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...
Jun 23, 2025•20 min•Season 2Ep. 50
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...
Jun 09, 2025•25 min•Season 2Ep. 49
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.s...
May 26, 2025•21 min•Season 2Ep. 48
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 paren...
May 12, 2025•19 min•Season 2Ep. 47
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 M...
May 05, 2025•6 min•Season 2Ep. 1
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 ...
Apr 28, 2025•29 min•Season 1Ep. 46
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...
Apr 21, 2025•33 min•Season 1Ep. 45
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 ...
Apr 14, 2025•17 min•Season 1Ep. 44
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 ...
Apr 07, 2025•34 min•Season 1Ep. 43
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...
Mar 31, 2025•33 min•Season 1Ep. 42
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. *** Links Mentioned: MTNA Website: www.mtna.orgMTNA TEM...
Mar 23, 2025•42 min•Season 1Ep. 41
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 emphas...
Mar 17, 2025•12 min•Season 1Ep. 40
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 inclus...
Mar 10, 2025•38 min•Season 1Ep. 39
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 d...
Mar 03, 2025•36 min•Season 1Ep. 38
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 th...
Feb 24, 2025•44 min•Season 1Ep. 37
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 Pia...
Feb 17, 2025•43 min•Season 1Ep. 36
In this bonus episode of the Music Teacher Mastermind Podcast, Jaclyn Mrozek shares her innovative Happy Birthday project, designed to engage students in a fun and interactive way. She discusses how she structures her lessons around the Happy Birthday song and the various activities she incorporates to make learning enjoyable. Jaclyn also emphasizes the significance of tailoring activities for different age groups and provides insights on budgeting and planning for the celebration, ensuring that...
Feb 12, 2025•16 min•Season 1Ep. 35
In this conversation, Jaclyn Mrozek and Abigail Proffitt discuss the nuances of teaching piano to young children, addressing common misconceptions, effective teaching methods, and the importance of play-based learning. They explore the intricacies of teaching preschoolers music, emphasizing the importance of cognitive development, rhythm, and brain function. Abigail shares insights from her workshops and resources available for teachers, encouraging a supportive community for those teaching youn...
Feb 10, 2025•38 min•Season 1Ep. 34
In this episode of the Music Teacher Mastermind podcast, host Jaclyn Mrozek interviews Susan Staples Bell, a passionate music educator and author. Susan shares her philosophy on teaching music, emphasizing the importance of creativity and exploration in learning. The conversation highlights the balance between theory and practical application in music education, making it relatable for both teachers and students. In this conversation, Susan Staples Bell shares her insights on teaching improvisat...
Feb 03, 2025•35 min•Season 1Ep. 33
In this episode of the Music Teacher Mastermind Podcast, Jaclyn Mrozek and Clinton Pratt delve into the world of improvisation in music education. Clinton shares his journey with improvisation, discussing how he incorporates it into his teaching methods to build confidence in students. They explore various techniques for introducing improvisation, emphasizing the importance of creating a comfortable environment for students to express themselves musically. The conversation also touches on the pr...
Jan 27, 2025•40 min•Season 1Ep. 32
In this episode of the Music Teacher Mastermind podcast, host Jaclyn Mrozek welcomes Angela Toone, an experienced music educator, to discuss innovative teaching methods for scales and chords. Angela shares her journey in music education, her unique approaches to teaching young students, and the importance of connecting scales and chords for a deeper understanding of music. The conversation also touches on improvisation, jazz concepts, and valuable resources for music teachers. Angela's engaging ...
Jan 20, 2025•37 min•Season 1Ep. 31
In this episode of the Music Teacher Mastermind Podcast, host Jaclyn Mrozek and guest Ashley Danyew discuss the complexities of taxes for music teachers and self-employed musicians. They explore the importance of tax education, the significance of write-offs, and how to effectively track expenses and income. The conversation also covers navigating tax brackets, setting up for estimated taxes, and practical tips for staying organized throughout the year. In this conversation, Ashley Danyew provid...
Jan 13, 2025•48 min•Season 1Ep. 30
Jaclyn Mrozek and Andrea Miller discuss the importance of year-end financial reviews for music teachers, focusing on collecting financial data, understanding net profit and net worth, and assessing overall financial health. They emphasize budgeting, establishing routines, setting financial goals, and leveraging resources for better money management. The conversation addresses the emotional aspects of handling finances and encourages teachers to confront their monetary realities without shame, ul...
Jan 06, 2025•33 min•Season 1Ep. 29
BONUS: Let's Reflect on 2024! In this episode of the Music Teacher Mastermind Podcast, Jaclyn Mrozek reflects on her winter break and discusses the importance of taking time off for mental health. She introduces the concept of a reflective carousel for 2024, encouraging music teachers to celebrate their wins, acknowledge challenges, and set goals for the upcoming year. Jaclyn emphasizes that reflection can be personal and doesn't always need to be shared publicly, allowing for a meaningful explo...
Dec 31, 2024•12 min•Season 1Ep. 28
In this episode of the Music Teacher Mastermind, Jaclyn Mrozek guides music teachers through a year-end reflection process designed to foster clarity, reset mindsets, and set meaningful goals for the upcoming year. The session emphasizes the importance of identifying current challenges, exploring actionable solutions, and the necessity of accountability in achieving personal and professional growth. Listeners are encouraged to write down their reflections and goals to enhance commitment and focu...
Dec 09, 2024•29 min•Season 1Ep. 27
In this episode of the Music Teacher Mastermind Podcast, Jaclyn Mrozek discusses the pervasive issue of burnout among music teachers. She shares her personal experiences with burnout, emphasizing that it can affect even the most passionate educators. The conversation covers how to recognize the signs of burnout, practical strategies to combat it, and the importance of self-care. Jaclyn encourages teachers to take breaks, change their lesson plans, and seek support from their community. The episo...
Dec 02, 2024•22 min•Season 1Ep. 26
In the 25th episode of the Music Teacher Mastermind Podcast, host Jaclyn Mrozek celebrates the power of teacher connections and community. Reflecting on the podcast's journey, she highlights how meaningful relationships can combat isolation, boost creativity, and improve well-being. Jaclyn shares strategies like engaging online, collaborating locally, attending conferences, and forming accountability groups. The episode wraps up with a Thanksgiving Connection Challenge, inviting teachers to shar...
Nov 25, 2024•20 min•Season 1Ep. 25
In this episode of the Music Teacher Mastermind Podcast, Jaclyn Mrozek interviews Jennifer Jackson, a seasoned piano teacher from Utah, about the significance of ensembles in music education. Jennifer shares the challenges and strategies involved in introducing ensemble playing to students. The conversation also touches on the use of technology in practice, the preparation for ensemble recitals, and the motivation behind student participation in ensemble activities. Jennifer shares her insights ...
Nov 18, 2024•38 min•Season 1Ep. 24
Busy Little Turtle Subscribers receive FREEBIES in the "Freebies Vault"! www.busylittleturtle.com/subscribe In this episode of the "Music Teacher Mastermind Podcast", host Jaclyn Mrozek chats with Georgina Wilson, creator of Busy Little Turtle, about her journey in developing engaging music games and resources for music education. Georgina shares how she grew from creating games for her sister’s piano students to launching a successful online shop. Together, they discuss online teaching, themed ...
Nov 11, 2024•34 min•Season 1Ep. 23
In this episode of the Music Teacher Mastermind podcast, Jaclyn Mrozek discusses the impact of rote teaching and musical storybooks on student engagement and learning. She shares her personal journey with rote teaching, its benefits for students of all ages, and how integrating storytelling can enhance the learning experience. The episode emphasizes the importance of using both rote and storytelling to foster emotional intelligence and creativity in music education. **** Jaclyn's Story Books and...
Nov 04, 2024•21 min•Season 1Ep. 22
