice 38:50

27d ago38:50

38:50

This week we're welcoming Linda Piatt back to the podcast for part two of our conversation together. This is an important episode for parents and music educators that tackles the topic of unexpected and concerning behaviors that may come up. Linda talks us through a framework from Dr. Ross Greene that made all the difference in her family in both m…

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Linda Piatt: Best Practices for Home Music Practice from a Parent, Musician, & Music Educator 30:16

1M ago30:16

30:16

Expert Guest Linda Piatt starts off this two part podcast series with what she has learned as a parent of two young musicians (in addition to being a performer and music educator) about making home practice work. She has great tips & insights to share and I can't wait for you to listen! Links in this Episode with Linda Piatt Beyond the Music Lesson…

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Making Music Practice Joyful & Effective: Tips from the Experts 17:29

1M ago17:29

17:29

This week we're revisiting a short practice tip from three previous expert guest interviews: cellist and composer Bianca d'Avila do Prado, flutist and author Meret Bitticks, and violinist and nonprofit expert consultant Dr. Elizabeth Guerriero. Typically at the end of each interview I ask guests what their favorite practice tip or idea is at the ti…

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Supporting PreTeens in Music Lessons: A conversation with Barbie Wong 22:16

2M ago22:16

22:16

This week we're welcoming back monthly guest Barbie Wong to talk about supporting teens and preteens in music lessons from both the parent and teacher perspectives. We'd love to hear what you'd add to the conversation after listening! Links in this Episode: Barbie Wong's Website: Barbiewong.com The Musical Nest Community: Barbiewong.com/community P…

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How to Get More Done in Less Time: Part II | Ep 269 19:32

2M ago19:32

19:32

This episode digs into a challenge many music school owners quietly struggle with: feeling like everything depends on you. Dave walks you through the mindset shifts and simple systems that help you step out of that bottleneck role and build a school that runs with more ease, clarity, and support. You'll learn: How the 80% Rule helps you release per…

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Building Your Music Practice Community 19:03

2M ago19:03

19:03

This week we're talking about why we need community in music education, whether we're a teacher, student or parent/caregiver supporting our child in music and some practical ideas to build community around us to help support our musical growth and practice. Links in this episode: Article by Dr. Elisa Janson Jones https://www.musicteacherguild.org/a…

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175 - How Guitars 4 Vets Scaled to 100+ Chapters to Bring the Healing Power of Music to Veterans with Bernie Kampf 36:28

2M ago36:28

36:28

This week, as we observe Veteran's Day in the US, I'm honored to be talking to a Vietnam Veteran and guitar teacher for a non-profit organization that aims to brighten the lives of veterans who suffer from physical and mental wounds from their times of service. You'll hear about how their mission is shaped by those they serve, how they raise funds …

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Dr. Elizabeth Morrow: Multi-sensory Music Reading & Supporting Students with Learning Differences 56:59

2M ago56:59

56:59

Dr. Elizabeth Morrow a cellist, music educator, certified dyslexia therapist, and creator of NoteSense® joins us this week to share her multisensory approach to teaching note reading. We'll hear how she combined research on teaching students with dyslexia to read print along with her knowledge of music reading and theory to create a system to help …

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174 - The Power of Steady Creativity: Growing a Second Income Stream Through Self-Publishing with James Michael Stevens 48:33

2M ago48:33

48:33

If you've ever wondered whether the music you compose or arrange for your students could become more than a creative outlet—maybe even a second income stream—this episode is for you. My guest, James Michael Stevens, is a composer and college music dean who has steadily built something quite remarkable: a catalog of thousands of piano and organ piec…

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2 Listener Tips for Engaging Home Music Practice 11:43

2M ago11:43

11:43

This week Christine is sharing two tips for engaging music practice from listener Lauren, who is the mom of two Suzuki Piano students ages 7 & 11. She reached out and shared two engaging practice ideas that are working at their house for music practice. I can't wait to hear if you try them as well! If you'd like to submit a practice tip for a futur…

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The 3 Metrics Parents Use to Define Music Lesson Success | EP 268 14:22

2M ago14:22

14:22

Parents quietly judge lessons by three things: pleasure, practice, and progress. When one slips, doubt creeps in and retention drops. In this episode, Dave breaks down how to make progress visible, make practice doable, and keep joy high—so families stay enrolled longer. In this episode, you'll learn how to: Spot the early warning signs of parent d…

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173 -Rethinking Lessons, Branding, and Belonging in Your Studio with Leischen Moore 29:56

3M ago29:56

29:56

Today I'm talking to the owner of a boutique voice studio about how she rebranded her studio to make it more about her students and less about her. You'll hear all about how she introduced the new brand, how it was received by studio parents, and how her students have taken ownership of the studio community, to the point where they've even develope…

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How Do I Help My Child Make More Progress in Music Lessons with Barbie Wong 19:37

3M ago19:37

19:37

Our frequent expert guest Barbie Wong is back this month for a great discussion on the comparison trap and how we can help our child(ren) make more progress in music lessons. Links in this Episode: Barbie Wong's Website: Barbiewong.com The Musical Nest Community: Barbiewong.com/community Christine Goodner's website: SuzukiTriangle.com Request a Par…

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10 Lessons for Teachers & Parents from 100 Episodes 15:35

3M ago15:35

15:35

This week we're celebrating 100 episodes of the Time to Practice podcast. A big thank you for making this community driven podcast possible! Links in this Episode: SuzukiTriangle.com/newsletter The Beyond the Music Lesson Podcast with Abigail Peterson (2018-2019) TRANSCRIPT Connect with Christine on Instagram Request a Parent Talk, Presentation, or…

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172 - How to Plan Recitals That Showcase More Than Just Skill with Janna Williamson 48:58

3M ago48:58

48:58

In this episode, I'm talking with pianist and educator Janna Williamson about how she prepares her students and studio for recital season. I wanted to talk with Janna specifically because she's a teacher who models both excellence and perspective. Her students perform beautifully, but her focus isn't on perfection. For Janna, performing isn't about…

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4 ChatGPT Prompts That Could Transform Your Music School in Minutes | EP 267 14:22

3M ago14:22

14:22

Running a music school is a constant juggle—marketing, staff management, parent communication, and daily fires to put out. What if you could have a strategist, systems expert, and creative partner on call anytime you need one? In this episode, we explore four simple but powerful ChatGPT prompts that can completely shift how you think, plan, and mak…

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Tips for Music Practice with Bassist Sherry Luchette 35:01

3M ago35:01

35:01

This week on the TIme to Practice Podcast bassist Sherry Luchette is joining us to share some of her tried and true practice tips! Links in this Episode: Sherry Luchette's Website Sherry Luchette's Jazz Resources Episode 61 with Kathryn Drake Find the Time to Practice Podcast on YouTube TRANSCRIPT You can email:Christine at SuzukiTriangle (dot) com…

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5 Ways You Can Support Your Child's Music Lessons this Week 10:07

3M ago10:07

10:07

Parents & families of music students - this short and sweet episode is for you! Links in this Episode: Resources at SuzukiTriangle.com You can email:Christine at SuzukiTriangle.com or connect with her on Instagram Request a Parent Talk, Presentation, or Book Club Discussion with Christine Google Form to submit your practice tip for a future podcast…

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171 - Negotiating a Studio Lease and the Real Numbers Behind It with Leah Drake 58:18

3M ago58:18

58:18

Today I'm back with Leah Drake of Vibrant Valley Music Studio for part two. In part one we talked about her transition to group lessons through the chaos of COVID and losing her teaching space. It's quite the story! In today's episode we zoom in on her move to a commercial space—and the very real finances behind it. Leah is based in San Jose, so no…

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The Secret to Student Retention: Tiny Moments That Make Students Stay for Years | Ep 266 14:35

3M ago14:35

14:35

Parents do not stay in your music school because of curriculum alone. They stay because they feel connected, seen, and part of something bigger. In this episode, you'll discover how to transform uncertainty into long-term loyalty through intentional experiences. Here's what you'll learn: Why trust, not discounts, is the foundation of retention How …

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Barbie Wong: How to Help Kids Establish (or Re-establish) A Practice Routine 23:08

3M ago23:08

23:08

Frequent guest on the podcast Barbie Wong joins me to talk about practice routines this week! Links in this Episode: Oct 2025 Parent Education Enrichment Course: https://suzukiassociation.org/event/setting-families-up-for-success-new-student-orientation-ongoing-support-systems-for-the-studio-teacher/ Barbie Wong's Website: Barbiewong.com The Musica…

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170 - How One Teacher Built and Managed a 100-Student Program with Leah Drake 54:01

3M ago54:01

54:01

Today I'm talking with Leah Drake of Vibrant Valley Music Studio—a solo teacher running a 100-student group program in San Jose. Leah walks us through the messy middle of a major model shift: how she transitioned from private to groups over a year, navigated COVID, survived multiple space moves, and ultimately signed a long-term lease that forced c…

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Why is it so hard for kids to get started with music practice? 17:48

4M ago17:48

17:48

Links in this Episode: Christine Goodner's books: https://suzukitriangle.com/books/ Articles cited in this episode: Does Your Child Have Trouble Stopping One Activity and Starting Another? By Susan Donohoe, Pediatric OT Why do Kids Have Trouble with Transitions? By Katherine Martinelli The Trouble with Transitions: Why they are so hard for some kid…

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169 - Turning a Rate Increase into Stronger Parent Partnerships with Carissa Pitkin-Cox 30:30

4M ago30:30

30:30

As a new school year begins, it's natural to step back and think about where our studios are headed. Maybe you're updating policies, setting fresh goals, or just imagining what you want this year to look like for your students and yourself. This is such a good moment to pause, get clear on your vision, and make sure the choices you're making now ar…

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168 - Daniel Matthews on Functional Fitness for Music Teachers 37:01

4M ago37:01

37:01

In this episode, fitness professional Daniel Matthews shares how functional fitness can help musicians and teachers prevent injury, improve posture, and build sustainable careers. He reminds us that just like music, health doesn't have to be about elite performance—small, consistent habits matter most. As we head into a new school year, Daniel's in…

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Edmund Sprunger: Back to School Advice & The Value of Frustration 47:35

4M ago47:35

47:35

We're kicking off September and back to our school year schedule of podcast episodes this week with expert guest Edmund Sprunger. We talk a bit about back to school practice routine advice, the value (and challenges) of frustration, and some great practice tips. I can't wait for you to listen! Links in this Episode: Edmund Sprunger Website: https:/…

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Why Parents Remember Stories (Not Sales Pitches) | Ep 265 11:40

4M ago11:40

11:40

Parents don't buy music lessons. They buy transformation. In this episode, you'll learn how to use storytelling as your most effective sales tool. What you'll discover: Why stories resonate with parents more than facts or sales pitches How storytelling highlights transformation, not just lessons The social power of music—identity, confidence, and s…

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000 - September 2025 Announcement 1:59

4M ago1:59

1:59

Hey everyone, it's Andrea with Music Studio Startup and I'm excited to share what we've got coming up this school year. We are back to our regular interview format. And I've got some great episodes lined up, including chats with fitness experts for musicians, group studio owners, and more amazing teachers and entrepreneurs. Over in The Hub, our mem…

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Why Parents Don't Respond to Your Marketing (And How to Fix It) | EP 264 20:41

4M ago20:41

20:41

Marketing doesn't fail because Facebook ads don't work. It fails because the message isn't clear. In this episode, we dig into the biggest marketing myths holding music schools back—and how to fix them. You'll discover: Why parents aren't buying lessons—they're buying transformation. How to craft a story that resonates with families in your communi…

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Tips for Getting Back to A Practice Routine 10:38

4M ago10:38

10:38

This is our last week of our Summer of Music Practice tips before we launch into our fall episodes! New episodes will be back Weds, Sept 10th 2025. This week Christine is share a few tips about getting back into a practice routine - whether it's back to school, after being away from your instrument, or any other reason - re-establishing our practic…

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Studio Snapshot 043 - Arielle Sukhram-Ziemer 13:54

5M ago13:54

13:54

Welcome back! We're doing a special series on the podcast this summer called Studio Snapshots. Rather than the in-depth, process-oriented interviews you're used to hearing, these rapid-fire interviews give us a glimpse in a guest's studio at a moment in time. They're part reflection, part anticipation of the future, and fully a celebration of where…

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Listener Tip: 3 Creative Music Practice Games 8:15

5M ago8:15

8:15

This week we have a fun episode about three practice games that listener Annette plays with her young cellist son. I hope they prompt some fun practice games this week at your house as well! Join me this Sunday for our online workshop: Setting Up for a Successful School Year in Lessons Individual Rate & Studio Rate. Thanks for supporting the podcas…

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The 7-Step Fall Marketing Checklist for Music Schools | EP 263 23:20

5M ago23:20

23:20

This episode is your go-to checklist for making the most of fall's natural enrollment surge. Whether you've got 20 students or 200, you'll learn practical, fast-to-implement tactics to increase sign-ups and re-engage past families. Here's what you'll take away: If you want this fall to be your biggest enrollment season yet, this episode will give y…