In this episode of The Scrappy Piano Teacher Podcast I share some reflections on volunteering as a music teacher and how it has looked different in each season of my life. From early years of barely being involved to now serving on a board, I talk about community involvement, mentorship, and professional growth through teacher events. I want to encourage you to think about volunteering in ways that feel sustainable and supportive of your own teaching journey. Sometimes it is as simple as sharing a post or saying thank you and other times it is stepping into leadership and supporting other teachers. Every contribution matters in music education and together we build stronger communities.
In this episode, I’m sharing the questions I asked myself after a year that looked successful on paper but felt… off. I had full classes, amazing students, and met my income goals. But something wasn’t quite right.
So I reworked my schedule. I rethought how many students I actually want to teach, what formats bring me the most energy, and how I define success on my terms.
If you’ve ever found yourself filling every available time slot, feeling like more students equals more success, or wondering how to protect your joy while paying the bills, you’re not alone.
This one’s for you.
Mentioned in this episode:
My Music Staff 60-day free trial: www.mymusicstaff.com/scrappypianoteacher
Episode 50 on Profit First: go back and listen if you want to rethink how you organize your studio finances
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Keywords: piano teaching, studio management, music education, teaching strategies, group lessons, private lessons, teacher support, teacher burnout, teaching methods, self-care
If you’ve ever felt like jazz and improv sound great in theory but overwhelming in practice, this episode is for you. I’m joined by pianist, educator, and author Quentin Walston to talk about how jazz and improvisation can help teachers re-engage students, fight burnout, and bring more creativity into everyday lessons, without needing a jazz degree to make it happen.
Quentin’s book How to Teach Jazz & Improvisation is written for real teachers who want to normalize improvisation and make jazz feel approachable for students of any age.
We talk about simple ways to start, why it doesn’t have to be complicated, and how just a few minutes of improv can transform your lessons.
Get Quentin’s book: https://thisisjazz.com/product/how-to-teach-jazz-improvisation-book/
Use coupon code TEACHJAZZ for $5 off
Also available on Amazon, MusicNotes (ebook), and Piano Marvel (interactive app with songs only)
Grab my Policy Workbook with templates and tools to help you finally get your studio policies done, available now at www.scrappypianoteacher.com/resources/p/calendar-policy-scrappy-session-toolkit-replay-workbook-templates
Join the next Scrappy Session in August all about SOPs for music studios at www.scrappypianoteacher.com/scrappysessions
Is Your Studio Policy a Contract or Just a Really Long PDF?
You’ve got a policy, but is it doing what you think it is?
In this episode, I’m talking about what a studio policy really is and what it is not. I’ll share how mine started, how I completely reworked it, and what finally helped me create something that made sense for both me and my studio families.
We’ll talk about what a policy is meant to do, what does not belong in it, and why short and clear usually works better than long and formal. I will also walk through some of the systems and waivers that can support your policy without overcomplicating it.
You’ll hear real-life takeaways based on experience, along with guidance supported by MTNA, Piano Inspires, and small business best practices.
If you want help writing or updating your policy, join me for the next Scrappy Session on Friday, July 18th at 11:30 am Eastern. We will sit down together, and you’ll get a fill-in-the-blank workbook, a clear outline, and dedicated time to actually get it done.
Register at
www.scrappypianoteacher.com/scrappysessions
To get notified when the Scrappy Studio Policies Booklet is released later this month, subscribe at
www.scrappypianoteacher.com
In this episode, I’m breaking down how the Profit First system completely changed how I handle money in my studio and why it gave me more peace of mind than any spreadsheet ever did.
I’ll walk you through how it works, how I set it up as a piano teacher, and the mindset shift that made all the difference.
You’ll hear real examples from my studio, a few budgeting truths I had to learn the hard way, and the steps you can take to start simplifying your finances too.
● Includes my Profit First Cheat Sheet for Music Teachers (free download at www.scrappypianoteacher.com)● Real talk on percentages, taxes, owner’s pay, and what to do if numbers overwhelm you● Bonus: How I use Scrappy Sessions to actually get this stuff done
If you’ve ever felt like your studio money disappears before the month ends, this one’s for you.
Subscribe to the email list and find resources at www.scrappypianoteacher.com
In this episode of The Scrappy Piano Teacher, Jaclyn Mrozek interviews pianist and educator William Perry, creator of the Piano Music Database.
What began as a spreadsheet to help one adult student quickly turned into a tool that’s helping teachers across the country save hours of lesson planning.
William shares how the database was built, how teachers are using it to find repertoire by concept, level, mood, and theme, and why it’s quickly becoming a favorite resource in both private studios and pedagogy classrooms.
The conversation also explores how the tool supports living composers, provides preview recordings, and allows teachers to build custom lists for their students.
The best part...it’s currently free to try during the beta period.
Visit pianomusicdatabase.com to create a free account, and join the Piano Music Database Users group on Facebook to stay connected.
Subscribe at www.scrappypianoteacher.com or send an email to jaclyn@scrappypianoteacher.com to connect with Jaclyn
In this episode, Jaclyn Mrozek discusses the importance of implementing flex weeks in teaching to promote work-life balance, a PTO for independent music teachers, as well as mental health.
She emphasizes the need for clear communication with families, along with examples, in regarding changes in studio policies and tuition.
The discussion also highlights the significance of taking time off without guilt and creating a sustainable studio model that supports both teachers and students.
Visit www.scappypianoteacher.com for free resources and more!
In this episode of the Scrappy Piano Teacher Podcast, host Jaclyn Mrozek shares her journey as an independent music teacher, emphasizing the importance of having a teaching philosophy.
She recounts a recent experience accompanying a choir concert, which led her to reflect on her teaching methods and the value of self-questioning. The episode provides insights into crafting a personal teaching philosophy, discussing its significance in shaping studio culture, communication with students and parents, and defining success in music education.
Jaclyn offers a four-part framework for developing a teaching philosophy, encouraging teachers to articulate their purpose, approach, priorities, and vision of success.
Grab the Teaching Philosophy Template Here https://pianokats.kit.com/teachingphilosophy
Beyond Measure Episode 13: Cheers to Simple-Philosophy Building - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-13-cheers-to-simple-philosophy-building/id1530440503?i=1000504950989
Subscribe and more at www.scrappypianoteacher.com
Questions? Contact Jaclyn@scrappypianoteacher.com
About The Scrappy Piano Teacher Podcast
Hosted by Jaci Mrozek
Formerly The Music Teacher Mastermind Podcast
This podcast is for independent piano teachers who love teaching but feel overwhelmed by everything else...scheduling, tuition tracking, parent communication, lesson planning, and running a business.
Whether you teach private piano lessons or group classes, you’ll find practical strategies and real-life solutions to help you run a sustainable music studio without burning out.
Every other Monday, host Jaci Mrozek shares systems, tools, mindset shifts, and conversations with fellow music educators. You’ll learn how to streamline your piano studio, protect your time, and confidently lead your teaching business.
If you’ve ever said, “I wish someone had taught me how to actually run my studio,” this podcast is for you.
Subscribe, leave a review, and let’s get scrappy.
In this episode of the Music Teacher Mastermind Podcast, host Jaclyn Mrozek interviews Sam Reti, founder of Muzie.live, a platform designed to enhance music education through innovative technology.
Sam shares his musical background, the inception of Muzie, and how it evolved during the pandemic to meet the needs of music teachers and students.
The conversation highlights the unique features of Muzie that differentiate it from traditional platforms like Zoom, including tailored audio quality for music lessons, integrated tools for teaching, and the ability to bridge online and in-person lessons seamlessly.
Sam also discusses the platform's capabilities for group lessons and live streaming recitals, making it a versatile tool for music educators.
Sign up for your two week trial at https://www.muzie.live/
Muzie.Live is a virtual music studio offering high fidelity online, hybrid, and in-person lessons, featuring a comprehensive toolkit for engaging students, including a whiteboard, recording, file sharing, scheduling, a dedicated student practice room & more!
Want to Connect?
Jaclyn Mrozek
www.instagram.com/jaclynmrozek_piano
Email: Jaclyn@pianokats.com
Join the Email List: pianokats.kit.com/profile
Freebie Printables: www.pianokats.com/piano-printables
Buy Jaclyn A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/jaclynmrozek
Intro and Outro Music
Title: "Changes"
Artist: Elizabeth Swift
Courtesy of: Elizabeth Swift Piano, ASCAP
Link to Music:
In this episode of the Music Teacher Mastermind Podcast, Jaclyn Mrozek and Rachel Ehring discuss the role of collaborative pianists and how teachers can leverage accompanying gigs to supplement their income during the summer.
In this conversation, Rachel and Jaclyn discuss the intricacies of playing music for weddings, including selecting appropriate music, understanding the importance of timing, and the essential questions musicians should ask clients.
They also delve into the financial aspects of being a musician, such as managing music costs and setting rates. The discussion highlights the value of collaboration in enhancing musicianship and encourages musicians to embrace opportunities in accompanying.
Rachel's Website: https://rachelehring.com
Rachel'sInstagram:
https://www.instagram.com/rachelehring/
Collaborative Pianists' Rate Calculator: https://skilled-trailblazer-7766.kit.com/b5e06d175a
Free 30-minute Workshop to increase your income as a pianist: https://skilled-trailblazer-7766.ck.page/a77faf8007
Connect with Jaclyn: bio.site/jaclynmrozek
Buy Jaclyn A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/jaclynmrozek
Intro and Outro Music
Title: "Changes"
Artist: Elizabeth Swift
Courtesy of: Elizabeth Swift Piano, ASCAP
Link to Music:
In this episode, Jaclyn Mrozek discusses her personal experiences with burnout and imposter syndrome as a music teacher.
She emphasizes the importance of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in maintaining a stable teaching environment, especially during challenging times.
Jaclyn provides practical advice on creating effective SOPs to streamline studio management and reduce stress, ultimately supporting teachers in their professional journey.
Want the FREE Standard Operating Procedures Workbook for Music Teachers? Grab it here -> https://pianokats.kit.com/sopworkbookRegistration for the Bootcamp is OPEN! Registrants before April 18th will receive a free 1 hour post consult. Space is limited. https://pianokats.kit.com/products/music-studio-bootcamp-2025
New newsletter coming soon to begin to celebrate the 1 Year Anniversary of The Music Teacher Mastermind Podcast! Join the Scrappy Piano Teacher newsletter here pianokats.kit.com/scrappy
Freebie Printables: www.pianokats.com/piano-printables
Buy Jaclyn A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/jaclynmrozek
Intro and Outro Music
Title: "Changes"
Artist: Elizabeth Swift
Courtesy of: Elizabeth Swift Piano, ASCAP
Link to Music:
In this episode of the Music Teacher Mastermind Podcast, host Jaclyn Mrozek welcomes Dorla Aparicio to discuss summer piano lessons and the innovative Piano Pyramid curriculum.
Dorla shares her journey from Costa Rica to Texas, her teaching philosophy, and the structure of her summer piano camps and clubs.
The conversation highlights the importance of engaging students through multi-level group lessons, effective lesson planning, and creating a fun learning environment for young musicians.
They explore curriculum design for different age groups, the importance of engaging activities, and the flexibility of summer piano programs.
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Summer Curriculums: https://www.pianopyramid.com/piano-pyramid-store/piano-camps
Piano Pyramid® Academy: https://www.pianopyramid.com/ppaoffer-20
Multilevel Group Piano Ensembles: https://www.pianopyramid.com/piano-pyramid-store/multilevel-ensembles
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Music Studio Bootcamp Waitlist https://pianokats.kit.com/musicstudiobootcamp
Buy Jaci a coffee buymeacoffee.com/jaclynmrozek
Contact Jaci jaclyn@pianokats.com
***
Intro and Outro Music
Title: "Changes"
Artist: Elizabeth Swift
Courtesy of: Elizabeth Swift Piano, ASCAP
Link to Music:
In this episode of the Music Teacher Mastermind Podcast, Jaclyn Mrozek interviews Nicola Canton about the upcoming Teacher Turbo Boost conference.
They discuss the evolution of the conference from in-person to online, the importance of community among teachers, and the unique challenges faced by today's students.
Nicola shares insights on how to engage students effectively, the significance of creating a safe space for creativity, and practical strategies for addressing generational differences in teaching. The conversation culminates in details about the conference schedule and registration.
Join the Teacher Turboboost: Z to Alpha: What We Can Do To Help Today's Students
vibrantmusic.lpages.co/teacher-turboboost-2025/
Nicola's Pages:
Join the Music Teacher Bootcamphttps://pianokats.kit.com/musicstudiobootcamp
Buy Jaclyn A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/jaclynmrozek
Jaclyn on IG
www.instagram.com/jaclynmrozek_piano
Email: Jaclyn@pianokats.com
Consultation Calendar: Appointments 2 — Piano Kats Music Education
Join the Email List: pianokats.kit.com/profile
Freebie Printables: www.pianokats.com/piano-printables
Intro and Outro Music
Title: "Changes"
Artist: Elizabeth Swift
Courtesy of: Elizabeth Swift Piano, ASCAP
Link to Music:
In this episode, Jaclyn Mrozek and Sarah Boyd reflect on their experiences at the MTNA 2025 conference, sharing highlights, personal connections, and valuable lessons learned.
They discuss the importance of community in music education, memorable sessions, and unexpected moments that enriched their experience.
The conversation emphasizes the significance of networking, innovative teaching techniques, and the joy of meeting fellow educators.
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Links Mentioned:
MTNA Website: www.mtna.orgMTNA TEMPO Online Conference:
www.mtna.org/Tempo/TEMPO_Home/Tempo/Home.aspx?hkey=9c893606-51df-43b0-9b1f-43aa684e85b0
Connect with your state and local chapter! www.mtna.org/MTNA/Connect/State_Portal.aspx
Music Teacher Bootcamp Waitlist: pianokats.kit.com/e0aff276b4
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Connect!
Connect with Jaclyn: bio.site/jaclynmrozek
Connect with Sarah: www.instagram.com/pianovinestudio/
Buy Jaclyn A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/jaclynmrozek
***
Intro and Outro Music
Title: "Changes"Artist: Elizabeth Swift
Courtesy of: Elizabeth Swift Piano, ASCAP
Link to Music:https://www.elizabethswiftpiano.com/music/p/changes-early-intermediate-jazz-inspired-piano-sheet-music?rq=changes
In this episode of the Music Teacher Mastermind podcast, host Jaclyn Mrozek discusses the upcoming Music Studio Bootcamp designed for independent music teachers.
She reflects on her early teaching experiences, the challenges of navigating information overload, and the importance of revising teaching practices.
The bootcamp aims to provide a structured and supportive environment for teachers to refine their policies, pricing, and systems while fostering a community of collaboration.
Jaclyn emphasizes the need for teachers to evolve their practices and encourages listeners to take actionable steps towards improving their studios.
Join the Waitlist!
pianokats.kit.com/e0aff276b4
***
Want to Connect?
Jaclyn Mrozek
www.instagram.com/jaclynmrozek_piano
Email: Jaclyn@pianokats.com
Consultation Calendar: Appointments 2 — Piano Kats Music Education
Join the Email List: pianokats.kit.com/profile
Freebie Printables: www.pianokats.com/piano-printables
Buy Jaclyn A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/jaclynmrozek
***
Intro and Outro Music
Title: "Changes"
Artist: Elizabeth Swift
Courtesy of: Elizabeth Swift Piano, ASCAP
Link to Music:
In this episode of the Music Teacher Mastermind Podcast, host Jaclyn Mrozek speaks with Andy Villemez and Annie Jeng about the National Conference on Keyboard Pedagogy (NCKP) 2025.
They discuss the unique aspects of the conference, including its focus on piano education, the upcoming Innovation Summit, and the diverse range of topics covered.
The conversation highlights the importance of networking, community building, and the quality of content presented at the conference, as well as the inclusivity of opportunities for young professionals and the emphasis on wellness and diversity in music education.
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Check out the conference and better yet, register and join us!
https://pianoinspires.com/nckp-the-piano-conference/
***
Want to Connect?
www.instagram.com/jaclynmrozek_piano
Email: Jaclyn@pianokats.com
Consultation Calendar: https://www.pianokats.com/piano-teach...
Join the Email List: http://pianokats.kit.com/profile
Freebie Printables: www.pianokats.com/piano-printables
***
Intro and Outro Music
Title: "Changes"
Artist: Elizabeth Swift
Courtesy of: Elizabeth Swift Piano, ASCAPLink to Music:https://www.elizabethswiftpiano.com/m...
In this episode of the Music Teacher Mastermind podcast, Jaclyn Mrozek chats with Marie Lee about the benefits of group piano teaching and how to successfully integrate it into private studios. They explore buddy lessons, multi-level teaching, and engaging group activities that keep students motivated. Marie shares insights on lead sheets, group dynamics, technology in teaching, and student choice in performances.
They also discuss the Group Illuminated Conference, a virtual, on-demand event designed for group piano teachers, by group piano teachers. Marie explains how this conference provides valuable strategies, real classroom experiences, and a supportive educator community. Plus, they dive into marketing group lessons to parents and how to make group teaching an exciting and sustainable part of any studio.
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Links Mentioned in this EpisodeGroupIlluminatED website - sign up here to get our weekly email newsletter full of tips, techniques and inspiration www.leilaviss.com/about-group-illuminated
Group IlluminatED Facebook pageGroup Teaching Blueprint by Marie Lee www.leilaviss.com/store-home/group-teaching-blueprint?rq=group%20teaching%20blueprint
Musicality Schools in Las Vegas www.musicalityschools.com
Mayron Cole Blast Off With Piano Five Lesson Intro to Piano www.freepianomethod.com/free-files
***
Want to Connect?
Jaclyn Mrozek
www.instagram.com/jaclynmrozek_piano
Email: Jaclyn@pianokats.com
Consultation Calendar: Appointments 2 — Piano Kats Music Education
Join the Email List: pianokats.kit.com/profile
Freebie Printables: www.pianokats.com/piano-printables
***
Intro and Outro Music
Title: "Changes"
Artist: Elizabeth Swift
Courtesy of: Elizabeth Swift Piano, ASCAP
Link to Music:
In this episode of the Music Teacher Mastermind Podcast, Jaclyn Mrozek interviews Janna Williamson, an expert in preparing confident performers for recitals.
They discuss the importance of selecting quality repertoire throughout the year, the pressure often associated with recitals, and strategies for helping students perform confidently.
Janna Williamson discusses her philosophy on recital prep and choosing pieces that reflect a student's skill level. Alongside Jaclyn Mrozek, she underscores the value of regular performance experiences and informal recitals to build confidence.
Their conversation covers essential music education strategies including effective memorization techniques, reframing performance anxiety as performance excitement, and promoting low-pressure practice sessions. Emphasizing timing and engagement, they deliver actionable tips to boost recital performance and overall musical expression and creative potential.
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Links Mentioned in the Show
Confident Performers Course: https://jannawilliamson.thinkific.com/courses/pcp
Janna's Teacher Resources:
www.jannawilliamson.com/resources
Janna Williamson Youtube Channel:
www.youtube.com/c/jannawilliamson
***
Want to Connect?
Jaclyn Mrozek
www.instagram.com/jaclynmrozek_piano
Email: Jaclyn@pianokats.com
Consultation Calendar: Appointments 2 — Piano Kats Music Education
Join the Email List: pianokats.kit.com/profile
Freebie Printables: www.pianokats.com/piano-printables
***
Intro and Outro Music
Title: "Changes"
Artist: Elizabeth Swift
Courtesy of: Elizabeth Swift Piano, ASCAP
Link to Music:
In this episode of the Music Teacher Mastermind Podcast, host Jaclyn Mrozek is joined by co-author of Piano Safari, Julie Hague, who gives a clear overview into the innovative Piano Safari method.
They discuss the origins of the method, its unique approach to teaching music through a combination of rote learning and reading, and the importance of engaging students with fun and effective techniques.
The conversation also highlights the use of sight reading cards and the structure of a typical Piano Safari lesson, emphasizing the method's ability to foster musical sophistication in young learners.
They explore how to build a strong foundation for young learners, the joy of teaching music, and the need for effective communication with parents to set realistic expectations for their children's progress.
The discussion also touches on the learning curve for teachers transitioning to new methods and the overall goal of fostering confident and joyful music makers.
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Links mentioned in the Podcast
www.pianosafari.com
Unit Maps and Piece Cards pianosafari.com/teacher-resources/teacher-resources-level-1/
Facebook Page www.facebook.com/pianosafari
Teaching PS Facebook Page www.facebook.com/groups/769313659845854
Julie Hague's Dissertation shareok.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/7922060e-406a-4be1-a850-c398a3cdb9db/content
***
Want to Connect?
Jaclyn Mrozek
www.instagram.com/jaclynmrozek_piano
Email: Jaclyn@pianokats.com
Consultation Calendar: www.pianokats.com/piano-teacher-consultations-1
Join the Email List: pianokats.kit.com/profile
Freebie Printables: www.pianokats.com/piano-printables
***
Intro and Outro Music
Title: "Changes"
Artist: Elizabeth Swift
Courtesy of: Elizabeth Swift Piano, ASCAP
Link to Music:
