The Vibrant Music Teaching Podcast | Proven and practical tips, strategies and ideas for music teachers

Piece pointers for The Wind by Chee Hwa Tan

01 Jun 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we explore The Wind by Chee Hua Tan, a beautiful early intermediate piano piece featured in the Grade 1 Favorites Piece Pointers cou...

Stop Overthinking Your Piano Teaching

25 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Feeling overwhelmed as a music teacher? In this episode, we talk about how to stop overthinking your teaching and your business, recognise the signs o...

5 piano sight reading resources compared

18 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we explore five effective sight-reading resources for piano teachers—plus a couple of bonus strategies that may be even more impact...

Reading troubles, technique and twins

11 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

An inside look at real questions from piano teachers—covering slow reading progress, building strong technique without formal training, and handling...

Learning to Bite Your Tongue and Hold Your Paint

03 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of The Vibrant Music Teaching Podcast, Nicola Cantan explores the art of “biting your tongue” as a teacher. Using a powerful analo...

Superpowered Practice

27 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of The Vibrant Music Teaching Podcast, Nicola Cantan shares an engaging excerpt from her new book SUPERPOWERED Practice—a fun, story...

Adding Friction to Bad Piano Teaching Habits (and Amazon…or anything)

13 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

What if making things harder could actually improve your teaching and your life? In this episode, we explore the power of friction—how adding small ...

11 Laws of Piano Practice

06 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

What if kids actually understood how to practice? In this episode, we explore the 11 powerful “laws of practice” behind Superpowered Practice—fr...

A piano teacher’s perspective on AI

06 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

AI is here—but how should piano teachers really be using it? In this thought-provoking episode, we explore the ethical, creative, and environmental ...

The Crucial Steps You’re Missing With Intermediate Piano Students

30 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Why do so many piano students plateau in the intermediate stage? In this episode, we unpack three commonly overlooked keys to long-term musical growth...

3 Simple Rhythm Games Students Absolutely Love

23 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Struggling to build strong rhythm skills in your students? In this episode, Nicola Cantan shares why consistent, varied rhythm practice matters more t...

The 5 Ingredients Every Piano Lesson Should Include

16 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

With so many skills to cover in a music lesson, it’s easy to miss what really matters. In this episode, we break down five essential ingredients tha...

3 Magic Questions That Make You a Better Piano Teacher

09 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

What if better teaching wasn’t about new tricks—but better questions? In this episode, we cut straight to the heart of effective music teaching wi...

14 Easy & Inclusive Theme Ideas for Your Next Piano Recital

02 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Your piano recital theme doesn’t have to be complicated — but it can be memorable. 🎶 In this episode, I share 14 piano recital theme ideas to s...

The Real Reason Piano Parents Ignore Your Policies

23 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Frustrated that parents keep ignoring your studio policies? Nicola breaks down the real reasons this happens—and what you can do to fix it. Learn ho...

The BIG Metronome Mistake Piano Teachers Don’t Realize They’re Making

16 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Is the metronome helping your students—or making things worse? In this episode, we unpack the biggest mistakes teachers make with the metronome and ...

Why Students Hate Key Signatures (and How to Fix It)

09 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Why do some students never seem to stay in the key signature? In this episode, we dig into why circling sharps and flats only goes so far—and what a...

Piano Technique Doesn’t Have to Be Hard

02 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

What’s the “right” approach to piano technique—Hannon, Dozen a Day, Alexander Technique? In this episode, we skip the dogma and zoom in on thr...

The Feedback Loop (and how it’s misused by piano teachers)

26 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Feedback is one of the most powerful tools we have as music teachers—yet many of us unintentionally break the feedback loop that helps students grow...

17 Major Piano Method Books Compared! The Ultimate Guide for Teachers

19 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Find out more about membership at vibrantmusicteaching.com.

Keys and Trees - A Retreat for Piano Teachers in the Irish Countryside

12 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

You’re listening to the Vibrant Music Teaching Podcast with Nicola Canton. In this episode, Nicola shares a behind-the-scenes look at the Keys &...

Why I Almost Quit Teaching Music (But Didn’t)

08 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ever wondered if teaching piano could truly be a creative career? In this episode, I share my story of nearly quitting teaching—why I thought it was...

Piano Teachers! Here's Why You Feel Insecure Disillusioned and Crabby

01 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Feeling insecure, crabby, or a bit disillusioned with your piano teaching lately? You’re not alone. In this episode, we explore why these feelings s...

Are potential piano parents getting flakier?

24 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

🎹 “Are Parents Getting Flakier? Or Is It Everyone?”Have you noticed parents ghosting emails, skipping details, or backing out at the last minut...

The Truth About Having Two Piano Teachers

17 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

🎹 “The Secret Second Teacher: Why Some Students Study with Two Instructors”Have you ever discovered that one of your students has another piano...

Building a Successful Piano Teaching Studio Tips and Strategies

10 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Growing a thriving music teaching studio takes more than just being a great teacher. In this episode, I share seven essential steps to set your studio...

The #1 Mistake Music Teachers Make (And How I Fixed It)

03 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are you telling instead of teaching? In this episode, I dive into the #1 mistake I see teachers making in their lessons — defaulting to telling stud...

Your Child Doesn’t Have to Be “Musical” – Just This

27 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Is My Child "Musical Enough" for Piano Lessons? 🎹Many parents wonder if their child is “talented” or “musical” before starting lessons—bu...

Practice Secrets of the MOST Successful Piano Students - Unlock Their Winning Strategies

20 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

🎹 What Makes a Piano Student Truly Successful?Sure, they practice—but that’s not the whole story. In this episode, I reveal 8 powerful (and sur...

The 3 Lies Music Teachers Are Still Told

13 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

🎧 3 Big Lies Music Teachers Believe (and How They Hurt Your Studio)Hey, beautiful teachers! In this episode, we’re busting three harmful myths ma...

Top 5 Piano Teaching Techniques for Young Learners

06 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Teaching young learners can be joyful and tricky! In this episode, I’m sharing five powerful tips to help your youngest students thrive—while keep...

Why Most Kids Quit Piano (It’s Not What You Think)

29 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Why Kids Really Quit Piano – And How to Stop ItKids don’t quit piano because they’re not musical or talented — the real reasons go much deeper...

You're not a bad teacher - the system is BROKEN

22 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Is Your Teaching System Broken?You’re not a bad teacher — and you’re not a bad business owner. But if you’re burnt out, overbooked, and stuck ...

How to Help Parents Support Their Child’s Piano Practice at Home (Even If They Don’t Play)

15 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Do you have parents in your studio who feel lost when it comes to helping their child practice—because they “can’t read music” or “aren’t ...

Watching paint dry…the fun way

08 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

🎨 Let the Paint Dry: The Art of Layered Learning in Music LessonsEver tried painting a room, your nails, or furniture—only to ruin it by rushing ...

Don’t WHIFF your policies

01 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ever catch yourself doing a subtle sniff check in public—and realize it's not so subtle? In this episode, we explore how that awkward moment mirrors...

Lessons for piano teachers from learning to knit

25 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When was the last time you learned something completely new? In this episode, I share five surprising lessons from my journey learning to knit—and h...

I don’t want perfect “talented” students

18 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ever felt a twinge of envy when another teacher says they only work with super-talented, competitive students? In this episode, I unpack why that’s ...

Piano student quitters - taking it personally?

16 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It’s never easy when a student leaves your studio—but it doesn’t always have to feel like failure. In this honest and reflective episode, we exp...

Returning adult piano students

09 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we dive into the unique needs of adult students returning to music lessons after a break—whether it’s been a few years or a few d...

Desirable difficulties in piano practice

02 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Desirable difficulties might sound like a contradiction, but they're actually the key to deeper, longer-lasting piano learning. In this episode, we ex...

Piano books for early intermediate students

26 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

🎹 Early Intermediate Piano Books You’ll Love!Hey lovely teachers! Today, we’re diving into a whole heap of fantastic early intermediate piano b...

History of piano method books

19 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

🎹 The Hidden Legacy of Piano Method BooksIn this episode, we dive into a topic that’s quietly shaped the way millions learn music — the history...

Ranking my pianos from best to worst

12 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

🎹 Ranking My 6 Digital Pianos: From Worst to BestHey, I'm Nicola Canton—and yes, I have seven piano-type instruments in my house! In this episode...

Why your child won’t practice piano in 2025

05 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Why Your Child Won’t Practice (and What You Can Do About It) — 2025 EditionThis age-old question has a fresh twist in 2025. In this episode, we br...

Keeping student attention in a digital world (Hey, is that a squirrel???)

28 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Struggling with student focus? In this episode of Vivid Practice, Nicola Cantan dives into why kids’ attention spans really are shrinking—and what...

Piano sight-reading resources

21 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Here's a short and optimized podcast description for you:"Want to boost your students' sight reading skills? In this episode, I share my favorite sigh...

Motivating lesson “closers”

14 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

How often do you find yourself rushing to finish a lesson on time? Let’s fix that! In today’s episode, I’m sharing creative ways to wrap up less...

Stop TALKING about scales

07 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Tired of endless explanations? Let’s stop talking about scales and start playing them! In this episode, I’ll share how I transformed my teaching b...

My favourite part of my piano lessons

31 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

"The Power of Buddy Lessons: Real Examples from My Studio"In this episode, I share my personal experience with buddy lessons—why I missed them when ...

3 Missing Ingredients in Piano Practice

24 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

"Struggling to get yourself or others to practice piano? You're not alone! In this episode, we’re skipping the usual advice on time management and m...

Method book DISloyalty

17 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

"Are you a 'one-method-book' teacher? In this episode, I dive into the idea of method book loyalty—why some teachers stick to just one, why that doe...

Teen transfer piano students - too cool for keys?

10 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

"Teaching Teen Piano Transfer Students: Strategies for Success"Hey there, beautiful teachers! Today, we're diving into the world of teenage piano stud...

Teen beginner piano method books

03 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

🎹 Best Method Books for Teen Beginner Piano Students 🎶Hey, beautiful teachers! Today, we're diving into the best method books for teenage beginn...

A very simple practice hack

24 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hey lovely teachers! 🎹 Today, we’re diving into a simple yet powerful practice hack: Scales Before School! This quick, five-minute habit helps st...

Lessons from Nobuyuki Tsujii

17 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

🎹 Lessons from Nobuyuki Tsuji: Joy, Listening & Breaking Barriers 🎶Hey there, beautiful teachers! 🌟 In this episode, I’m sharing my ref...

The Belief That’s Killing Our Industry

10 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Is struggle a requirement for success? In today’s episode, we unpack a deeply ingrained belief in music education—and beyond—that says, because ...

Sit Somewhere Else

03 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

🎧 The Vibrant Music Teaching PodcastIn this episode, Nicola Cantan explores how changing your position in the teaching room can transform your pers...

Pros and Cons of Regular Recitals

27 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

🎧 The Vibrant Music Teaching PodcastIn this episode, Nicola Cantan dives into the pros and cons of regular recitals. Should you plan more performan...

Morning Memos - My latest productivity hack

20 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

🎧 The Vibrant Music Teaching PodcastIn this episode, Nicola Cantan shares how a simple “morning memo” can transform your productivity. Learn ho...

5 Favourite Things for January

13 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

🎶 The Vibrant Music Teaching Podcast 🎶🎧 Hosted by Nicola Cantan, this episode dives into five favorite things bringing joy this month—knitt...

Dog training for piano students

09 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to the Vibrant Music Teaching Podcast with Nicola Cantan! In this final episode of 2024, Nicola shares insights from an unexpected source—do...

Organising Teaching Resources

02 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Hi, I'm Nicola Cantan! In today’s episode, we’re diving into organizing teaching resources—a hot topic for many teachers. Zsuzsa asked how to ma...

When a student wants to practice in PRIVATE

25 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Nicola dives into a question from Michelle about helping a tween piano student overcome their resistance to practicing strategies in lesson...

Making the Switch to a Practice App

18 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

You're Listening to the Vibrant Music Teaching Podcast with Nicola CantanDiscover step-by-step strategies to implement meaningful changes in your musi...

What about the GOOD students?

11 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Vibrant Music Teaching Podcast, Nicola Cantan discusses a unique perspective on what she calls “the good ones” – those st...

What I've learned from watching almost 60 music lessons this week

04 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Join host Nicola Cantan in this episode of The Vibrant Music Teaching Podcast as she shares insights from watching nearly 60 video clips submitted by ...

Music Practice Mottos

28 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to the Vibrant Music Teaching Podcast! I'm Nicola Cantan, your host, and today we’re diving into the world of music practice mottos. Whether...

Starting a homeschool music program

21 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Vibrant Music Teaching Podcast, host Nicola Cantan dives into programs for young beginners, offering valuable advice for struct...

Making things EASY for a challenging student

14 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Vibrant Music Teaching Podcast, host Nicola Cantan answers a listener's question about handling a tricky piano student who rush...

Lessons after breaks and studio names

07 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to the Vibrant Music Teaching Podcast with Nicola Cantan! In this episode, we dive into two important topics: easing students back into lesson...

Paperless or paper planning and personal practice

30 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The Vibrant Music Teaching Podcast, hosted by Nicola Cantan, tackles key challenges for music teachers. In this episode, Nicola explores two important...

Starts and stops and starting studios

23 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The Vibrant Music Teaching Podcast, hosted by Nicola Canton, offers proven, practical tips and strategies for music teachers. In this episode, Nicola ...

Am I the right kind of teacher for my different students

16 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The Vibrant Music Teaching Podcast, hosted by Nicola Canton, explores how music teachers can adapt their teaching styles to fit different students and...

How do I organise lessons at students' homes?

09 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast episode, the host shares insights and practical advice for music teachers who conduct lessons at students' homes. They discuss the imp...

Public speaking, marketing and preschool students

02 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Join Nicola Canton as she delves into building confidence in public speaking and offers insights into teaching young students effectively. This episod...

Questions, podcasts and going from zero to studio

26 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Join Nicola as she shares new resources, exciting announcements, and honest reflections on the teaching profession. Whether you’re a seasoned teache...

Conference lowdown and general catchup

19 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Join me for a general catchup after my summer of conferences and some thoughts for upcoming plans.Find out more about membership at vibrantmusicteachi...

Creative Repurposing and Recyling with Leila Viss

12 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I'm delighted to be joined by Leila Viss today to talk about reusing and recycling objects for games in your studio.Leila Viss generates imaginative r...

Practice and Ownership with Nicole Douglas

05 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today we're joined by Nicole Douglas for a fascinating discussion about practice, motivation and ownership.Nicole Douglas teaches piano near Chicago, ...

Uncommon Sense Truths with Christina Whitlock

29 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today's guest is Christina Whitlock. We're going to be chatting about some fun hidden truths about the teaching life. Christina Whitlock, MM, NCTM, fa...

Crafting compositions with Jenny Walker

22 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Jenny Walker is on the show today to share about her composing process.Born in Southampton, I now live in Lincolnshire where I have a successful teach...

Developing a violin method with Crystal Boyak

15 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Crystal Boyack is coming on the podcast today. We're discussing her creative method for violin students and what went into its development.Crystal Boy...

Preparing Piano Teens for the Next Level with Kate Boyd

08 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Kate Boyd is on the show today and we're chatting about preparing teens to progress to music majors.Kate Boyd is the head of the piano area at Butler ...

Community, Not Competition with Paul Myatt

01 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Paul Myatt is joining me today to discuss the value of community and collaboration in the teaching world.Paul Myatt is a passionate piano teacher, aut...

Creative movement and ensemble recitals with Juliet Robinson

24 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Juliet Robinson is on the podcast today and we're chatting about bringing movement into every lesson and including ensembles in recitals.Trained as a ...

Presenting Tips with Amy Chaplin

17 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Amy Chaplin joins us on the show today to talk about conferences, proposals and presentations.Amy Chaplin is a piano teacher, speaker, blogger, and po...

A week in the life

10 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

To celebrate the 300 episode milestone, I'm taking you on a journey through a week in my life. Hope you enjoy this different style of episode!Link to ...

Questions for all teachers to ponder

03 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today I'm sharing some intriguing questions to get your brain juices flowing. Hope you enjoy these doodles for your noodle!Find out more about members...

How to Get The Most Out of Piano Teaching Conferences

27 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

If you're going to be attending a workshop, conference or other training event soon, make sure you listen to these tips! They could save you time, mon...

My experience with MTB exams

20 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A reflection on my experience with the Music Teachers Board exams and who they suit best.Find out more about membership at vibrantmusicteaching.com.

Answers for parents who question games in piano lessons

13 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Do parents ever ask you WHY you're playing games in your piano lessons? I've got the answers!Find out more about membership at vibrantmusicteaching.co...

Fun ways to prep for recital

06 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

How do we make the recital preparation process feel fun? That's the question we're unpacking today.Find out more about membership at vibrantmusicteach...

Alternatives for Piano Recitals

29 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are you rethinking piano rectials? Here are a few alternatives you might like to try.Find out more about membership at vibrantmusicteaching.com.

My top 7 takeaways from MTNA 2024

22 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Sharing a few takeaways from the latest MTNA conference in Atlanta.Find out more about membership at vibrantmusicteaching.com.

What to say at the start of your recital

15 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Public speaking makes many people nervous and it's the last thing you want to be worrying about when you're managing all the logistics of a recital. T...

How to stay CALM during recital season

08 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Many of us are about to organise and host recitals. Let's take a moment together to breathe and keep it calm this time around.Find out more about memb...

Behind-the-Scenes at Our Silent Film Piano Festival

01 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This is a bumper episode of the show where I'm sharing everything that went into our Silent Film Piano Festival, and what I might do differently in fu...

If This Were EASY What Would That Look Like?

25 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This is the most important question I've been asking myself lately. What tools can we use to make it feel easy for the student, so that they feel conf...

Music Neutrality in Music lessons

18 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Do you treat all genres equally in your studio? Do your students know how you feel about the music THEY like?Find out more about membership at vibrant...