Ever wondered if teaching piano could truly be a creative career? In this episode, I share my story of nearly quitting teaching—why I thought it wasn’t creative enough, how a pivot in mindset and exposure to new teaching ideas changed everything, and why creativity is at the heart of great teaching. Whether you’ve considered leaving music teaching or just want to feel inspired in your own lessons, this episode dives into the moments that shape our paths as teachers—and how to rediscover the passion that makes it all worthwhile.Find out more about membership at vibrantmusicteaching.com.
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Piano Teachers! Here's Why You Feel Insecure Disillusioned and Crabby
Feeling insecure, crabby, or a bit disillusioned with your piano teaching lately? You’re not alone. In this episode, we explore why these feelings show up, why common “fixes” like scrolling social media, watching YouTube, or even taking a break often don’t fully help, and what actually makes a difference: connecting with other teachers—especially in person. Plus, get an inside look at the first-ever Irish Piano Pedagogy Conference (IPPC), happening June 6–7 in Dublin, and learn how sharing your ideas with colleagues can be a game-changer for your teaching mindset.If you’ve been wondering how to beat burnout, overcome imposter syndrome, or just feel reinvigorated in your teaching, this episode is for you.Find out more about membership at vibrantmusicteaching.com.
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Are potential piano parents getting flakier?
🎹 “Are Parents Getting Flakier? Or Is It Everyone?”Have you noticed parents ghosting emails, skipping details, or backing out at the last minute? You’re not alone. In this honest conversation, we’ll unpack what’s really going on with parent communication, why it feels like flakiness is on the rise, and how we as teachers can adapt with more clarity, empathy, and calm. From unread emails to overscheduled families—let’s talk about what’s changing and how to thrive anyway.Find out more about membership at vibrantmusicteaching.com.
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The Truth About Having Two Piano Teachers
🎹 “The Secret Second Teacher: Why Some Students Study with Two Instructors”Have you ever discovered that one of your students has another piano teacher? It sounds wild, but it happens more often than you’d think. In this episode, we explore why parents sometimes make this choice, what the pros and cons really are, and how teachers can handle the situation with empathy, clarity, and professionalism. From student confusion to trust breakdowns—and even the rare cases where it can work—you’ll learn how to navigate this tricky scenario with confidence.Find out more about membership at vibrantmusicteaching.com.
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Building a Successful Piano Teaching Studio Tips and Strategies
Growing a thriving music teaching studio takes more than just being a great teacher. In this episode, I share seven essential steps to set your studio up for long-term success—from defining your unique identity, creating clear policies, and building smooth systems, to keeping parents engaged and going easy on yourself. Whether you’re starting fresh or scaling your current studio, these strategies will help you build a sustainable, rewarding teaching business.Find out more about membership at vibrantmusicteaching.com.
About The Vibrant Music Teaching Podcast | Proven and practical tips, strategies and ideas for music teachers
Practical and proven tips, ideas and advice for private music teachers. Listen in to improve your instrumental or vocal music studio business and find that oh-so-elusive feeling of balance in your life.
Welcome to The Vibrant Music Teaching Podcast! This is the show for you if you’re an instrumental or vocal music teacher that wants friendly, creative and accessible advice.
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 an interview show, Teaching Studio Stories.
Every Monday I provide bite-sized bursts of inspiration and ideas for instrumental and vocal music teachers. The episodes are usually between 10 and 20 minutes – the perfect length of time to put away some of the music books scattered all over your studio and hide the rest of them in the piano bench.
Listen to a few episodes and hit the subscribe button. When you come across an episode you love, make sure to tell your teacher-friends they can get it for free in any audio app that supports podcasts.
https://vibrantmusicteaching.com
https://colourfulkeys.ie
https://instagram.com/colourfulkeys
https://www.facebook.com/groups/vibrantmusicstudioteachers
Listen to The Vibrant Music Teaching Podcast | Proven and practical tips, strategies and ideas for music teachers, ill-advised by Bill Nighy and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app