120: What Happens When Piano Teachers Meet In Person

What happens when piano teachers meet in person? In this episode, I reflect on our first-ever TopMusic Local coffee meetup and share why face-to-face connections can be so valuable for teachers. From meaningful conversations to new friendships and fresh ideas, this experience was a powerful reminder that teaching doesn't have to be a lonely profession.

• Rachel shared highlights from the first-ever TopMusic Local coffee meetup in Orange County, CA.
• The value of meeting fellow piano teachers in person to build meaningful professional connections.
• How small gatherings can create deeper conversations and stronger relationships.
• Rachel introduced several local teachers and the unique strengths they bring to their studios.
• Why piano teachers often understand each other’s challenges and successes.
• The importance of finding and embracing what makes your teaching approach different.
• How comparing yourself to other teachers can distract from your unique strengths and studio vision.
• Rachel encouraged teachers to view fellow piano teachers as colleagues rather than competitors.
• The benefits of connecting with local teachers for support and professional growth.

Links Mentioned

• Find out more about TopMusic Local Music Teacher Meetup here
• Find out more about the 12-Week Studio Transformation (12WST) here.
• TMPP 028: Music and Magic Journals with Tweena Vuong

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

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