Innovation thrives when creativity meets passion, and today's guest, Megan Schraer, embodies this perfectly. As the new owner of Dynamic Doodle Co., Megan has embraced the challenge of continuing the company’s legacy of providing music educators with engaging and interactive learning materials. In this episode, she shares the exciting, sometimes steep, journey of taking over the business, navigating everything from processing orders to mastering the laser cutter for product assembly. Megan also reveals how she integrates Dynamic Doodle Co. resources into her own teaching practice, all while balancing her roles as a piano teacher and mother of two. She speaks to the power of her support system and gives a glimpse into the company’s future, including the introduction of boom cards and music bucks. Listen in for an inspiring conversation about creativity, entrepreneurship, and the transformative power of music education.

• Megan shared a brief overview of her background and her music teaching studio.
• How she started using Dynamic Doodle Co. products, leading to her taking over the business.
• How she uses Composer Chronicles in her studio, including monthly composer spotlights and integrating them into lessons and group activities.
• Discussion about using Rhythm Builders and Staff Puzzlers to teach note durations and music notation to students, enhancing visual and hands-on learning.
• Megan shared about the new skills she has acquired, such as processing orders, packaging products, and learning production techniques like using a laser cutter.
• How she balances teaching, business responsibilities, and family life.
• Some popular Dynamic Doodle Co. resources like Rhythm Builders, Staff Puzzlers, and Composer Chronicles, and how she uses them creatively in her own studio.
• Some discusses some future plans and new products like boom cards and music bucks.

• Megan Schraer's Website
• Dynamic Doodle Co. Website
• Dynamic Doodle Co. Facebook Page
• Dynamic Doodle Co. Instagram Page
• Dynamic Doodle Co. Etsy Shop

Megan Schraer enthusiastically strives to instill a passion for music in her students. Attempting to understand her student's learning style is a very important step to building a relationship with her students. Thereafter, she incorporates a variety of teaching approaches to appeal to each growing musician. Educating her students beyond just the pages of sheet music, Megan demonstrates the interworking of the piano and its mechanics to the student so they better understand how the instrument actually functions while they play. The students will also study famous composers, establish proper technique and artistry, learn music theory, and gain confidence in performing for others. With every lesson, she treasures the privilege of enriching the student's life and she deeply cares about each and every single one of them as individuals.

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

The power of creativity can transform the ordinary into the extraordinary, and today’s guest exemplifies that truth in her approach to piano teaching and recitals. In this episode, we are joined by the distinguished piano and pedagogy professor, Dr. Olivia Ellis, from Messiah University in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. Olivia is renowned for her innovative teaching methods and as an editor for Piano Magazine and the author of the Easy Piano Lead Sheets and Chord Charts series. She shares how her upbringing, with a crafty mother and inspiring teachers, shaped her passion for creativity in music education. Tune in to learn how her creative recitals and teaching strategies can elevate your students' performances and create unforgettable musical experiences.

• Olivia shared a brief overview of her background and her roles in the piano teaching community.
• She shares her passion for creative teaching inspired by her mother and past teachers.
• Her preferred piano resources, favorite books and tools.
• Overview of Olivia's unique themed recitals.
• Importance of using creative ideas in teaching both young children and college students.
• How Olivia involves students in the planning and execution of creative recitals.
• Advice and tips for teachers feeling overwhelmed or on a budget.
• Olivia shares exciting future projects, including concerts and student recitals.
• Importance of integrating lead sheets in lessons for practical skills.
• Tips on how to start and progress with teaching lead sheets to students.

• Olivia Ellis Website - Creative Piano Teacher
• Creative Piano Teacher Instagram Page
• Creative Piano Teacher Facebook Page
• Download your latest TopMusic Magazine here

Dr. Olivia Ellis teaches piano, group piano, pedagogy, and chamber music at Messiah University in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. She's an editor for Piano Magazine and has published several books including the Easy Piano Lead Sheets and Chord Charts series. She's constantly creating new activities and games to teach concepts, and loves helping other teachers find their niche.

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 https://rachelehring.com/
• Visit her Instagram page: @rachelehring
• Visit her Etsy shop at Dream Lavender Music

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Confidence on stage is built long before the performance begins. In this episode, we're diving deep into the strategies and tools that will help your students perform with confidence. Whether you're a piano teacher guiding your students or a musician getting ready for your own performance, preparation is key to managing nerves and feeling at ease on stage. We'll explore everything from building a preparation timeline to effective rehearsal techniques, the power of affirmations, and even some personal stories and tips to help both you and your students shine when it matters most. Join me as we explore how to make performance day a success!

• Why preparation is key to calming nerves, but why it’s normal to still feel anxious.
• The value of creating a detailed preparation timeline to guide your practice
• How to avoid common mistakes, like scheduling dress rehearsals too late or not practicing in the performance space.
• Importance of practicing in front of others, whether it’s friends, family, or even stuffed animals.
• How technology and video recordings can provide additional practice opportunities.
• Fun ways to help younger students practice bowing and stage presence to reduce anxiety.
• How practicing on the performance stage ahead of time can improve confidence on recital day.
• The power of affirmations to help both students and teachers replace negative self-talk with positive, empowering thoughts.
• Tips on handling students’ post-performance disappointment with encouragement and positive reframing.
• Simple breathing techniques to help calm nerves before and during a performance.
• How to prepare mentally and physically on the actual day of a performance.
• Why it’s important to take care of all logistical details well in advance.
• Personal rituals, like lucky socks or mints, that help performers feel grounded and confident.
• Advice on responding when a student feels disappointed after their performance.

• Affirmations for Student Musicians YouTube video
• Affirmations for Performing Musicians YouTube video
• TMPP Episode 037: Helping Teens Work through Performance Anxiety with Sonia Poon
• TMPP Episode 036: Never Stop Innovating with Will Armstrong
• TMPP Episode 028: Music and Magic Journals with Tweena Vuong

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 https://rachelehring.com/
• Visit her Instagram page: