419: Teaching Masterclass with TopMusicSheets Composer Anna Robinson

In this episode, we’re chatting with TopMusicSheets composer Anna Robinson for a deep dive into the teaching strategies behind her engaging, pedagogy-rich pieces. Anna shares how her compositions are often sparked by her students’ needs, interests, and even their pets—and how fun, pattern-based writing can make tricky concepts more accessible. We explore how she uses rhythm phrases, movement, and articulation from the very first lesson, and how her journey from arts administration to full-time teaching and composing has shaped her creative voice. If you’ve ever wanted to bring more musical storytelling and intention into your teaching, this masterclass is full of practical, inspiring takeaways.

• Anna shared how her pet-themed compositions were inspired by connecting with students’ pets during lockdown.
• The use of phrases like “ice cream for breakfast” to help students internalize tricky rhythms.
• The importance of tailoring rhythm games and phrases to each student’s interests.
• How she integrates movement and conducting to teach articulation and phrasing.
• Why she considers herself a pedagogical composer, writing with specific teaching goals in mind.
• How modulation and pivot chords are introduced naturally in her compositions.
• Tim noted how Anna’s left-hand writing often uses patterns that look complex but are easy to teach and break down.
• How composing often begins as a response to a specific student need or learning gap.
• Modeling creativity and improvisation during lessons as a way to normalize student composition.
• Anna's advice to teachers and composers.

Links Mentioned

• Anna's website: Flying Ivories Music
• Anna's YouTube Channel: Flying Ivories Music
• Find more about TopMusicSheets here.
• Download the latest TopMusic Magazine edition here.

Today's Guest

Anna Robinson started learning the piano at age 6 and flute at age 12. After graduating in Mathematics from University College London, she worked in administrative roles in classical music in London for several years before moving to Melbourne and working in the world of opera and artist management. After gaining performing and teaching diplomas in piano, Anna left the opera world to focus on teaching. Her student roster quickly grew, and she currently teaches at two government schools whilst maintaining a busy home studio. An experienced accompanist, Anna enjoys collaborating with fellow musicians of all ages and welcomes further opportunities to perform in this special supportive role. She regularly accompanies AMEB and VCE exam candidates; at eisteddfods and auditions; for choirs, musicals, school ensembles and instrumental teachers’ studio concerts.

Thank you for tuning in!

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