Inner Circle Member Spotlight: Amber Robinson

Inner Circle Member Spotlight: Amber Robinson

Inner Circle “Member Spotlights” give you a sneak-peek at the progress of one of our community members. Get inspired by what they’ve achieved, be heartened by their struggles and get motivated and share in their plans for the future.

You can check out Amber’s website by clicking here.

What does your studio look like?

I teach 20 piano students each week in my piano studio. I specialize in students who are in the 5th-12th grades. I teach individual lessons and group classes.

What concept, idea, app or strategy, that you’ve implemented in the last 6-12 months, has had the most positive impact on your studio and teaching?

Over the past year, I have refocused on my own musicianship. The growth of my students has challenged me to keep my skillsets high. Last year I helped produce a full-length album in a recording studio for one of my students who wants to be a professional musician.

This year I co-wrote songs on another musician’s album and recorded my own single to be released later this summer. Even though this made me extremely busy, I had one of the best years I have ever had teaching. Writing and recording with professional musicians has directly helped my students in lessons.

How has your membership of the Inner Circle played a part in your development as a teacher?

Speed. I can search for information quickly in the forum and can trust the answers I find will be high quality. I specifically like that the Inner Circle attracts professionals who are positive and forward-thinkers. I appreciate that if a question is started in the forum, Tim and the other members make a big effort to give helpful advice and resources.

Why did you decide to join the Inner Circle?

I had seen Tim’s content on his website and found his resources helpful and professional.

What’s been the highlight of your membership so far?

The masterminds and webinars have been a highlight. I enjoy the interaction with presenters and fellow Inner Circle members.

What’s the biggest challenge in your teaching or studio business right now and what strategies are you exploring to help?

In the last few months, I have taken on more of my own music projects. This has been great, but the extra work has exposed weaknesses in my own workflow and time management.

What is one tool that you couldn’t live without and why? 

I needed help with my time management. I received live training and began using Basecamp (a project management system). Basecamp works well alongside Natalie MacNeil’s Conquer Your Year notebook planner.

These tools have kept me on track for the big picture quarterly goals and project to-do’s. For example, every student recital has many details. In Basecamp, I have an exact record of what needs to be done for the next recital. I don’t have to remember what needs to be done – I can just look at the list and do it.

If you could give one piece of advice to a new piano teacher (or someone considering it as a career), what would it be?

It is very important to grow in teaching strategies, like those highlighted in the Inner Circle. Learning new things keeps the lessons fresh and the students motivated. Equally important is growing every year as a musician. Take music lessons yourself, play gigs, record your own music, learn production software, or explore new gear.

When you are excited about music, the positive energy is contagious for the students. Most importantly, stick with it. To be great at anything takes effort over time. The day you see a student – once struggling with a music concept, now flying along in their progress – proves that all the hard work you’ve put in is worth it.

Looking for more support in your teaching?

We’d love to have you join us inside the Inner Circle Community where you can get support, ask questions, access training and resources and feel 100% supported as you steer a path to your future. No need to feel alone in your teaching anymore – we’re here to help.

Members get access to expert teachers from around the world, a library of webinars and training videos to support your teaching, regular live and online hangouts and masterminds and a heap of bonus offers from our partners.

You can learn more about the Inner Circle Community here.

Sean Wales

Sean is one of Tim's former students and a University of Melbourne graduate. He studied a Bachelor of Arts, majoring Media and Communications and Italian, and is currently working as a journalist for the ABC in Horsham.

 feeling inspired? 

member spotlight amber robinson
Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    more Members, Studio Business posts

    from our blog

    contact us

    Reach out to learn more about our multi-teacher memberships