Episode 15
Rethinking Piano Education: Tim Topham on Creativity, Modern Students & Teaching That Actually Works
In this episode of the Performing Arts School Entrepreneur Podcast, host David Martin sits down with Tim Topham — international speaker, author, and founder of TopMusic, one of the world’s most influential platforms for modern music educators. Through books, courses, membership programs, and global teacher training, Tim has helped thousands of piano teachers rethink how they teach in a fast-changing world.
Season 1 | Episode 14
In this episode of the Performing Arts School Entrepreneur Podcast, host David Martin talks with Katie Crist — founder of The Music Box in Lafayette, Louisiana — a school she grew from a one-room vocal studio into a full-scale academy known for its elevated design, polished systems, and extraordinary student experience. Years later, she sold the Music Box at its peak, in a rare “top-of-the-mountain” entrepreneurial exit — and today she coaches studio owners across the country.
Season 1 | Episode 13
In this episode of the Performing Arts School Entrepreneur Podcast, host David Martin sits down with Jen Hickle — founder of Rogers School of Music, creator of Never Alone Coaching, and the visionary behind the VA Academy. Over 25 years, Jen built her Minnesota-based music school from three neighborhood piano students into a seven-figure, 600-student operation, powered by systems, delegation, and a relentless commitment to excellence.
Season 1 | Episode 13
In this episode of the Performing Arts School Entrepreneur Podcast, host David Martin sits down with Jon E. Gee — touring bassist for John Mellencamp, former bandmate of Ted Nugent, co-founder of Carmel Music Academy, and one of the most seasoned working musicians to ever appear on the show. With a career spanning 50+ years, Jon has played every kind of stage — from smoky bar gigs to international arenas — and has taught students who now tour in national acts across the country.
Season 1 | Episode 12
In this episode of the Performing Arts School Entrepreneur Podcast, host David Martin sits down with Rory Cain, Opus1’s Vice President of Sales and Strategic Partnership and one of the industry’s clearest thinkers on marketing, enrollment systems, and predictable growth. Together, they unpack a powerful question: Why do some performing arts schools grow rapidly while others feel stuck — even when they’re doing “all the right things”?
Season 1 | Episode 11
In this episode of the Performing Arts School Entrepreneur Podcast, host David Martin welcomes Ruthie Smith, founder and CEO of Music Speaks Studio in San Diego, CA — a fast-growing music and arts school serving 300+ students through private lessons, group classes, and visual arts programming. What began with a few piano and vocal lessons in her living room has grown into a thriving multi-teacher, multi-program studio with deep roots in the local community.
Season 1 | Episode 10
In this episode of the Performing Arts School Entrepreneur Podcast, host David Martin sits down with Dr. Talonda Thomas — founder of the New York Musician Center, one of Long Island’s largest and most decorated music schools, now serving over 1,100 students and preparing for national franchise expansion.
Season 1 | Episode 9
In this episode of the Performing Arts School Entrepreneur Podcast, host David Martin talks with Chris and Hannah, founders of Onstage School of Music in Charlotte, NC — a husband-and-wife team who went from professional orchestral performers to leading one of the largest privately owned music schools in their region, now serving nearly 1,000 students across three locations.
Season 1 | Episode 8
In this episode of the Performing Arts School Entrepreneur Podcast, host David Martin talks with Tracy Morris, founder of Morris Music Academy in Jacksonville, Florida, about his journey from teaching out of his home with no money and no plan to leading one of the most recognized music schools in his city — and taking students all the way to Carnegie Hall.
Season 1 | Episode 7
In this episode of the Performing Arts School Entrepreneur Podcast, host David Martin talks with Jonathan Jacobs, founder and executive director of Rawkstars, Inc., a nonprofit that provides free instruments, lessons, and performance opportunities to kids who need them most.
Season 1 | Episode 6
In this episode of the Performing Arts School Entrepreneur Podcast, host David Martin sits down with Benjie Kushins, co-founder of Art & Soul Music and Dance, to unpack how he and his wife Lauren built a thriving multi-disciplinary arts school from humble beginnings teaching in local classrooms.
Season 1 | Episode 5
In this episode of the Performing Arts School Entrepreneur Podcast, host David Martin talks with Mike Lowden, founder of Loud & Clear Music School and Nine Muses Digital, about his journey from a gigging guitarist with a $700 buy-in to leading a two-location school with more than 800 students.
Season 1 | Episode 4
In this episode of the Performing Arts School Entrepreneur podcast, host David Martin talks with Michael Hemsworth, founder of New Song School of Music, about his journey from teaching three students in his living room to building a multi-location school with hundreds of students, a performance hall, and even a “Music Bus.”
