123: Making the Pivot to Group Teaching with Mandy Goldbach

When I first heard about group teaching, I wondered how it could possibly provide the same individual attention as private lessons. In this episode, Mandy Goldbach shares how she successfully transitioned her studio to a small-group model, why it has transformed both her students' learning and her business, and what teachers should know before making the switch themselves.

• Mandy shared a brief overview about her music teaching studio.
• How teaching the same private lesson repeatedly inspired her to explore group teaching.
• She explained how group lessons brought more energy and variety to her teaching.
• How multi-level groups allow students to progress at their own pace.
• The benefits of using keyboards and headphones for individualized instruction.
• Why ensemble activities build confidence and strengthen social connections.
• How group lessons help reduce performance anxiety through regular peer performances.
• Mandy described how students learn valuable independent practice skills during lessons.
• The importance of balancing structured teaching with flexible learning.
• She explained why group lessons appeal to today's busy families.
• How group teaching increased both student engagement and retention.
• She shared how investing in keyboards quickly paid for itself through studio growth.
• How group teaching created opportunities to grow her business sustainably.
• She encouraged teachers to experiment with partner or group learning before making a full transition.

Links Mentioned

• Mandy's Website:Crescendo Studio SC
• Mandy's Instagram page:@crescendostudiosc
• Mandy's Facebook page:Crescendo Music Studio SC

Studio Equipment Recommendations

• Keyboard, music stand, pedal:amzn.to/4oYcoRn
• Keyboard stand:amzn.to/4eVWhPs
• Adjustable piano bench:amzn.to/4gXIhqW
• Step stools:amzn.to/4v7Tvwu
• Headphones:amzn.to/4gBtjqP
• Male to female headphone adapter:amzn.to/4wmHK6n

Today's Guest

For nearly two decades, Mandy Goldbach has been equipping musicians of all ages with the skills and confidence to make music a meaningful part of their lives. After relocating from Charlotte, North Carolina, to Greenville, South Carolina, in 2018, Mandy continued building a thriving music studio while serving in worship ministry with her husband and raising their two children. In 2024, she reimagined her studio by transitioning from traditional private lessons to a small-group piano model—a move that has fueled more than 400% growth in just two years. Today, Mandy is a Steinway Educational Partner and an active member of the Music Teachers National Association, South Carolina Music Teachers Association, and Greenville Music Teachers Association, where she serves as Social Media Chair and Co-Chair of Outreach. She loves helping her students discover fresh, engaging ways to learn music while being an active part of the music teacher community.

About Rachel Ehring

Dr. Rachel Ehring is a pianist, teacher, music administrator, and lover of piano teaching gadgets. She holds a DMA in Collaborative Piano from the University of Colorado Boulder and a MM in Accompanying from the University of Kansas. She currently serves as Director at St. John’s Conservatory of the Arts in Orange County, CA. Previously, she held positions at Concordia University Irvine and Henderson State University. Rachel is passionate about empowering music teachers to create engaging and exciting lessons for students of all ages. When she isn’t playing the piano, you might find Rachel reading books with her son or walking her beagle Frieda.

• Visit her website at RachelEhring.com
• Visit her Instagram page: @rachelehring
• Visit her YouTube channel: @dreamlavendermusic6694
• Visit her Etsy shop at Dream Lavender Music

Thank you for tuning in!

Consider implementing the ideas from this podcast by writing several actionable steps for your teaching practice if it’s inspired you. If you enjoyed today’s show, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, which helps other teachers find our show. Stay updated by subscribing to this show, and get automatic delivery to your device every time a new episode goes live! We publish on Fridays weekly.

TopMusicPro 14-Day Free Trial

Heard about TopMusicPro Membership? As a valued podcast listener, I’d like to offer you a special chance to try our community free for 14 days. You can access a treasure trove of teaching resources, professional development courses, and creative lesson ideas. Click the link below to access your exclusive 14-day free trial for our Studio Membership.

TOPMUSICPRO MEMBERSHIP 14-DAY FREE TRIAL