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The TopCast: The Official Music Teachers' Podcast

Tim Topham
The TopCast: The Official Music Teachers' Podcast
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  • 438: AI Music Teaching Software Tools with Katie Argyle
    This week, we're wrapping up our technology month with something really special, a replay from one of our Spotlight Sessions inside TopMusicPro, featuring the brilliant Katie Argyle from Midnight Music. Katie’s deep knowledge of music ed tech tools always blows me away. In this episode, she walks us through powerful AI tools for music teachers, including practice apps, notation scanners, and backing track software. Whether you're curious about rhythm generators or want to strip vocals from a pop track, Katie delivers practical ways to use AI to streamline your teaching and spark creativity in your studio. Tim shared that this episode is a replay from a Spotlight Session inside TopMusicPro. Katie highlighted the role of AI in music education and why it's not entirely new. She explained how Rhythm Randomizer can create infinite rhythm exercises for free. The benefits of Sight Reading Factory for customized sight reading were demonstrated. Katie showcased Moises, an AI tool that separates tracks into stems for backing practice. She shared how teachers can mute instruments, identify key and tempo, and export audio. Ultimate Vocal Remover was presented as a free alternative for basic stem separation. She explored AI-powered feedback tools like PracticeFirst and MakeMusic Cloud. Katie showed how AI improves music scanning and notation using digital PDF conversion. Links Mentioned TopCast 437: Unpacking AI for Music Teachers with Tara Wright Download your latest TopMusic Magazine here TopMusicPro Members Link Watch the Spotlight Session Replay – The Music Teacher’s Guide to AI With Katie Argyle Today's Guest Katie Argyle is a music technology in education trainer, consultant, blogger and podcaster who is passionate about helping music teachers through her business Midnight Music. She runs hands-on workshops, presents regularly at conferences in Australia and internationally and offers online training and support to music teachers all over the world. Katie’s workshops and courses focus on incorporating technology into the music curriculum and practical tips for resource creation and productivity. Katie has been a Keynote speaker at the Australian Society for Music Education National Conference, the Music Education New Zealand National Conference and the ACT Music Educators Network Conference. In 2016, Katie launched the Midnight Music Membership Community which has become a go-to hub for hundreds of music teachers who are seeking technology-focussed professional development. She regularly presents regular live online webinars which have been attended by thousands of music teachers. Katie is the host of the Music Tech Teacher podcast which has more than 150 episodes and runs the Midnight Music Youtube channel. Thank you for tuning in! Consider implementing the ideas from this podcast by writing several actionable steps for your teaching practice if it’s inspired you. If you enjoyed today’s show, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, which helps other teachers find our show. Stay updated by subscribing to this show, and get automatic delivery to your device every time a new episode goes live! We publish on Mondays weekly. TopMusicPro 14-Day Free Trial Heard about TopMusicPro Membership? As a valued podcast listener, I’d like to
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  • 437: Unpacking AI for Music Teachers with Tara Wright
    Today, we're diving into the world of AI for music teachers with none other than Tara Wright, our resident expert on all things tech and teaching. In this episode, we unpack what AI really is (and isn't), how it shows up in everyday studio tools, and how music teachers can use it to supercharge creativity, lesson planning, communication, and marketing. Tara also gives us a behind-the-scenes look at her new course, ChatGPT Made Easy, and the custom chatbots she's built to make AI accessible and practical for every studio. Tara explained that AI is not just chatbots, it powers many tools teachers already use. She described how AI systems learn from data and improve over time. How AI tools like notation software and backing tracks use AI under the hood. Tara highlighted that while AI can assist, it can’t replace the emotional connection of real teaching. The value of AI as a creativity partner was discussed, from songwriting to arranging. Examples of AI tools like Suno and how they can inspire student projects. How ChatGPT helps her respond to parent emails with professionalism and clarity. The importance of training ChatGPT to sound like you through tone and branding was emphasized. Tara demonstrated how AI can analyze studio data and summarize trends. She explained how AI helps with marketing tasks like writing captions and emails. How teachers can use AI to explain tricky concepts or offer analogies tailored to different learners. How AI helps personalize lessons for neurodiverse or non-visual learners. TopMusic’s custom AI chatbots like Paige, Studio Maestro, Chester and Cleo. Tara outlined the ChatGPT Made Easy course, which teaches teachers to use AI effectively. Links Mentioned 5 ChatGPT Prompts for Music Teachers in 2025 Practice Hacks for Musicians Course by Noa Kageyama TopMusic Guitar Podcast #054: 5 Ways to Use ChatGPT in Your Business TopMusic Courses Today's Guest Tara Wright is an Education and Operations Director, Creative Strategist, and Music Educator who helps music educators transform their teaching studios and businesses through innovative strategies, clear processes, and actionable tools. Known for her no-fluff advice, Tara blends creative thinking with real-world solutions to make complex systems simple and effective. With over 20 years of teaching experience and 10+ years in operations management, Tara brings expertise in branding, copywriting, and process improvement to the music industry. She has overseen the creation of impactful content, from managing digital media platforms to developing professional training materials. Tara’s work inspires music educators to build thriving studios while balancing creativity with practicality. When not optimizing workflows or mentoring teams, Tara raises ostriches, Great Danes, and other two- and four-legged friends on her farm near St. Louis. You’ll often find her taking her Jeep off-road or exploring a new hobby because learning is her ultimate joy. Tara’s advice is grounded in experience and designed to inspire action. Whether it’s simplifying studio operations, enhancing marketing strategies, or sparking creativity, Tara’s solutions resonate with educators ready to grow. Thank you for tuning in!...
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  • 436: What’s Your Favourite Music Teaching Tech?
    There’s no shortage of amazing apps and tech tools for music teachers—but which one would you keep if you had to give up all the rest? For this fun and collaborative episode, I asked a group of creative, tech-savvy teachers from around the world to share their number one, can’t-live-without music teaching tool. You’ll hear their real-life tips, use cases, and why these tools are making a difference in their studios. Tim introduced October's tech focus across TopMusic, including blogs and magazine issues. The value of practical, studio-tested tools was emphasized through real teacher examples. Bec Stewart recommended Tonality for understanding chords and transposition. Samantha Coates praised Vivid Practice for organizing digital student notes and resources. Rebecca Singerman-Knight shared how she uses iReal Pro for backing tracks and improvisation. Amy Chaplin explained how Spotify supports chord chart work and jam sessions. Jennifer Fox recommended Practice Space for streamlined assignments and student motivation. Laura Kahar highlighted the power of the simple Voice Memos app for student reflection. Noreen Wenjen discussed how the Apogee HypeMic improves sound for online lessons. Tim encouraged listeners to try these tools and discover what could become their new favorite. The importance of experimentation, simplicity, and creativity in tech adoption was reinforced. Links Mentioned Download your TopMusic Magazine here. Thank you for tuning in! Consider implementing the ideas from this podcast by writing several actionable steps for your teaching practice if it’s inspired you. If you enjoyed today’s show, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, which helps other teachers find our show. Stay updated by subscribing to this show, and get automatic delivery to your device every time a new episode goes live! We publish on Mondays weekly. TopMusicPro 14-Day Free Trial Heard about TopMusicPro Membership? As a valued podcast listener, I’d like to offer you a special chance to try our community free for 14 days. You can access a treasure trove of teaching resources, professional development courses, and creative lesson ideas. Click the link below to access your exclusive 14-day free trial for our Studio Membership. TOPMUSICPRO MEMBERSHIP 14-DAY FREE TRIAL
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  • 435: Should You Get a Lease For Your Studio? With Anamarie Sabbagh
    What makes a student stay with you for years, not just because of progress, but because they truly love your studio? In today’s chat, I’m joined by Anamarie Sabbagh, who’s built a thriving teaching business grounded in joy, connection, and community. We talk about how she creates a studio culture that students and families want to be part of for the long haul and the little things that make a big difference. Anamarie shared how her multicultural background helped shape a welcoming, inclusive studio environment. She explained the importance of building community and connection beyond just teaching piano. The value of play-based learning and engaging activities was emphasized for young beginners. How her studio culture focuses on joy, consistency, and nurturing long-term relationships. The strategies she uses to support both students and parents through musical development. She highlighted how small details—like communication, scheduling, and celebrations—build loyalty. The importance of teacher authenticity and showing up as your full self in the studio was discussed. Anamarie shared how she incorporates flexibility and structure to meet each family’s needs. Presenting at international events and how that affirmed the value of her studio model. How cultivating a supportive studio culture has led to strong word-of-mouth and long-term retention. Links Mentioned Anamarie's website: Keys To Success Music Anamarie's Instagram page: @latinafabulous Keys to Success Music Instagram page: @keys.to.success.music Keys to Success Music Facebook page: Keys To Success Music Today’s Guest Anamarie is a classically trained opera singer, doctoral candidate, published author, international speaker, and MBA holder in International Business with a diverse range of experiences that have shaped her approach to education. With fluency in multiple languages and extensive travel experience, she brings a unique perspective to teaching and learning. Outside of the classroom, Anamarie enjoys reading, singing, and spending time at the beach. She is also an interpreter of tarot cards, which helps her tap into the intuitive side of life and connect with others on a deeper level. Anamarie's journey to becoming a studio owner and teacher was unexpected, but her love for kids, music, and humanity has been a constant driving force. She has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of music education, particularly neuromusical education, which empowers children to develop self-awareness, critical thinking, and trust in their intuition. As a dedicated educator, Anamarie is committed to bringing this magic to young minds and helping them discover the full potential of music as a tool for personal growth and self-expression. Thank you for tuning in! Consider implementing the ideas from this podcast by writing several actionable steps for your teaching practice if it’s inspired you. If you enjoyed today’s show, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, which helps other teachers find our show. Stay updated by subscribing to this show, and get automatic delivery to your device every time a new episode goes live! We publish on Mondays weekly. TopMusicPro 14-Day Free Trial Heard about TopMusicPro Membership? As a valued podcast listener, I’d like to offer you a special...
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  • 434: Is Teaching Pop Music Less Valuable Than Classical?
    Back in 2014, I set up a mic, hit record, and created my very first online course to help teachers feel confident teaching pop music. That course became PianoFlix, and it was the beginning of everything that would eventually grow into the TopMusicPro community. In this solo episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes to share how it all started, why it still matters today, and what makes this course one of my proudest creations. Tim reflected on the early days of creating his first online course to help teachers teach pop music. He explained how teacher feedback sparked the idea for what became PianoFlix. The importance of teaching pop music as a gateway to deeper engagement and theory understanding. How the success of PianoFlix Course led to the creation of TopMusicPro. Tim shared the original sales ad and Module 1 from the PianoFlix Course. How the course was intentionally designed to be evergreen and still relevant today. How attitudes toward pop music in piano education have shifted significantly since 2015. The value of practical, pedagogically-sound pop instruction was reinforced throughout. Tim outlined all 8 modules of the PianoFlix course, including rearranging and lead sheet strategies. Links Mentioned Watch the PianoFlix sales ad in YouTube here Purchase the PianoFlix Course here Find out more about TopMusic Courses Download your latest TopMusic Magazine here Today’s Sponsor RSL Awards is leading the next generation of creativity. We are an international Awarding Organisation, creating qualifications in music, performing arts, and creative industries subjects. Our vision is to help teachers and students within the creative arts sector through a range of innovative, relevant, and rewarding resources and qualifications. This includes our flagship Rockschool graded resources for piano. The new edition of Rockschool Piano offers a holistic approach to piano education, shaped around the needs of today’s musicians. Exploring five centuries of music, from classical to classic rock, this genre-spanning syllabus features an expansive mix of popular Hit Tunes, bespoke Rockschool Originals, and brand-new suites of technical study, all packed with class-leading technology. Find out more about RSL Awards here. RSL Online Shop Pre-Order the New Rockschool Piano Syllabus Thank you for tuning in! Consider implementing the ideas from this podcast by writing several actionable steps for your teaching practice if it’s inspired you. If you enjoyed today’s show, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, which helps other teachers find our show. Stay updated by subscribing to this show, and get automatic delivery to your device every time a new episode goes live! We publish on Mondays weekly. TopMusicPro 14-Day Free Trial Heard about TopMusicPro Membership? As a valued podcast...
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About The TopCast: The Official Music Teachers' Podcast

The original podcast for growth-minded instrumental music and voice teachers since 2015. Our mission at TopMusic is to empower music teachers to find and nurture their innate creativity so they can teach lessons that are innovative, integrated and inspiring, and that will have a positive, life-long impact on their students. Tune in weekly as we interview teachers and creators from around the world and unpack fun and exciting ideas to maximise your teaching and studio business success.
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