Creative ideas and pedagogically sound teaching strategies for music educators, piano teachers & church musicians
Practical advice, research-backed insights, and ready-to-use resources to help you lead and teach with confidence.
I believe we’re at our best as musicians and educators when we are curious, creative, innovative, and constantly learning.
I also believe that if you aren’t actively looking for ways to explore these things in your teaching and music work, you’re probably spinning your wheels and falling short of your full potential.
Being a musician is a lifelong pursuit.
That means continually experimenting with new teaching approaches, finding new repertoire and curriculum resources, developing and maintaining your musicianship and teaching skills, and searching for better ways to organize and manage your time.
I’m right there with you.
Hi, I’m Ashley—
I help music teachers and directors develop the skills they need to teach with intention, inspire musical creativity, and facilitate meaningful learning.
I started this blog waaay back in 2010 as a place to document and share what I was learning and figuring out as a new studio teacher, adjunct professor, music director, and recent music school grad.
Now, 14 years later and with over 340,000 annual site visitors, I believe more than ever in the joy of lifelong learning, the power of community and shared experience, and the limitless potential for creativity and inspiration in music teaching.
Let’s keep learning together.
Looking for teaching inspiration?
Always! Let’s start with…
Practical, ready-to-use templates and resources
Save time and simplify your planning with templates, curated repertoire lists, and step-by-step frameworks to help you teach more efficiently and effectively.
opportunities for professional growth
Develop your teaching skills and build confidence with expert insight and support, whether you’re teaching in a private studio or classroom, or directing a choir.
Innovative ideas for Lesson and Rehearsal Planning
Get inspired with creative teaching strategies, innovative approaches to music teaching and learning, and thoughtful ways to foster motivation in learners of all ages.
“Beautifully formatted, knowledgeably curated, pedagogically sound, clearly and concisely explained—thank you!!”
Have you ever felt like you’re out of ideas? Let’s build an idea bank.
Here’s my 3-part approach:
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Get the clarity and step-by-step plan you need to move forward.
We'll start with an in-depth review of your current situation. We’ll study what’s working, what’s not, and talk about where you want to go next in your career. I’ll listen to your concerns, challenges, and goals and help you find the clarity you need to move forward.
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Discover new ideas, teaching strategies, and ways to manage your time.
You’ll find innovative teaching ideas, new approaches to lesson- and rehearsal-planning, and practical solutions for balancing the teaching and administrative sides of your job. Get actionable steps and ready-to-use resources so you can start making progress right away.
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Apply what you’re learning, build confidence & get continued support.
Success breeds confidence. The more you innovate, try new things, and develop new skills, the more you’ll learn and the more confident you’ll become as a musician and teacher. I’ll be there to guide and support you all along the way!
Let’s focus on developing your skills and building your confidence.
Dive into step-by-step, on-demand courses designed to help you develop the skills and strategies you need to lead, teach, perform, and manage your music career with confidence.
Get the templates and resources you need, when you need them.
You’ll find a variety of instant, low- or no-cost resources and templates in the Resource Library, all designed to help you plan, prepare, get organized, and make the most of your time.
I’m a better teacher and a better musician.
“I really appreciate the work that you do on your blogs and podcasts—I look forward to them every month. It seems you always address an issue I’m experiencing. The wealth of information you share has made me a better teacher and a better musician.”
- Sandra Gereau Fraser, organist and choir director
I’m much more conscious about the kind of teacher I want to be.
“I am more organized and better prepared this year. I’m much more conscious about the kind of teacher I want to be.”
- Kate R., piano teacher
Get a free set of printable rhythm pattern cards to use in your studio, classroom, or rehearsals this year.
Featuring 16 unique patterns in 4/4 time, use these cards for call-and-response, improvisation or composition, teaching a new piece, sight-reading, or developing musical awareness and listening skills.
Refill that cup of coffee
Catch up on the latest blog posts
and podcast episodes.
What’s new on the blog:
What’s new on the Podcast:
Need a little inspiration?
I’ll leave you with this:
“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.”
