The Fourforty (440) with Eric Branner

Narciso Solero spent 30 years developing a framework in his head before he finally put it on paper. The result is Level It Up!, a series that organizes composers' piano repertoire from easiest to most advanced. Level It Up! has attracted teachers from across the country. In this episode, Narciso shares how the series came to be, what it means for teachers navigating the vast piano canon, and why versatility might be the most underrated skill for any independent music educator building a long-term career.Leare more about Level It Up! at narcisosolero.com. The videos are also available on Narciso's YouTube channel @narcisosolero8163🌊 Connect with us:Join a supportive community for teachers & creatives at the Fons Family Facebook Group a supportive community for teachers & creativesFollow on Instagram: @getfonsLearn more about FonsTikTok: @getfons

Elizabeth Swift didn't start composing until well into her teaching career. She wasn't trained to improvise. And the first time someone handed her a lead sheet and said "just noodle for a few minutes," she broke into a cold sweat.Today she is a composer published by Alfred Music, the creator of the Saga Land series,(video game-inspired piano music now used in studios nationwide) and the 2025 Ohio Certified Teacher of the Year. She teaches students from age six to sixty-three, runs a studio where families often stay for over a decade, and just launched Saga Land 2 at the MTNA National Conference.In this conversation, Elizabeth traces the winding path from classical performance training to composing: a church worship team that needed a keyboard player, a kindergartner who loved Super Mario Galaxy, and a willingness to say yes to things that felt far too big. She shares her composing process, her approach to teaching students to improvise through video game character archetypes, and why she believes that doing the small thing in front of you is almost always the right move.If you've been sitting on a creative idea and wondering if it's too late, this episode is for you.Topics covered:The origin story of Saga Land and Saga Land 2How a church worship team unlocked Elizabeth's composing careerHer process for writing pedagogically grounded, emotionally alive musicTeaching students to improvise using video game character archetypesThe Pixels to Piano camp curriculumWhat it's like to work with a publisher after years of self-publishingCommunity, professional leadership, and the value of local teacher networksAdvice for teachers just starting out: any small start is still a startLinks & Resourceselizabethswiftpiano.com | Alfred Music: alfred.com | Facebook: elizabethswiftcomposer | Instagram: @elizabethswiftpiano🌊 Connect with us:Join a supportive community for teachers & creatives at the Fons Family Facebook Group a supportive community for teachers & creativesFollow on Instagram: @getfonsLearn more about FonsTikTok: @getfons

Anne Katherine Davis teaches piano from Mexico to students and teachers across the world.  Her approach is unlike what you’ll find in standard method books. Grounded in Edwin Gordon's Music Learning Theory, Anne is passionate about audiation: the idea that real musicianship is thinking in music, not about it. In this episode, she and Eric unpack why the 'eyes before ears' approach has dominated piano pedagogy for decades, what the science says about musical aptitude and its development window, and how movement, immersion, and variety are the real building blocks of musical fluency. Whether you're a curious piano teacher or a lifelong learner, this conversation is for you.Learn more about Anne's work here.FacebookInstagram🌊 Connect with us:Join a supportive community for teachers & creatives at the Fons Family Facebook Group a supportive community for teachers & creativesFollow on Instagram: @getfonsLearn more about FonsTikTok: @getfons

Tim Topham, founder of TopMusicCo and author of No Book Beginners, joins Eric to talk about creative teaching, the four pillars of modern piano pedagogy, the challenge of keeping students engaged in the age of TikTok, and why in-person community might be the most important investment music teachers can make right now. Learn more about Tim's work here.topmusic.coYouTubeFacebookLinkedInInstagram🌊 Connect with us:Join a supportive community for teachers & creatives at the Fons Family Facebook Group a supportive community for teachers & creativesFollow on Instagram: @getfonsLearn more about FonsTikTok: @getfons

Dr. Lisa Neher didn’t choose one lane.She’s an opera singer, composer, professor, private studio teacher, actor, and President of New Wave Opera... and she does all of it at a high level.In this conversation, we explore what it actually looks like to follow your curiosity into a multi-dimensional career in the arts.Lisa shares:Why she didn’t follow a traditional conservatory pathHow she navigated being both a singer and a composer in graduate schoolWhat institutions get wrong about putting artists in boxesHow she built a thriving private voice studioWhat it takes to launch an opera company from scratchHow to commit to creative projects and actually finish themThe difference between being “busy” & being alignedWhy structure is what allows freedomThis episode is a blueprint for musicians who don’t want to shrink themselves into one job title.If you’ve ever felt like you’re “too many things” to fit into a traditional arts career… this conversation will resonate deeply. 🌊Learn more about Lisa's work herewww.lisanehermusic.comInstagram: @lisanehermezzoSubstack: Facebook: 🌊 Connect with us:Join a supportive community for teachers & creatives at the Fons Family Facebook Group a supportive community for teachers & creativesFollow on Instagram: @getfonsLearn more about FonsTikTok: @getfons

Tony Parlapiano is the creator of popMATICS, an online music school built on a simple but powerful idea: great music education lives at the intersection of structure and freedom.In this episode, Tony shares how popMATICS evolved from private and travel teaching into a membership-based, community-driven music school for adults. He talks candidly about the moment he hit a financial ceiling, why a bold model change caused him to lose half his studio overnight, and how listening closely to students ultimately shaped a better system.We explore Tony’s teaching philosophy—learning by listening, creating, and developing an understanding of sound—and how popMATICS supports musicians with real lives through live classes, clear rhythms, and a “stay present” approach to learning. Tony also breaks down his creative workflow, including his Friday execution days, daily short-form content practice, and why he prioritizes fun as a core value proposition.The conversation closes with Tony’s work teaching music in a correctional facility, where students can’t practice between sessions and the roster changes weekly—yet music still finds a way to matter.This is a deep, honest look at building a music education business that serves both the teacher and the student—and designing a life that supports creative work over the long term.Learn more about Tony's work at PopMATICS.🌊 Connect with us:Join a supportive community for teachers & creatives at the Fons Family Facebook Group a supportive community for teachers & creativesFollow on Instagram: @getfonsLearn more about FonsTikTok: @getfons

There’s a lot of excitement right now, and also a lot of anxiety in the music lessons industry. After returning from the NAMM Show and talking with teachers and industry leaders, I’m still wildly optimistic about the future of teaching private music lessons.In this solo episode, I share why the demand for music learning isn’t going away, what the data actually shows about instruments and lessons, and why private teachers are more essential than ever in an increasingly digital world. We’ll talk about leadership, culture, and what it means to stay confident, visible, and committed to work that truly matters.If you teach music, this episode is meant to put some wind in your sails and encourage you to keep going. 🌊🌊 Connect with us:Join a supportive community for teachers & creatives at the Fons Family Facebook Group a supportive community for teachers & creativesFollow on Instagram: @getfonsLearn more about FonsTikTok: @getfons

Brian Chung has lived a rare kind of career—one where music and business were never opposites, but partners.In this wide-ranging and deeply human conversation, Brian shares the full arc of his journey: from a five-year-old who wrote “musician” in his childhood memory book, to a performer, educator, and eventually Senior Vice President of Kawai America Corporation, where he spent over three decades serving the music-making community.Along the way, we talk about risk, identity, and the quiet discipline of gratitude. Brian reflects on pivotal moments—walking away from music school, investing everything into a MIDI studio, rescuing a struggling product line live on QVC, and discovering how powerful it can be to connect heart, mind, and action when communicating an idea.We also explore his deep involvement with Music Teachers National Association, how invitations shaped his creative life, and how a lifetime of service eventually led him back to his first love: composing.Now fully devoted to writing music, Brian shares the story behind Life in 12 Keys, his newest solo piano collection published by Alfred Music—and what it means to come home to creativity with gratitude and intention.This episode is for musicians, educators, entrepreneurs, and anyone navigating the tension between stability and calling—and wondering if it’s ever too late to return to what they love.Learn more about Brian's work here...www.brianchung.netYouTube🌊 Connect with us:Join a supportive community for teachers & creatives at the Fons Family Facebook Group a supportive community for teachers & creativesFollow on Instagram: @getfonsLearn more about FonsTikTok: @getfons

What does a truly professional music teaching practice look like in 2026?In this episode of The FourForty Podcast, I’m joined by Michael Richey, owner of Tennessee Music Academy, a multi-teacher, in-home music studio serving Nashville families.Michael shares how he’s built a calm, sustainable, high-trust studio by making a few clear decisions and sticking to them. We talk about flat-rate tuition, no-makeup policies, clear communication, and why professionalism actually creates better relationships with families.We also explore how the Alexander Technique and Dalcroze Eurhythmics have shaped Michael’s teaching philosophy, helping students move, learn, and grow with less tension—both musically and logistically.This conversation is a masterclass in doing fewer things, better.🌊 Connect with us:Join a supportive community for teachers & creatives at the Fons Family Facebook Group a supportive community for teachers & creativesFollow on Instagram: @getfonsLearn more about FonsTikTok: @getfons

Candace Lark-Masucci is a harpist, educator, and musicians’ life coach helping artists build careers that are emotionally grounded, mentally healthy, and financially sustainable.In this deeply honest conversation, Candace shares her journey from aspiring ballerina to concert harpist, through burnout, illness, and identity loss—and how those experiences shaped her work coaching musicians today. We talk about why “just do what you love” can be dangerous advice, how over-booking becomes a substitute for self-worth, and why learning what to say—and when to say no—is a core professional skill.This episode explores burnout, boundaries, money, trauma, and meaning—and offers a powerful reminder that sustainable careers are built with clarity, courage, and community.Learn more about Candace's work here.FacebookThreadsInstagram🌊 Connect with us:Join a supportive community for teachers & creatives at the Fons Family Facebook Group a supportive community for teachers & creativesFollow on Instagram: @getfonsLearn more about FonsTikTok: @getfons

Brian Shepard, CEO of the Music Teachers National Association, joins the FourForty Podcast for a thoughtful, wide-ranging conversation about the past, present, and future of music teaching.As MTNA approaches its 150th anniversary, Brian reflects on the organization’s founding mission, the role of community and association in a digital age, and why studio music teachers remain essential cultural leaders. We explore the idea of artist citizens—students who may never pursue music professionally, but who carry a lifelong appreciation for beauty, creativity, and the arts.Brian also shares his own non-linear career path from music education to marketing to executive leadership, offering valuable insight for young professionals navigating their place in the music world.This episode is a hopeful, grounding reminder of why music teaching matters, and why it always will.Learn more about MTNA here...MTNA WebsiteMTNA FacebookMTNA Instagram🌊 Connect with us:Join a supportive community for teachers & creatives at the Fons Family Facebook Group a supportive community for teachers & creativesFollow on Instagram: @getfonsLearn more about FonsTikTok: @getfons

In this solo episode, Eric explores gratitude as a critical skill for musicians, educators, and creative entrepreneurs. Practice a guided meditation,  hear stories from the studio, and craft your own gratitude statement. This one is especially for the days when your hands hurt, your students aren’t practicing, or a few families just left —and for remembering why you chose this musical life in the first place. 🌊🌊 Connect with us:Join a supportive community for teachers & creatives at the Fons Family Facebook Group a supportive community for teachers & creativesFollow on Instagram: @getfonsLearn more about FonsTikTok: @getfons

In this episode, Eric talks with guitarist and entrepreneur Anthony Sloan: co-founder and CEO of the Sloan School of Music.What started as a family idea grew into a two-location music school, retail operation, and community hub offering more than 30,000 lessons a year. Anthony shares the full story: building a business with friends, creating a welcoming “coffeehouse” atmosphere, attracting and retaining great teachers, and crafting meaningful performance opportunities for students.They also discuss the importance of clarity in leadership, Anthony’s experience in the Goldman Sachs 10K Small Businesses program, and his new venture MelodyMap, designed to help families find trusted music teachers with ease.A must-listen for music educators, studio owners, entrepreneurs, and anyone building community through creativity.Learn more about Anthony, Sloan, and MelodyMap here.www.sloanschoolofmusic.com  www.melodymap.ioFacebook.com/sloanschoolofmusicInstagram.com/sloanschoolofmusicYoutube.com/sloanschoolofmusic 🌊 Connect with us:Join a supportive community for teachers & creatives at the Fons Family Facebook Group a supportive community for teachers & creativesFollow on Instagram: @getfonsLearn more about FonsTikTok: @getfons

Drummer, educator, author, and industry leader Joe Bergamini shares how he built a resilient, multi-hyphenate career spanning Broadway pits, international touring, best-selling drum books, and more than 35 years of private teaching.We talk about confidence, nerves, community, curriculum, mentorship, the realities of gigging, and Joe’s “three-legged stool” model for a sustainable life in music. This episode is a roadmap for any musician or teacher who wants longevity, purpose, and steady growth in an ever-changing musical world.Learn more about Joe's work here.FacebookInstagramYouTube🌊 Connect with us:Join a supportive community for teachers & creatives at the Fons Family Facebook Group a supportive community for teachers & creativesFollow on Instagram: @getfonsLearn more about FonsTikTok: @getfons

Today I’m talking with Josh Gillis, founder of Catfish Alley Studio in Columbus, Mississippi. Josh is one of the kindest, most curious, and most future-leaning educators in the Fons community. He’s building a modern, community-centered music studio that blends interest-based teaching, student experiences, founder-led marketing, and emerging technologies.We explore Josh’s journey from teaching in his sunroom to running a multi-teacher music school downtown, his daily framework of offer, value, and asset, why consistency beats perfection, and how he creates student experiences that feel more like concerts than recitals.We also dive into future tech, from VR practice tools to blockchain use cases… what it means to build a studio that’s ready for the next decade of music education.Connect with Josh herehttps://www.facebook.com/gillis.josh https://www.instagram.com/joshgillis🌊 Connect with us:Join a supportive community for teachers & creatives at the Fons Family Facebook Group a supportive community for teachers & creativesFollow on Instagram: @getfonsLearn more about FonsTikTok: @getfons

How do you stay joyful and grounded when you’re teaching, performing, and leading at a high level?In this episode, Eric talks with Kevin Chance, President of MTNA and Associate Professor of Piano at the University of Alabama about presence, purpose, and the realities of a life in music.Kevin shares stories from his recent sabbatical in Chile, his upbringing in Alabama, and the mentors who shaped him. He shares wisdom and insights about performance anxiety, burnout, boundaries, and why he identifies first and foremost as a teacher.You’ll walk away with fresh perspective on practice, performance, and what it really means to make a difference in your students’ lives every day. Learn more about Kevin's work here.FacebookYoutube🌊 Connect with us:Join a supportive community for teachers & creatives at the Fons Family Facebook Group a supportive community for teachers & creativesFollow on Instagram: @getfonsLearn more about FonsTikTok: @getfons

Marketing mentor, voice teacher, and choral director Allie Tyler joins Eric Branner to explore how to grow a creative business without losing your joy. From running The Voicepreneur Program to directing a non-audition community choir in the mountains of Colorado, Allie shares hard-won wisdom about seasonality, courage, intuition, and loving yourself through every phase of entrepreneurship. A must-listen for teachers and creatives ready to build success that actually feels good.Learn more about Allie's work here.www.thevoicepreneur.comInstagram The Whole Voice & The Voicepreneur🌊 Connect with us:Join a supportive community for teachers & creatives at the Fons Family Facebook Group a supportive community for teachers & creativesFollow on Instagram: @getfonsLearn more about FonsTikTok: @getfons

In this solo episode, Eric shares three vivid mentor stories. Pete (artist–entrepreneur), Terry (the open-hearted teacher), and Bryce (the student who became a guide) to unpack what mentorship is, how it shows up, and why becoming both mentee & mentor creates a virtuous cycle in our lives. You’ll hear practical ways to recognize mentors, cultivate intergenerational relationships, and know when it’s your time to step up for someone else.🌊 Connect with us:Join a supportive community for teachers & creatives at the Fons Family Facebook Group a supportive community for teachers & creativesFollow on Instagram: @getfonsLearn more about FonsTikTok: @getfons

Guitar teacher and Heartwoodguitar.com founder Rob Hampton joins Eric to share how a simple shift in mindset changed his life and career. Rob talks about The Jam, his all-day student concert that’s anything but a recital, and opens up about pricing, burnout, authenticity, and what it means to build a teaching life you love.Whether you’re a music teacher, coach, or creative entrepreneur, this episode will help you re-evaluate what your time is worth...and inspire you to keep building with heart.Learn more about Rob here.www.heartwoodguitar.comYouTube🌊 Connect with us:Join a supportive community for teachers & creatives at the Fons Family Facebook Group a supportive community for teachers & creativesFollow on Instagram: @getfonsLearn more about FonsTikTok: @getfons

How do we make arts education thrive in a world that’s changing faster than ever?Eric interviews Angelica Cortez, Executive Director of the Suzuki Association of the Americas. She shares how curiosity is a leadership tool, the power of music to keep us human, and what it really means to serve teachers, students, and communities with intention. They trace Angelica’s journey from trumpet player to arts leader, discuss her work with YOLA and El Sistema USA, and look ahead at the role of AI, access, and collaboration in the future of music education.🌊 Connect with us:Join a supportive community for teachers & creatives at the Fons Family Facebook Group a supportive community for teachers & creativesFollow on Instagram: @getfonsLearn more about FonsTikTok: @getfons

How do you build a creative career that’s sustainable and joyful?In this episode, pianist, vocalist, composer, and educator Brenda Earle Stokes joins Eric Branner to share practical lessons from her journey of balancing artistry, entrepreneurship, and education. After two decades in New York City, Brenda “downshifted” her life... moving home to Canada, redefining success, and finding renewed inspiration in simplicity and structure.You’ll learn how she built The Versatile Musician, a thriving 1,200-video membership, by focusing on process over perfection; how to apply an engineer’s mindset to teaching and creative systems; and how to stay curious, consistent, and courageous over the long haul.Whether you’re a music teacher, entrepreneur, or creative professional, this conversation will help you design a career that works... and a life that feels aligned.Learn more about Brenda on Instagram IG @brendaearlestokes and @pianoandvoicewithbrenda And YouTube Piano and Voice With Brenda🌊 Connect with us:Join a supportive community for teachers & creatives at the Fons Family Facebook Group a supportive community for teachers & creativesFollow on Instagram: @getfonsLearn more about FonsTikTok: @getfons

In this episode, Eric sits down with his longtime friend Dr. David Cutler... composer, author, and Distinguished Professor of Music Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the University of South Carolina. David is one of the world’s leading voices in arts entrepreneurship and the author of The Savvy Musician 2.0, The Savvy Music Teacher, and The GAME of Innovation. Together they explore how musicians and creatives can thrive by creating demand, defining distinct identities, innovating boldly, and reimagining what a sustainable creative career looks like. Packed with stories, strategies, and inspiration, this conversation is a masterclass for artists and entrepreneurs alike.Learn more about David's work here. The Savvy MusicianFacebook🌊 Connect with us:Join a supportive community for teachers & creatives at the Fons Family Facebook Group a supportive community for teachers & creativesFollow on Instagram: @getfonsLearn more about FonsTikTok: @getfons

Pianist, educator, and conservatory director Rachel Ehring joins Eric to unpack the real career paths pianists can take beyond solo work. Rachel runs St. John’s Conservatory of the Arts and coaches pianists in collaborative skills through YouTube, workshops, and her online course Dynamic Accompanying. She shares how to find and land modern gigs, why sight-reading is a superpower, live-launch vs evergreen lessons learned, and the mindset to say yes… then figure it out. We also preview her new workshop, The Pianist’s Gig Map, designed to help pianists get paid work in 2025.Learn about Rachel here.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelehring/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@collaborativepianoOnline Courses: https://dreamlavender.podia.comWorkshop (Oct 2025): https://skilled-trailblazer-7766.kit.com/ec2f7153d7🌊 Connect with us:Join a supportive community for teachers & creatives at the Fons Family Facebook Group a supportive community for teachers & creativesFollow on Instagram: @getfonsLearn more about FonsTikTok: @getfons

Pianist, teacher, and entrepreneur David Chang shares his journey from discovering his teaching gift at 13 to building one of the most successful adult piano programs in the U.S. We dive into his unique methods for learning, his philosophy of “business as art, life as art, self as art,” and how mindset and creativity fuel a joyful, impactful business.Learn more about David's work hereThumbtack: https://www.thumbtack.com/-Brooklyn-NY/service/3736296Landing Page: https://davidchangmusic.lpages.co/lessons/Website: https://www.davidchangmusic.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@davidchangmusicFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/davidwchangmusicInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidwchangmusicLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidchangmusicTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@davidchangmusic🌊 Connect with us:Join a supportive community for teachers & creatives at the Fons Family Facebook Group a supportive community for teachers & creativesFollow on Instagram: @getfonsLearn more about FonsTikTok: @getfons

 In this episode, Eric sits down with musician, pedagogue, and music business strategist Kelly Riordan, co-founder of Outside the Bachs. Kelly helps teachers design profitable studios, attract students through organic marketing, and refine their operations to run smoothly. She shares insights on setting and sticking to policies, identifying your ideal student, building community over competition, and using authentic social media to grow your reach. Packed with encouragement and practical strategies, this episode is essential listening for music teachers who want to build thriving, sustainable studios.Learn more about Kelly's work:www.instagram.com/kellyriordanmusician/www.tiktok.com/@kellyriordanmusicianwww.instagram.com/outsidebachs/www.facebook.com/OutsideTheBachswww.youtube.com/@outsidethebachsofficialPublic FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/privatemusicinstructors🌊 Connect with us:Join a supportive community for teachers & creatives at the Fons Family Facebook Group a supportive community for teachers & creativesFollow on Instagram: @getfonsLearn more about FonsTikTok: @getfons

Seattle-based saxophonist, composer, and teaching artist Steve Treseler joins Eric to explore the building blocks of a joyful and long-lasting career in music. Steve shares how he designed a portfolio life as a performer, educator, and author…while keeping his enthusiasm and curiosity intact.In this conversation, Steve shares his approach to micro-entrepreneurship, why showing up and adding value leads to authentic networking, and how to find the unique skills that set you apart. He also reflects on inflection points in his career, the importance of mindset, and the marketing flywheels that sustain creative work over time.Whether you’re a student just starting out, or a seasoned teacher looking for inspiration, Steve’s story offers practical tools and encouragement for building a music career on your own terms.Links from our conversation.Steve’s Music & ProjectsSteve on InstagramDamien Jurado – Ralph A. Hughes (‘25) YouTubeSeth Godin – Startup School Podcast Apple Podcasts🌊 Connect with us:Join a supportive community for teachers & creatives at the Fons Family Facebook Group a supportive community for teachers & creativesFollow on Instagram: @getfonsLearn more about FonsTikTok: @getfons

In this episode of The Fourforty, Eric sits down with Davis Dorrough, Piano Editor at Alfred Music. Davis is a third-generation pianist, teacher, and composer. He brings creativity to every corner of his work, whether that’s polishing new piano publications, scouting talent, or teaching students in his own studio.Davis shares his inspiring journey from growing up in a family of pianists to landing his role at Alfred through a serendipitous chain of events. He pulls back the curtain on the publishing process and shares how a piece goes from submission to finished book. He also shares lessons he’s learned from working with celebrated composers like Dennis Alexander, Catherine Rollin, and Wynn-Anne Rossi.We dive into his recent projects(Sagaland, Sandpaintings, Rare Recital Treasures II), the importance of balancing classical training with contemporary skills, and what today’s students really want from music. This conversation is for anyone curious about creativity, publishing, and the future of piano education.Learn more about Davis here🌊 Connect with us:Join a supportive community for teachers & creatives at the Fons Family Facebook Group a supportive community for teachers & creativesFollow on Instagram: @getfonsLearn more about FonsTikTok: @getfons

In this solo episode, host Eric Branner shares why The Fourforty Podcast exists and what musicians and teachers can expect each week. Learn why every musician is an entrepreneur, and how embracing business skills alongside artistry allows us to build thriving careers and stronger communities. 🌊 Connect with us:Join a supportive community for teachers & creatives at the Fons Family Facebook Group a supportive community for teachers & creativesFollow on Instagram: @getfonsLearn more about FonsTikTok: @getfons

In this short trailer, I’ll share the vision behind The Fourforty... why it exists, who it’s for, and what you can expect each week. The Fourforty is built on the belief that music teachers, artists, and creatives can, and should make great livings. Join me as we explore the business of teaching music with stories and strategies to help you build a creative, sustainable, and impactful life in music. 🌊🌊 Connect with us:Join a supportive community for teachers & creatives at the Fons Family Facebook Group a supportive community for teachers & creativesFollow on Instagram: @getfonsLearn more about FonsTikTok: @getfons