Best Topcast Podcasts (2024)

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388: Tim and Bec React to a Creative Piano Lesson from 1984! 38:58

12h ago38:58

38:58

Today, we’re chatting with our very own Rebecca Stewart, a talented piano instructor and the Community Manager and Head of Certification at TopMusic. With a professional journey that includes over two decades of teaching with Yamaha Music Education Centres, Rebecca brings a wealth of knowledge and experience. We dive into a nostalgic video from 198…

1
Episode 171: The “North Star” of Online Learners’ Needs 30:08

9d ago30:08

30:08

Hosts Kelvin and Tom consider the centrality that online learners’ needs must have in shaping the work of online higher education. Particular attention is given to how responsibility for this common goal must be shared between individual faculty and institutional processes to assure quality at scale. Podcast Recording Download Transcript: PDF Episo…

1
The Africa Week - 18/10/2024 5:26

9h ago5:26

5:26

This week: Kenya's deputy president gets his marching orders. Another fuel tanker explodes in Nigeria with deadly consequences. Joe Biden says he will finally make it to Africa. And the celebrated and extraordinary life, times and garlic of Tito Mboweni. Episode 28: References/further reading: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/10/17/kenya-impeach…

1
387: A New Pathway to TopMusic Teacher Certification 25:39

8d ago25:39

25:39

As a music teacher, have you ever wished for a clear, guided path to professional recognition? In this episode, we're exploring a new pathway to TopMusic Teacher Certification program, exclusively available through our new Studio Plus membership. Today, I'll be sharing my own teaching journey, reflecting on the challenges of navigating the early ye…

1
The Africa Week - 11/10/2024 4:51

10d ago4:51

4:51

This week: Where is Paul Biya? Why can't Rwanda and the DRC just get along? And Senegal's credit score takes a knock. Episode 27: References/further reading: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cvgl05rp8r1o https://www.unicef.org/press-releases/over-370-million-girls-and-women-globally-subjected-rape-or-sexual-assault-children https://www.reuters.c…

1
386: Introducing Our Studio Plus Membership! 22:05

15d ago22:05

22:05

Every teacher reaches a moment when they crave deeper connection, personalized guidance, and the tools to truly elevate their craft. Today, we’re unveiling Studio Plus, a membership designed to meet that exact need. In this episode, we’ll explore how this new membership goes beyond the basics, offering one-on-one coaching, advanced courses, and an …

1
The Africa Week - 04/10/2024 4:14

17d ago4:14

4:14

This week: The UK hands back its last colony in Africa. Tension at the top of Kenya's political class. And why are so many people visiting Zambia's restaurants during devastating power cuts? Episode 26: References/further reading: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/oct/03/britain-to-return-chagos-islands-to-mauritius-ending-years-of-dispute htt…

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385: Meet TopMusicSheets Composer: William Suit 29:16

22d ago29:16

29:16

Today, we're exploring the journey of Will Suit, the TopMusicSheets composer for October. Will is a native of North Georgia whose lifelong love for music has profoundly shaped his career. Starting piano and singing at the tender age of five under the guidance of his musically inclined parents, Will's talents flourished in a nurturing environment. W…

1
The Africa Week - 27/09/2024 4:17

24d ago4:17

4:17

This week: What did Africa get up to at the UN in New York? More trouble for Tanzania's opposition. And renewals come into the light in Africa. Episode 25: References/further reading: https://www.trtworld.com/africa/africa-unites-at-unga-to-demand-permanent-unsc-seats-with-veto-power-18213139 https://www.un.org/en/unis-nairobi/press-releaseunited-n…

1
384: Nicola Interviews Tim in a Fireside Chat from Piano Pivot Live 25:24

29d ago25:24

25:24

Welcome to this special episode, recorded live during my 2020 Piano Pivot Live event—a piano teachers’ conference unlike any other! Nicola and I dive deep into my journey from being a university student studying audio engineering to becoming a full-time music educator and entrepreneur. We explore the pivotal moments in my career, including why I re…

1
The Africa Week - 20/09/2024 3:51

1M ago3:51

3:51

This week: The oil taps look set to be turned on again for South Sudan, or are they? The WHO chief suggests race is behind the world ignoring Sudan's plight. And reliving Whitney Houston's historic concerts in South Africa. Episode 24: References/further reading: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4grx2k5n6po https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cgq8y…

1
Episode 170: “Wise Use” of Rapidly Changing AI Tools 34:16

28d ago34:16

34:16

Return guest Nicolaas Matthijs joins hosts Tom and Kelvin to discuss some of the trends he’s seeing in the rapidly changing AI-assisted technology space with an eye toward how digital learning professionals can make wise use of the tools in our work. Podcast Recording Download Transcript: PDF Nicolaas Matthijs #advgb-cols-53746947-8b8e-4203-8b4b-04…

1
383: Introducing Fresh New Music from Alfred! 55:03

1M ago55:03

55:03

Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with three talented composers from Alfred Music: Elizabeth Swift, Connor Chee, and Angela Marshall. Join us as we delve into their unique backgrounds, explore their latest compositions, and discover how they are bringing fresh, engaging, and culturally rich music to students and teachers worldwide. Connor Che…

1
The Africa Week - 13/09/2024 4:25

1M ago4:25

4:25

This week: The UN says peacekeepers urgently need to be allowed into Sudan. Planes stuck on the tarmac at Jomo Kenyatta airport. South Africa's unity government wobbles. And what super apes can tell us about superbugs. Episode 23: References/further reading: https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2024/09/sudan-un-fact-finding-mission-outlines-exte…

1
382: Want to Teach Music to Homeschoolers? Homeschool Mom Ginny Thorpe Shares All Her Secrets 45:19

1M ago45:19

45:19

In this insightful episode, we dive deep into the world of homeschooling and music education with Ginny Thorpe, an experienced music teacher and homeschooling mom. Ginny shares her unique journey, from teaching piano as a teenager to developing a diverse and creative approach to music education that caters to the homeschooling community. We explore…

1
The Africa Week - 06/09/2024 5:06

2M ago5:06

5:06

This week: Another school tragedy in Kenya. Olympian athlete Rebecca Cheptegei dies after being set alight by her former partner. China says it will create over a million new jobs on the continent as it woos African leaders. And Namibia's short-term solution to its worst drought in a century. Episode 22: References/further reading: https://www.bbc.…

1
Episode 169: You Know Your Institution is Doing Online Ed Strategically When… 33:58

1M ago33:58

33:58

Hosts Tom and Kelvin discuss the relationship between the strategic value institutions find in online education and institutions establishing senior roles of responsibility for online and digital learning. Implications for a variety of institutional roles are considered. Podcast Recording Download Transcript: PDF Episode 169 Show Notes: Episode Syn…

1
381: Meet TopMusicSheets Composer: Susan Staples Bell 38:02

2M ago38:02

38:02

In this episode, I have the pleasure of chatting with Susan Staples Bell, our featured TopMusicSheets composer of the month. Susan is a dynamic composer and instructor whose engaging sheet music and educational resources have made waves in the piano teaching community. With over 30 years of diverse musical experience, Susan brings a unique blend of…

1
380: Meeting the Founder of PianoCreativity.com – Garreth Brooke 39:44

2M ago39:44

39:44

Today, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Garreth Brooke, the brilliant mind behind PianoCreativity.com. Garreth, a British/German musician and piano teacher based in Frankfurt, Germany, brings a unique perspective to music education, blending traditional techniques with innovative, creativity-driven approaches. We explored the concept of "Rep…

1
Episode 168: “More Positive Hope than Ever Before” 32:04

2M ago32:04

32:04

Guest Melissa Loble joins hosts Kelvin and Tom to share an optimistic vision for the future of technology-enabled higher education. Amidst heightened automation and AI assistance, the uniquely human affordances of relationships are all the more crucial in solving our challenges. Podcast Recording Guest Melissa Loble #advgb-cols-299ad386-c1cd-4614-8…

1
379: Meet TopMusicSheets Composer: Justin Levitt 39:30

2M ago39:30

39:30

Today, we're having a chat with Justin Levitt, a composer whose music beautifully blends emotion and craftsmanship. We dive into his journey from being a self-taught musician to collaborating with world-class artists like the Budapest Scoring Orchestra and composing for the Diablo Ballet. We explore his passion for self-publishing, his creative pro…

1
The Africa Week - 16/08/2024 4:47

2M ago4:47

4:47

This week: Health authorities sound the alarm over the spread of the Mpox virus. Opposition 'crackdown' in Tanzania. Historic first in the fight for justice for victims of the LRA in Uganda. Former Miss South Africa hopeful finds a new contest. Episode 21: References/further reading: 1.https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2024-08-13-africa-cdc-declares-…

1
378: How the Music Teacher Startup Course Helped Kristina Arellano Create Her New Method 55:55

2M ago55:55

55:55

In this episode, we're diving into the inspiring journey of Kristina Arellano, a dedicated music educator, independent studio owner, church musician, accompanist, and composer. Her love for composing and arranging, particularly in music education, has driven her to develop a new piano curriculum for beginning students, set to release in 2025. She s…

1
The Africa Week - 09/08/2024 4:46

2M ago4:46

4:46

This week: More woes for Kenya’s President Ruto as the appeals court sinks his tax plans from last year. Nigerian anti-government protestors allegedly call for help from Russia. The ugly face of xenophobia at a beauty pageant in South Africa. Episode 20: References/further reading: 1.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c39kk4pdek2o 2.https://www.re…

1
Episode 167: Cultivating a Startup Mindset

3M ago

—

Hosts Kelvin and Tom explore the catalyzing personal and organizational value of individuals cultivating a “startup mindset,” regardless of personal role, in the work of digital higher education. Podcast Recording Download Transcript: PDF Episode 167 Show Notes: Episode Synopsis via Twitter View complete list of episode highlights via Twitter Coffe…

1
377: No-Prop Fun and Games with Matt Murphy 36:43

3M ago36:43

36:43

In this episode, we're chatting with one of our TopMusicGames creator, Matt Murphy. Matt shares his unique approach to teaching music through gamification, making lessons more interactive and fun. We dive into his TopMusicGames collection, designed to encourage improvisation and keep students captivated. He discusses the importance of adapting thes…

1
The Africa Week - 02/08/2024 5:08

3M ago5:08

5:08

This week: Prison sentence for Guinea's former president over 2009 stadium massacre. Fresh anti-government protests in Nigeria. And Sudan's military leader survives a suspected assassination attempt. Episode 19: References/further reading 1.https://www.africanews.com/2024/08/01/guinea-moussa-dadis-camara-to-challenge-crimes-against-humanity-convict…

1
376: Piano Teachers and the Law – How to Challenge Your Local Council Rules with Alicia Glaser 48:58

3M ago48:58

48:58

In this episode, we're chatting with Alicia Glaser, the owner and instructor at Glaser Music Studio in Grand Island, NE. With 15 years of music education experience and an extensive background in the Orff methodology, Alicia shares her journey of navigating legal challenges with her local council over her home-based music studio. From facing neighb…

1
The Africa Week - 26/07/2024 3:57

3M ago3:57

3:57

This week: Devastation in southern Ethiopia as around 250 people die in landslides in the rainy season. First Kenya, now Uganda’s parliament is held to account with protestors claiming it’s a ‘den of thieves'. Three Mexicans arrested in a raid on a multimillion dollar crystal meth lab in South Africa. Episode 18: References/further reading 1.https:…

1
375: Meridee Winters Music Unpacked with Kate Capps 33:59

3M ago33:59

33:59

In this episode, we explore the innovative Meridee Winters Music Method through the insights of Kate Capps, a key figure in its development and implementation. Kate shares her journey from discovering music at five years old to studying at Berklee College of Music and eventually joining Meridee Winters' Philadelphia school in 2007. Over the past 17…

51
Episode 166: High Structure Course Design for Online STEM Courses

3M ago

—

Guest Dr. Justin Shaffer joins hosts Tom and Kelvin to discuss the role high structure course design can play in making online STEM courses more effective… and fun! Podcast Recording Guest Dr. Justin Shaffer #advgb-cols-35cc51d5-12bc-4a26-bcae-112f1f784e04{}@media screen and (max-width: 1023px) {#advgb-cols-35cc51d5-12bc-4a26-bcae-112f1f784e04{}}@m…

1
374: So You’ve Read No Book Beginners… What’s Next? with Paul Myatt 39:21

3M ago39:21

39:21

In today's exciting episode, we welcome back Paul Myatt, a successful Australian businessman and renowned educator. As a founding Director of the Forte School of Music, Paul has spearheaded an innovative and thriving music education network that reaches over 4,000 students across Australia, New Zealand, and the UK. Known for his passion for lifelon…

1
373: Meet Our TopMusicSheets Composer of the Month: Brock Chart 44:47

4M ago44:47

44:47

Join us in today's episode as we sit down with Brock Chart, our TopMusicSheets composer of the month. Brock is an accomplished composer, studio owner, and the founder of My-Melodies Publishing in Kansas. Renowned for his versatility across genres such as jazz, pop, educational piano literature, and film music, Brock has made significant contributio…

1
Episode 165: Why Still Prepare Faculty for Online Teaching? #IYKYK

4M ago

—

In this episode, hosts Tom and Kelvin explore the rationale underlying continued institutional efforts to prepare faculty for online course design and teaching. Hint: It’s about students. Podcast Recording Download Transcript: PDF Episode 165 Show Notes: Episode Synopsis via Twitter View complete list of episode highlights via Twitter Coffee Links …

1
372: How to Organise Your Music Studio and Life with Amy Chaplin 50:47

4M ago50:47

50:47

In this episode, we're thrilled to welcome Amy Chaplin, a distinguished pianist, teacher, speaker, blogger, and podcaster, who is passionate about studio business, organization, and life. Amy combines these interests through her blog, PianoPantry.com, and The Piano Pantry Podcast, as well as running an independent piano studio in Northeast Indiana.…

1
371: Meet Our TopMusicSheets Composer of the Month: Jeff Millis 49:37

4M ago49:37

49:37

In today's show, we're thrilled to introduce you to our TopMusicSheets Composer of the Month, Jeff Millis. Jeff is a passionate musician who has been composing since his earliest memories of music. He teaches students worldwide through his unique online method, which emphasizes creativity from the very beginning. Jeff’s innovative approach and dedi…

1
Episode 164: Student Success Coaching Online

4M ago

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Dr. Jenny Sumner joins hosts Kelvin and Tom to discuss the growing role “coaching” plays, especially online, in centering students and their success within our higher ed work. Podcast Recording Guest Dr. Jenny Sumner #advgb-cols-7de64101-79b5-4f17-89d9-b4da4d106f31{}@media screen and (max-width: 1023px) {#advgb-cols-7de64101-79b5-4f17-89d9-b4da4d10…

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370: How to Add Piano Accompanying to Your Income Portfolio with Dr Rachel Ehring 42:34

4M ago42:34

42:34

In today's episode, we delve into the world of piano accompanying with Dr. Rachel Ehring, a distinguished pianist, teacher, and music administrator. With a DMA in Collaborative Piano from the University of Colorado Boulder, Rachel brings a wealth of knowledge and experience. She is passionate about empowering music teachers to create engaging lesso…

1
369: My MTNA Keynote – Dare to Dream 1:05:28

4M ago1:05:28

1:05:28

I'm so thrilled to reconnect with you and appreciate all the positive feedback we've received about the podcast's return. In today's episode, I want to share highlights from my keynote at the MTNA conference in Atlanta this past March, titled "Dare to Dream: Why Students Need Your Vision." I'll discuss the importance of having a clear vision for yo…

51
Episode 163: The Online Syllabus: “A Welcome Mat for the Course” 30:10

5M ago30:10

30:10

In this episode, hosts Tom and Kelvin invite “fun with syllabi” by exploring the multiple roles played by the syllabus in online courses and encouraging adjustments to make syllabi more meaningful and inviting for students. Podcast Recording Download Transcript: PDF Episode 163 Show Notes: Episode Synopsis via Twitter View complete list of episode …

1
368: The 6 Cores of Music Teaching and Studio Business Success 13:31

5M ago13:31

13:31

In this solo episode, we're introducing an exciting new workshop, "The 6 Cores of Music Teaching and Studio Business Success." Drawing from my 14 years of experience, we're going to unveil essential strategies to help you streamline your studio operations and enhance your teaching effectiveness. Discover how focusing on six core fundamentals can tr…

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