Episode 103
103: The Piano Teacher Friends I Can’t Live Without
TopMusic Piano Podcast · Tim Topham
February 27, 202617m 31s
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Show Notes
Teaching piano can be one of the most rewarding careers, but it can also feel surprisingly lonely. In this episode, I’m sharing why the piano teacher friends in my life have become absolutely essential to my work and well-being. I'll talk about community, collaboration, competition, and five practical ways you can start building meaningful connections with other teachers.
- Rachel acknowledged the vulnerability many teachers feel when performing for their students.
- She emphasized that facing performance fears makes teachers more empathetic educators.
- Why piano teaching can feel isolating despite constant student interaction.
- How non-musicians often misunderstand the entrepreneurial side of teaching.
- The value of having friends who understand music terminology and studio policies.
- How piano teacher friends provide encouragement during difficult teaching days.
- How teacher friendships offer both emotional support and practical advice.
- Why collaboration can extend to recital help, baking, and event photography.
- Rachel acknowledged that local teacher associations can sometimes feel intimidating.
- She encouraged teachers to reframe competition as potential collaboration.
- How referrals from other pianists can create unexpected opportunities.
- The importance of finding niche or live online communities for deeper connection.
- She encouraged attending live events where meaningful professional relationships can form.
- She reminded teachers that connection fuels purpose and fulfillment in the profession.
Links Mentioned
- Get your EARLY BIRD tickets for TopMusicLive 2026 here.
- TMPP 101: Real Talk About Performance Anxiety
About Rachel Ehring
Dr. Rachel Ehring is a pianist, teacher, music administrator, and lover of piano teaching gadgets. She holds a DMA in Collaborative Piano from the University of Colorado Boulder and a MM in Accompanying from the University of Kansas. She currently serves as Director at St. John’s Conservatory of the Arts in Orange County, CA. Previously, she held positions at Concordia University Irvine and Henderson State University. Rachel is passionate about empowering music teachers to create engaging and exciting lessons for students of all ages. When she isn’t playing the piano, you might find Rachel reading books with her son or walking her beagle Frieda.- Visit her website at RachelEhring.com
- Visit her Instagram page: @rachelehring
- Visit her YouTube channel: @dreamlavendermusic6694
- Visit her Etsy shop at Dream Lavender Music