The TopCast: The Official Music Teachers' Podcast

Understanding the minds of neurodivergent students can completely transform how we approach teaching. In this episode, we’re diving into one of the most misunderstood diagnoses: dyslexia. This week, I’m sharing a powerful webinar replay from Dr. Olivia Colomaio, a dyslexic pianist and educator who brings both personal experience and deep research to the table. She breaks down how dyslexia affects music learning, highlights the strengths of dyslexic students, and gives you practical strategies to build a more inclusive studio environment.
Tim introduced the episode as part of the month-long focus on neurodivergent teaching strategies.
Olivia shared her personal journey as a dyslexic pianist and educator.
She explained how dyslexia affects music reading and decoding rhythms.
Common traits like visual overstimulation and anxiety in dyslexic learners.
The value of recognizing dyslexic students’ strengths like pattern recognition and spatial reasoning.
How dyslexic students often use the right brain for reading and thinking in pictures.
She shared her experience preparing for a concerto competition
Strategies that helped her memorize music.
Key strengths of dyslexic learners including compensatory ingenuity and intrinsic motivation.
Classroom accommodations: multisensory methods, score modifications, and visual aids.
Examples of color-coded notation and score adjustments that help students understand rhythms and notes.
The importance of creating safe, patient, and inclusive studio environments was discussed.
She advised giving students time to process and using affirming language to build confidence.
Understanding the “why” behind teaching strategies for better retention among dyslexic learners.
Full Q&A segment of the webinar with Tara Wright.


Links Mentioned

Get your SUPER EARLY BIRD tickets for TopMusicLive 2026 here.
Find out more about Unfazed: Teaching Neurodivergent Students Course here.
Check out all TopMusic Courses here.
Join our Lite Plan here to watch the webinar.


Today’s Guest



Olivia Grace Colomaio (Bradstreet) is a pianist, accompanist, teacher, and doctoral candidate in Piano Pedagogy at the University of South Carolina. She teaches lessons in piano, accompanying, composition, and music theory, and she loves teaching students of all ages, interests, experience levels, and backgrounds! Originally from Bath, NY, she earned her master’s in piano pedagogy and performance from Campbellsville University (Campbellsville, KY), and her bachelor’s degree in piano performance from Roberts Wesleyan University (Rochester, NY). Her research focuses on discovering and providing resources for students with dyslexia and other forms of neurodivergence. Olivia currently resides in Lexington, South Carolina.
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One of the most powerful webinars we’ve ever run at TopMusic was a session with educator Selena Pistoresi, focused on how to support neurodivergent students. The response from teachers around the world was incredible, so I’m sharing a replay of that webinar here on the podcast. Selena offers practical, compassionate advice that challenges some of the traditional ways we approach behavior, motivation, and lesson structure. And it’s all grounded in a deep respect for the unique ways our students experience the world.
Tim introduced the Spotlight theme for February: teaching neurodivergent students.
The importance of shifting language and mindset when supporting neurodivergent students.
The value of understanding student behavior as communication was highlighted.
Selena outlined the difference between compliance and true learning.
She encouraged teachers to move away from reward systems toward intrinsic motivation.
Practical strategies for flexible lesson plans and routines were shared.
The importance of regulating the teacher's own nervous system was discussed.
Selena offered examples of co-regulation techniques to support student needs.
She recommended viewing meltdowns and shutdowns as opportunities for support.
Suggestions for adapting teaching materials for different sensory and cognitive needs were explored.
Teachers were encouraged to create a safe and inclusive learning space.


Links Mentioned

Get your SUPER EARLY BIRD tickets for TopMusicLive 2026 here.
Join our Spotlight Session with Bec Stewart here.
Find out more about Unfazed: Teaching Neurodivergent Students Course here.
Check out all TopMusic Courses here.
Join our Lite Plan here to watch the webinar.


Member Links

Unfazed: Teaching Neurodivergent Students in 2024 Webinar Replay
Unfazed: Teaching Neurodivergent Students Course


Today's Guest



Selena Pistoresi has been a piano teacher for over a decade. Selena blogs over at Notablepiano.com and is the author of the Milestone Method. She owns Cultivate Music Studio, a studio in San Jose, California, where she specializes in working with students with special needs. She equips teachers all over the world with the mindset tools and curriculum to teach students with special needs and to help their studios flourish.
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 Mondays 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...

Hey there, and welcome back to a brand-new year of The TopCast! I’m so pumped to kick off 2026 with a very special announcement, one that many of you have been asking me about for years. This episode is all about what's ahead in 2026, from our exciting monthly themes and spotlight guests to the return of something very close to my heart. I won’t spoil the surprise just yet, but let’s just say if you’ve ever wanted to gather in person with like-minded music teachers for a game-changing experience, you’re going to want to hear this.
Tim opened the first episode of 2026 by expressing excitement for the year ahead.
He celebrated 11 years of podcasting and the upcoming 500th episode milestone.
He announced that 2026 marks the 10th anniversary of TopMusicPro.
He revealed the return of a live event:TopMusic Live 2026in Sydney this April.
Kawai as the main sponsor supporting the in-person event.
The venue of the event, which is overlooking Sydney Harbour and includes full catering.
Outline of the event format, including keynotes, masterminds, and demo lessons.
The focus on implementation sessions to help teachers take action.
Tim introduced monthly spotlight themes and guests planned for the first half of 2026.
February’s theme is teaching neurodiverse students with Bec Stewart.
He shared that he will keynote at IRMTNZ in New Zealand this April.


Links Mentioned

Get your EARLY BIRD ticket for the TopMusicLive 2026 here.
Find out more about Spotlight Session with Rebecca Stewart here.


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 Mondays 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

2025 has been one of the biggest years yet for us here at TopMusic. And I’m thrilled to wrap it all up with you in this final episode of the year. In today's episode, we're diving into the key highlights of everything we’ve accomplished, from new courses and Spotlight Sessions to powerful AI tools and a complete website transformation. You’ll also get a sneak peek into our bold new vision for 2026, including our upcoming Studio Coaching Tier, a refreshed action-focused approach to teacher growth, and the exciting announcement of TopMusicLive 2026 happening in Sydney!
Tim shared highlights and accomplishments from TopMusic’s 2025 initiatives.
TopMusic released 12 themed digital magazines covering topics like technique and repertoire.
Two active podcast shows—TopCast and the TopMusic Piano Podcast with Rachel Ehring.
Five new courses were added to TopMusicPro.
Released monthly Inspire Packs and Creativity Boost Cards to enhance student engagement.
A new Power Hour for UK members was launched, expanding global sessions to four time zones.
Significantly improved website speed and dashboard performance for a better user experience.
Spotlight Sessions were introduced, featuring live expert Q&As on pedagogy and business.
The 12-Week Studio Transformation program continued with two successful cohorts.
TopMusic ran its first-ever Composition Competition with student winners featured on the podcast.
The organization introduced new AI-powered tools.
What's coming ahead in 2026 for TopMusic?
Tim announced TopMusic’s new vision and five-pillar strategy.
Launching of a new Studio Coaching Tier, offering weekly check-ins and premium support.
Official announcement of TopMusicLive 2026 in Sydney, with presale tickets now available attopmusiclive.com.


Links Mentioned

Find out more about TopMusicLive here
Download your latest TopMusic Magazine here
Join the next cohort waitlist of the 12-Week Studio Transformation (12WST)
TopMusic Piano Podcast with Rachel Ehring
Leave a review for our podcasts


Courses Mentioned

Recruit Right, the Essential Guide to Hiring Teachers Course
Jam Sessions Course
Canva for Music Teachers Course
Unlock Your Brand Voice: The Signature Soundbook for Music Teachers Course
ChatGPT Made Easy: The Music Teachers’ Guide to AI Course


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.

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