Best Topcast Podcasts (2024)

1
393: Mark Gibson Talks “Whole Pattern Learning” with Encore Music 53:18

15h ago53:18

53:18

In this episode, we’re having a chat with Mark Gibson, the founding director of Encore Music Education, about his innovative teaching approach known as "Whole Pattern Learning." Mark shares insights into the genesis of Encore, his experience with improvisation, and the vital role of rhythm, posture, and diverse methodologies in music education. Lis…

1
Episode 174: Get “All [Phil]’d Up” On LMS/Online Enrollment Insights 36:34

3h ago36:34

36:34

Guest Phil Hill joins hosts Kelvin and Tom to discuss substantive insights on the role of the LMS and trends in online higher ed enrollments. (Must see TV. Even if it is a podcast.) Podcast Recording Download Transcript: PDF #advgb-cols-daad4a23-7d9c-45ee-874b-786051e79031{}@media screen and (max-width: 1023px) {#advgb-cols-daad4a23-7d9c-45ee-874b-…

1
The Africa Week - 22/11/2024 4:13

2h ago4:13

4:13

This week: Will Africa cop a bad deal in Baku? Russia says no to Sudan ceasefire. And contraception pills pulled in South Africa. Episode 31: References/further reading: https://www.dw.com/en/at-cop29-climate-talks-africas-patience-wears-thin/a-70841316 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c1wj4dwvj1po https://www.cnbcafrica.com/2024/senegalese-pres…

1
392: Unpacking the New ABRSM 2025 Syllabus with Samantha Carrasco 57:57

1h ago57:57

57:57

To keep our music students engaged and interested, we must evolve with the ever-changing musical landscape. Our guest, Samantha Carrasco, unpacks how the new ABRSM 2025 syllabus has been developed to capture the attention of today’s students. Rather than sticking with traditional repertoire, the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM…

1
The Africa Week - 15/11/2024 5:04

7h ago5:04

5:04

This week: Russia and Africa profess their love publicly. Is Somaliland a sign of change in the Horn? And can the South African government be bothered to find illegal gold miners? Episode 30: References/further reading https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ce9grpyejg1o https://www5.open.ac.uk/technology/mozambique/sites/www.open.ac.uk.technology.moza…

1
391: Meet Brian Shepard, New CEO of MTNA 34:49

15d ago34:49

34:49

Music is not just a profession; it's a calling, a lifetime of passion and dedication. In this episode, we delve into the inspiring journey of Brian Shepard, the newly appointed CEO of the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA). With a musical and professional journey that mirrors this passion, Brian shares his early experiences with piano and v…

1
The Africa Week - 08/11/2024 4:50

6d ago4:50

4:50

This week: Trump 2 - what does it mean for Africa? Mozambique in crisis. And the Ghanaian president's quest for immortality. Episode 29: References/further reading https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4gz29yn00no https://apnews.com/article/mozambique-elections-protests-violence-deaths-e7c82a35fa335fbbf4c3ae3c9d1b16ef https://www.theguardian.com/wor…

1
Episode 173: Campus-Based Student Demand for Online Options (and More!) from CHLOE 9 29:15

10d ago29:15

29:15

Hosts Tom and Kelvin talk through themes from the CHLOE 9 report that stand out as broadly applicable to all online education professionals while we all seek to anticipate or shape the future. Podcast Recording Download Transcript: PDF #advgb-cols-07bb8094-6041-4bf5-937d-09fc09be7fd9{}@media screen and (max-width: 1023px) {#advgb-cols-07bb8094-6041…

1
390: Teaching Piano on YouTube with Emma Blair Piano 34:07

22d ago34:07

34:07

The beauty of music lies not just in its performance, but in the journey of learning and teaching it. In today’s episode, our guest, Emma Fajcz, shares her inspiring journey from being a reluctant piano student to becoming a YouTube sensation known for her practical and engaging piano tutorials. She transitioned from traditional one-on-one lessons …

1
389: Burnout, Cancer and a Learning Legacy with Dr Edward Gifford 47:50

30d ago47:50

47:50

Sometimes, life forces us to pause, reflect, and completely redefine our path. Dr. Edward Gifford’s story is a powerful testament to this truth. A former senior lecturer in music education, Dr. Gifford spent decades shaping future educators, developing innovative teaching methods, and inspiring students with his passion for music. But when burnout …

1
Episode 172: Online Education in Guatemala 32:57

27d ago32:57

32:57

Guest and former Hubert Humphrey Fellow Angelica Gabriela Rocha Guevara joins hosts Tom and Kelvin from Guatemala to discuss the similarities and differences of her country’s pursuit of online education compared to that of other countries around the globe. Podcast Recording Download Transcript: PDF Angie Rocha #advgb-cols-2f43d9c9-b872-4896-9b2f-b9…

1
388: Tim and Bec React to a Creative Piano Lesson from 1984! 38:57

1M ago38:57

38:57

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

1M 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

1M 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

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

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

2M 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

1M 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…

1
385: Meet TopMusicSheets Composer: William Suit 29:16

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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 45:18

3M ago45:18

45:18

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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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
378: How the Music Teacher Startup Course Helped Kristina Arellano Create Her New Method 55:12

4M ago55:12

55:12

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…

51
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

4M 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
376: Piano Teachers and the Law – How to Challenge Your Local Council Rules with Alicia Glaser 48:57

4M ago48:57

48:57

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

4M 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…

1
Episode 166: High Structure Course Design for Online STEM Courses

4M 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 39:20

4M ago39:20

39:20

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

5M 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

5M 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 …

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Topcast Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide