104: Laying Strong Foundations at the Beginning of Your Career with Emma Fernandez

It’s easy to think you need decades of experience before you have something meaningful to offer as a piano teacher, but today’s guest proves otherwise. In this episode, I’m chatting with Emma Fernandez, an undergraduate piano major who is already running a thriving studio and building strong professional foundations. We talk about networking, professional organizations, social media growth, and what it looks like to lay intentional groundwork at the very beginning of your career.

• Emma shared how she began her piano lessons and discovered her love for music through choir.
• She explained how her teaching journey began during her final year of high school.
• The importance of pushing past feelings of being “too young” or “not qualified enough”.
• Emma described how her studio has grown to nearly 30 students in just three years.
• She highlighted the value of surrounding herself with supportive mentors and professors.
• She emphasized stepping outside her comfort zone to network and grow professionally.
• How attending an MTNA Collegiate Symposium sparked inspiration early on.
• The benefits of joining local music teacher organizations were discussed.
• How festivals, recitals, and examinations provide growth opportunities for students.
• The importance of prioritizing professional opportunities based on goals and finances.
• Practical tips for making conferences more affordable.
• How attending student events creates natural networking opportunities.
• Emma reflected on how consistent posting fueled her rapid Instagram growth.
• She emphasized authenticity and not overthinking social media content creation.
• She encouraged young teachers to start building experience now rather than waiting for more credentials.

Links Mentioned

• Emma's Website:www.efernandezpianostudio.com
• Emma's Instagram Page:@emma_fernandez_piano
• Emma's Instagram Studio Page:@efernandez_piano_studio
• Emma's Facebook Page:Emma Fernandez Piano
• Emma's YouTube Page:www.youtube.com/@emmafernandezpiano

Today's Guest Emma Marie Fernandez is a pianist based in Fort Worth, Texas, where she runs a private piano studio from her home, teaching students of all ages and levels. As a teacher, Emma is passionate about fostering growth and creativity in her studio, and greatly enjoys sharing her love of music with her students, finding it an incredible privilege to have a small part in a student's musical journey. She continually seeks to grow as a musician, and is actively involved in pedagogical research as an undergraduate piano major at Texas Woman's University, where she plans to pursue an M.M. in Piano Pedagogy beginning this fall. 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

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 Fridays 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