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 1984, showcasing Rebecca's childhood piano lessons with Dr. Edward Gifford. This episode highlights their discussion on creative teaching techniques like whole-body learning, solfège, and transposition. We also reflect on how these innovative methods shaped Rebecca's approach to music education and their relevance in today's teaching environment. Tune in to explore the intersection of past memories and modern advancements in music pedagogy.

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• Rebecca shared a brief overview of her work background and her roles at TopMusic.
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• She introduced a video of her childhood piano lessons with Dr. Edward Gifford.
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• Discussion of various teaching techniques seen in the video, including movement and physical interaction and they highlight the novelty and effectiveness of Dr. Gifford’s methods.
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• Tim shares his own music lesson experiences.
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• Rebecca reflects on her accent and undiagnosed ADHD during her childhood.
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• Importance of whole-body learning and physical movement in music education.
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• Discussion on sensory memories contributing to learning experiences, usage of solfège and sneaky repetition in lessons.
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• The importance of teaching transposition to children.
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• Benefits of singing and playing simple melodies for enhancing sight-reading skills.
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• Tim and Rebecca reflect on physical and imaginative engagement in music.
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• Edward’s impact on Rebecca’s teaching methods.
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• How a blended approach to music teaching contributes to long-term appreciation and understanding.
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• Click here to watch the YouTube video of this interview
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• Link to Tim's childhood piano lesson YouTube video
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• TopCast Episode 387: A New Pathway to TopMusic Teacher Certification
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Rebecca grew up listening to her three older sisters practice their musical instruments. She delighted in her childhood music lessons and wanted to teach young children in a fun and creative way. Her piano teacher at Melbourne University recommended the Yamaha method, and Rebecca taught with Yamaha Music Education Centres from 1998 to 2018. She loved being a national teacher trainer with Yamaha, and enjoyed opportunities to travel to Toronto and Tokyo for Yamaha teacher development events. In 2016 Rebecca went to Jakarta where her 8-year-old Yamaha student performed his original composition at the Asia Pacific Junior Original Concert. Her first book "Sight Reading Secrets Grade One" was published in 2004, and there are now nine books in the series. In 2023, Rebecca worked with Tim Topham in developing the TopMusic Certification program.

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 years without a clear guide, and how this new certification is designed to empower music teachers with confidence and professional credibility. Whether you're looking to refine your pedagogy, improve your business skills, or gain recognition as a certified instructor, this episode is packed with insights into how you can elevate your teaching studio and career.

• Becoming TopMusic Certified and how it can transform your teaching studio.
• Overview of TopMusic Certification, now part of the Studio Plus membership.
• Tim reflects on his struggles and the lack of a clear guide in his early teaching career.
• Why get TopMusic certified and why choose TopMusic Certification?
• The PRESTO Framework.
• 10 key learning objectives, including creative teaching strategies, curriculum design, studio management, and marketing.
• Who is TopMusic Certification for?
• How to join TopMusic Teacher Certicication?
• Assessment process and renewal.

• TopMusic Teacher Certification
• TopMusic 12-Week Studio Transformation
• Join TopMusicPro or Upgrade to Studio Plus now
• TopCast Episode 386: Introducing Our Studio Plus Membership!
• Register for the The 6 Cores of Music Teaching and Studio Business Success Workshop

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 Mondays weekly.

If you would like to leave the Podcast Team a voicemail and have your burning questions answered on a future show or YouTube video, visit this link to leave us a voicemail today. Tim also accepts requests for his Pop Song Solutions videos if you have a pop song you’d like help teaching a student.

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 empowering community to help you take your studio to the next level. Join me as we dive into the transformational impact Studio Plus can have on your music teaching journey.

• Alfred Music Update: New Alfred Music publications now available in Australia through local stores supplied by Encore Music Distributors.
• Tim announces Studio Plus, a brand-new membership level in TopMusicPro.
• Key features of Studio Plus, including 1-on-1 coaching, private messaging channel, twice-monthly group check-ins, exclusive courses, etc.
• Extra perks include teaching video assessments and website audits.
• Who’s Studio Plus for?
• Update on the Evolution tier of TopMusicPro.
• Sneak peek on Multi-Teacher memberships launching in early 2025

• Join TopMusicPro or Upgrade to Studio Plus now
• TopMusicSheets
• TopMusic Certification
• Music Teacher StartUp - Evolution Membership
• TopCast 383: Introducing Fresh New Music from Alfred!
• Encore Music Distributors
• Email us at support@topmusic.co

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 Mondays weekly.

TOPMUSICPRO MEMBERSHIP 14-DAY FREE

If you would like to leave the Podcast Team a voicemail and have your burning questions answered on a future show or YouTube video, visit this link to leave us a voicemail today. Tim also accepts requests for his Pop Song Solutions videos if you have a pop song you’d like help teaching a student.