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Piano Parent Podcast: helping teachers, parents, and students get the most of their piano lessons.
Piano Parent Podcast: helping teachers, parents, and students get the most of their piano lessons.
The Piano Parent Podcast supports parents, teachers, and students in getting the most out of piano lessons. Episodes cover practice strategies, musical terms, piano geography, and common studio policies, along with interviews with teachers and parents. It aims to be a practical resource for families navigating piano study, regardless of their musical background. Whether listeners are experienced musicians or complete beginners, the show offers relevant guidance for making piano lessons productive.
Episodes
PPP383: Your Child's Sixth Sense: Proprioception at the Piano
Can your piano kid find the right notes without looking at their hands? In episode 383, we're exploring proprioception—your body's ability to sense its position and movement without relying on sight. From riding a bicycle to Patrick Mahomes' famous no-look pass, this fascinating sense plays an important role in everyday life AND piano playing! Discover why beginning students constantly look betwee
PPP382: Rowina Sidler and Noteology: A New Way to Learn to Read Music
Rowena Sidler grew up playing piano entirely by ear—and quit traditional lessons after only ten weeks because reading music was so frustrating. Years later, her background in education, computer science, and memory techniques inspired her to create Noteology, an app designed to make note reading more memorable and intuitive. Rowena and Shelly talk about memory palaces, intervallic reading, quirky
PPP 381: Eric Church's 2026 Commencement Speech: Every Parent Should Hear This
In this special episode, Shelly reacts to Eric Church's memorable 2026 commencement speech at the University of North Carolina. Using the six strings of a guitar as a metaphor for life, Church shares timeless lessons about faith, family, resilience, community, and finding your unique voice. Shelly explores how these principles apply not only to graduates, but also to piano parents and the young mu
PPP380: Ten Life Rules from Robert Schumann
Episode 380 continues the Piano Parent Podcast tradition of celebrating every "zero" episode with a list of 10 things. This time, Shelly shares 10 Life Rules for Young Musicians from Robert Schumann. These simple but powerful ideas encourage piano students and parents to keep learning, stay humble, care for their instruments, sing more, work well with others, and focus on musical expression instea
PPP 379: Learn how this mom helped her son rewrite his internal script, with piano parent, Kristen Pennington
Even though this is the Piano Parent Podcast, Shelly realizes she hasn't featured nearly enough actual piano parents on the show! In this episode, Shelly talks with Kristen Pennington, a homeschool mom and parent of one of Shelly's piano students. Kristen shares the challenges and victories of helping her son Barrett learn piano—especially when frustration and negative self-talk begin to creep in.
PPP 378: Rediscovering the Music of Florence Price, with Dr. Michael Clark
In this episode, Dr. Michael Clark joins me to share the fascinating story of composer Florence Price and the rediscovery of her music. We also talk about supporting young pianists, meaningful practice habits, and why exploring a wider range of composers can enrich your child's musical journey. Learn more at www.PianoParentPodcast.com/378
PPP 377: Three Memorization Strategies for Piano Kids
Preparing for a spring piano recital? Memorizing music can feel overwhelming for many students—but it doesn't have to be! In this episode of the Piano Parent Podcast, Shelly shares three fun and effective strategies she uses in her studio to help piano kids memorize music with confidence. You'll learn how to help your child: Identify patterns in their music Practice starting in different place
PPP 376: When Piano Lessons Click: Jazz, Storytelling, and Helping Kids Fall in Love with Music with Susan Staples Bell
What makes piano lessons finally click for a child? In Episode 376, composer and teacher Susan Staples Bell shares how jazz, improvisation, and storytelling transformed her own musical journey — and how those same tools can help your child fall in love with piano. If your student feels bored, stuck, or unmotivated, this conversation offers practical encouragement and creative ideas to reignite the
PPP 375: Raising Independent Children
In this episode of the Piano Parent Podcast, we're talking about practical ways to help your child grow in responsibility, confidence, and problem-solving—both at the piano and in everyday life. You'll learn: • How teachers encourage independence during lessons • Simple daily habits that build responsibility • Why natural consequences are powerful teachers • How to support practice without doing e
PPP 374: Making Music Doable: Group Piano with Dorla Aparicio
In this episode, piano teacher and curriculum creator Dorla Aparicio joins the podcast to share her passion for group piano teaching and the Piano Pyramid method. We discuss how parents and teachers can help students thrive in a musical environment that's doable, structured, and encouraging, no matter the age or level. Whether you're curious about group lessons, struggling with practice battles at
PPP373: What Black Beauty Teaches Us About Parenting
As part of my New Year's goal to read more classic literature, I've been listening to Black Beauty by Anna Sewell—and I was surprised by how much this 19th-century horse story teaches us about 21st-century parenting. Learn more at www.PianoParentPodcast.com/373
PPP 372: Joy to the World - Doesn't Mean What You Think It Means
We all know and love Joy to the World as a classic Christmas carol — but did you know it wasn't originally written for Christmas? And it's not in Handel's Messiah either! In this episode, I share the fascinating history behind one of our most familiar hymns, how it's connected (and not connected) to Handel, and how its message points forward to something in the future, not just back to the past.
PPP 371: PIANOVEMBER 2025 Wrap-Up & a Holiday Music Mystery Replay, "Down in History"
We did it! The PIANOVEMBER 2025 Practice Challenge is complete with over 51,000 practice tallies! 🏆🎉 In this week's episode, Shelly celebrates the top participants, gives shoutouts to amazing teachers, and wraps things up with a fun holiday music mystery replay: Down in History. Learn more at www.pianoparentpodcast.com/371
PPP370: 10 Finger Activities for Young Pianists
Episode 370: 10 Finger Activities for Young Pianists – Shelly Davis brings you ten creative, screen‑free, fun activities to build fine motor strength and coordination in young piano students. Perfect for preschoolers or beginners, these ideas support your child's readiness and growth at the piano. Visit pianoparentpodcast.com/370 for links, downloads, and bonus resources.
PPP 369: Hey Mom, Can We Talk? (a reminder to parents to monitor your own screen time)
Teens and tweens may act like they don't need us—but deep down, they do. In this episode, we talk about why big kids still crave attention, how to reconnect through meaningful conversation, and why monitoring our own screen time is just as important as managing theirs. 🎧 Full episode at: www.pianoparentpodcast.com/369
PPP 368: Three Questions I Ask (almost) Every Student At (almost) Every Lesson
In this episode, Shelly discusses three open-ended questions she regularly asks her piano students to enhance their learning experience. These questions are designed to empower students to analyze their performances, take ownership of their practice strategies, and decide the progression of their pieces. Learn more at www.PianoParentPodcast.com/368
PPP 367: I Don't Know What to Practice!
Getting your kid to the piano to practice and them knowing what to practice are two very different things. On today's show we'll talk about.... • How to build a strong habit of practice • The "practice sandwich" technique: fun → challenge → fun • Interleaved / goal‑oriented practice strategies • Why ugly practice is still practice • Motivation tools: incentives, "eat the frog," and more • The PIAN
PPP 366: Human Nature Delays
Human Nature Delays (and How Piano Parents & Students Can Overcome Them) Join me as I explore why we often intend to practice or start something important—but delay instead. We'll talk about the intention‑action gap, share stories of what that feels like, and give you concrete, doable strategies for piano students and their parents. Learn more at www.PianoParentPodcast.com/366
PPP 365: Mr. Michael's Music Maker Manual, an interview with author, Michael Hemsworth
In this episode of the Piano Parent Podcast, host Shelly Davis chats with Michael Hemsworth, author, educator, and founder of New Songs Music School in California. Michael shares his journey from piano kid to leading a music school with over 1,300 students, and reveals the heart behind his new book, "Mr. Michael's Music Maker Manual: A Guide for Growing Creative Children." They discuss the power o
PPP 364: Why Playing Games with Your Piano Kid Matters More Than You Might Think
Screens are convenient, but they don't build relationships. In this episode, we explore the overlooked value of playing physical games with your piano kid—games that boost memory, spark laughter, and strengthen your connection (without feeling like practice). In this episode, Shelly explores the power of playing physical games with your piano kid—and why face-to-face interaction beats screen time
Your Music Conference Reporter Day 5 of 7
Today, I spent some time in the TMTA exhibit hall where I got to meet Liz Boyd with www.SusanParadis.com and bought some music stickers and piano manipulatives to use in my lessons. I also won an item in the silent auction, which raises funds for the Texas Music Teachers Education Foundation. I won a box of wooden cutouts from www.DenneheyDesigns.com. Last night, we heard a wonderful concert form
Your Music Conference Reporter Day 4 of 7
Today I attended a session by Wendy Stevens with www.composecreate.com. She spoke on the topic. "Have you forgotten what it's like to be a child??" I also attended some meetings which highlighted the fact that we don't have to do all the things. We can focus on the things we do well and give other people opportunities to do the things they do well. Connect with me on Instagram @pianoparentpodcast
Your Music Conference Reporter Day 3 of 7
Today was a day filled with music. It started with music with my elementary piano ensemble and their piece called "Ice Cream Scoops written by composer Susan Staples Bell. I think Mrs. Bell was as excited to hear the students as the students were to play for her. The day ended with an eclectic collection of musical pieces; some of them were to my tastes and some of them were not... and that's okay
Your Music Conference Reporter Day 2 of 7
In today's video, I share some of the highlights from the second day of our conference. Today was a lot of business meetings and chatting with fellow teachers from across Texas. Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast player at piano parent podcast. Connect with me on Instagram @pianoparentpodcast and send me a direct message if there's something you'd like for me to talk about on the ne
Your Music Conference Reporter Day 1 of 7
In this short video, I share the value of professional development for your piano teacher and how that has a direct influence on your piano kids' development as a musician. This is day one of a 7-day mini series.
PPP 363: My Dad Talked Me Into Piano Lessons, But My Mom Helped Me Become a Musician
There are ways that we intentionally speak positive encouragement into our piano kids' musical journey, but we must also be aware of the ways our unintentional conversation communicates with them. On today's show, learn some of the ways my parents impacted my musical journey, both intentionally and unintentionally. Learn more at www.PianoParentPodcast.com/363
PPP 362: Navigating the Holiday Hustle - 3 Tips for Keeping Up With Piano Practice
The holidays are a time of joy, celebration, and... chaos. With all the festive frenzy, it can be challenging to maintain a consistent piano practice routine. In this episode, we'll explore practical strategies to keep your child's piano practice on track during the holiday season. We'll delve into three key tips: setting realistic goals, creating a dedicated practice space, and incorporating holi
PPP361: Practice Only on Days That End in 'Y'
"Practice only on days that end in Y." It's playful, it's catchy, and it makes you laugh at first. But when we dig deeper, this phrase offers a profound truth about growth, mastery, and commitment. It's a reminder that the journey to excellence doesn't happen just on the days we feel motivated, or only when things are convenient. It happens every day. Learn more at www.PianoParentPodcast.com/361 J
PPP 360: Ten Ways to Handle Teacher Absence
On the podcast, we've talked about what to do when you have to miss a lesson but we've never talked about how to respond when your teacher needs to take an extended absence. Using my family's circumstance from this past year, here are ten ways my students responded when I had to take a two-week break during the semester. Learn more at www.PianoParentPodcast.com/360
Find the Joy in Little Things, a parent interview with Crystal Boyack
Crystal Boyack is a leader in early childhood violin pedagogy and the best selling author of Wee Violin: Music for Young Violinists Preparatory to Twinkle. She currently teaches at the University of New Mexico's Lab School and runs a private studio teaching Suzuki Violin and Music Together in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She loves spending her time gardening, doing yoga, and spending time with her hu
PPP 358: Helping Parents Frame Music as a Gift, Not a Chore with Crystal Boyack
Crystal Boyack is a leader in early childhood violin pedagogy and the best selling author of Wee Violin: Music for Young Violinists Preparatory to Twinkle. She currently teaches at the University of New Mexico's Lab School and runs a private studio teaching Suzuki Violin and Music Together in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She loves spending her time gardening, doing yoga, and spending time with her hu
Encore Presentation of PPP14: Mister Rogers' Code for I Love You
Mr. Fred Rogers was born on March 20, 1928. This encore presentation is in honor of his 96th birthday, with gratitude for his life, well lived. What an example and inspiration for us all! Learn more at www.PianoParentpodcast.com/143.
PPP 357: Teacher chat with Becki Laurent and Clinton Pratt - Artful Dodgers
What's your best deflection technique? Sometimes I'll answer a question with another question to avoid giving an uncomfortable answer. What's your piano kid's best deflection technique? Do they try to memorize all their music to avoid sight reading? Do they blame the metronome when they aren't able to play along with it? Learn some common "artful dodges" in today's teacher chat with Becki Laurent
PPP 356: The Groundhog Day of Piano Lessons
Do you ever feel like you're living the same piano lesson week after week? Listen to today's show to learn some reasons why music is re-assigned at the lesson and how you can help your piano kid keep moving forward. Learn more at www.PianoParentPodcast.com/356
PPP 355: Take Inventory of your 168 Hour Week
24 hours each day, 7 days every week. We all have 168 hours each week. If we're not careful, those hours will get filled with other people's agendas. Now is the time to take inventory of your schedule and make time for the things that are important to you. Learn more at www.PianoParentPodcast.com/355
Holiday Replay of PPP 266: "Down in History"
In the style of Mike Rowe's podcast "The Way I Heard It" and Paul Harvey's radio show "The Rest of the Story", this episode of the Piano Parent Podcast brings you the backstory of a musician or song or a moment in music history. I use these musical mysteries to tell you something you might not know about someone or something that is somewhat familiar. In this case, I will tell you the story of a y
PPP 354: No Book Beginners with author, Tim Topham
In today's episode, author and international teacher of piano teachers, Tim Topham shares his approach to music learning in his new book, "No Book Beginners". Rather than stifling your piano kid's enthusiasm for piano by slowing down music-making with foreign terminology and symbols and expecting them to learn to read music before they expore the interesting sounds the piano can create, Tim's boo
PPP 353: What to do when you don't practice
Listen to today's episode to hear my suggestions for what you and your piano kid can do about your piano lesson when you've gone the whole week without spending time at your own piano. Learn more at www.PianoParentPodcast.com/353
PPP 352: What to Expect in the First Year of Piano Lessons
Welcome new Piano Parents! If you and your piano kid are new to the wonderful world of piano lessons, you may be wondering what kinds of things they will be learning during this first year. Today's episode gives you a few things to expect. Learn more at www.PianoParentPodcast.com/352.
PPP 351: The Value of Reading to Your Piano Kids with Author, Vicky Weber
Vicky Weber is a musician and an elementary educator with a love for children's literature. All her current titles are based on her background in music education or her heritage. While she has taught a variety of grade levels, primary-level education is where her passion lies. It has long been a dream of hers to teach children through the magic of books and she hopes you love reading her works as
PPP 350: 10 Ways to Scare Your Piano Teacher
'Tis the season for all things orange, yellow, brown, and a little scary. Today's list offers ten things that are likely to scare your piano teacher. Some are silly and some are serious, but all are things you might encounter with your piano kid. Learn more at www.PianoParentPodcast.com/350.
PPP 349: How to make your piano kid fail proof
We do everything we can, as parents, to set our kids up for success at the piano. We pay for lessons, drive them to their lesson, provide them with an instrument to practice. What steps should we take to help our piano kids overcome failure? How can we make their piano journey "so simple, plain, or reliable as to leave no opportunity for error, misuse, or failure"? Find out in today's episode and
PPP 348: Find the '1' - Helping students feel the steady beat and find the downbeat in music
Today's episode offers help for those piano kids who have a difficult time feeling the steady beat of music. Some children can feel the beat but they aren't yet able to discern the downbeat, the start of a new measure. If a child has trouble feeling the steady pulse of music they listen to, they will have even more trouble trying to reproduce a steady beat in the music they play. Learn more at ww
PPP 347: Brock Chart with My-Melodies Publishing (sometimes our trajectory changes with the flip of a coin)
Enjoy this delightful conversation with Kansas piano teacher, award-winning composer, and founder of My-Melodies Publishing, Brock Chart. Learn more at www.PianoParentPodcast.com/347
PPP 346: ICYMI Replay of Musical Mystery Opus 1, No. 1 "Wishful Thinking"
200 episodes ago, I published my first musical mystery. I'm sharing it again today to prepare for the upcoming 200th anniversary of one of this composer's greatest hits! Learn more at www.PianoParentPodcast.com/346
PPP 345: Time to Clean Off Your Piano
As we gear up for a new school year and a new semester of piano lessons, this is a great time to declutter your piano or keyboard. Let's do it together! You can clean off your piano while you listen to this episode! Check the show notes for links to all the resources mentioned in this episode at www.PianoParentPodcast.com/345. Watch the companion video on YouTube at https://youtu.be/lmLpRthqxE8.
PPP 344: "Make Space for Your Child's Experiences" A Parenting Do Over with Ashlee Young
Back in March, I interviewed Ashlee Young (You can catch that interview at www.PianoParentPodcast.com/324). When the official interview was over, I asked Ashlee if I could ask her one more question. "Is there a moment in your parenting that you can share where you would really like a 'Do Over'?" So often on social media and in my interviews with guests, we try to put our best foot forward. That is
PPP 343: "Navigating Different Perspectives" A Parenting Do Over with Thomas Grayston
Back in February, I interviewed Thomas Grayston (You can catch that interview at www.PianoParentPodcast.com/321). When the official interview was over, I asked Thomas if I could ask him one more question. "Is there a moment in your parenting that you can share where you would really like a 'Do Over'?" So often on social media and in my interviews with guests, we try to put our best foot forward. T
PPP 342: "Extend Compassion....to your children and to yourself" A Parenting Do Over with Dr. Fernanda Nieto
Back in October, I interviewed Fernanda Nieto (You can catch that interview at www.PianoParentPodcast.com/314). When the official interview was over, I asked Fernanda if I could ask her one more question. "Is there a moment in your parenting that you can share where you would really like a 'Do Over'?" So often on social media and in my interviews with guests, we try to put our best foot forward. T
PPP 341: "Avoid Misinterpretations" A Parenting Do Over with Stephen Hughes
Back in August, I interviewed Stephen Hughes (You can catch that interview at www.PianoParentPodcast.com/304). When the official interview was over, I asked Stephen if I could ask him one more question. "Is there a moment in your parenting that you can share where you would really like a 'Do Over'?" So often on social media and in my interviews with guests, we try to put our best foot forward. Tha
PPP 340: Ten Takeaways for Piano Parents from My Recent TMTA Conference
Every June, our Texas Music Teachers Association hosts a conference. It is one of the highlights of my year because I gain so much from attending. Our state conference brings in top-notch presenters to share new teaching strategies, new music, and other professional development opportunities. There are also many activities for students and their parents. On today's show, I am bringing the conferen
PPP 339: "Before you leap..." A parenting do over with Cher Kretz
Back in September, I interviewed Cher Kretz (You can catch that interview at www.PianoParentPodcast.com/309). When the official interview was over, I asked Cher if I could ask her one more question. "Is there a moment in your parenting that you can share where you would really like a 'Do Over'?" So often on social media and in my interviews with guests, we try to put our best foot forward. That is
PPP 338: "Amazing Doesn't Have to be Hard" My TMTA Conference TEXtalk presentation
Each year at our Texas Music Teachers Conference, we host our version of the well-known TEDtalks. We call them TEXtalks. I was honored to have been invited to be included in this year's presentation, "Amazing Doesn't Have to Be Hard." Learn more at www.PianoParentPodcast.com/338.
PPP 337: My First Piano Sheet Music with Author, Emily Norris
One of the best ways to help a child learn to play an instrument is to get them singing familiar tunes. When your piano kid is able to sing a song, playing it on an instrument is exponentially more successful. On today's show, we meet with an author who understands this fact very well. Emily Norris has written a new book of piano sheet music to help young children begin learning to sing and play f
PPP 335: Piano Parent Summer Survival Kit (My first book on Amazon!)
Hot off the presses.... I just released my first book on Amazon and I'll tell you all about it in today's episode. Sum·mer ˈsəmər/ noun the warmest season of the year, in the northern hemisphere from June to August and in the southern hemisphere from December to February. the time of year when many piano students backslide with their hard earned piano skills. Sur·viv·al sərˈvīvəl/ noun t
PPP 334: Chrissy Ricker shares her Summer Piano Review Challenge Calendars
Keeping in line with last week's episode about summer reading, this week we get to hear from Chrissy Ricker who has developed summer piano review challenge calendars. Listen as Chrissy shares some of the highlights from her summer activity calendars and how they can help keep your piano kid musical engaged this summer. Learn more and find links to all the resources Chrissy mentions at www.PianoPar
PPP 333: Summer reading - books and music
Summertime is a great time to take a much-deserved break! It's also a great time to catch up on reading or, at least maintain your reading capabilities. The same tactics that help new readers to read library books will also work for piano kids learning to read new music. Find some helpful tips for reading both kinds of literature on today's show. Learn more at www.PianoParentPodcast.com/333
PPP 332: Leveling up from accidentals to key signatures
Making the jump from accidentals which mark each note that needs to be altered to key signatures placed at the beginning of each staff can be difficult for some students. Learn how you can help your piano kid level up on today's show. Learn more at www.PianoParentPodcast.com/332
PPP 331: Technique is a tool that serves performance, with Ken Thompson
In today's show, Ken Thompson shares valuable insight into piano technique. "Technique is a tool that serves performance. If you use the tool in performance, you are able to be free musically, to express yourself, and to send a musical message to your audience. In order for that to happen, the tool needs to be reliable." Learn more at www.PianoParentPodcast.com/331
PPP 330: Ten Things for the Day of the Recital
Keep this list handy for any time your piano kid participates in a studio recital or piano event. These are wonderful things you can do to make this important day as stress-free and calm for your piano kid as possible. Get your free Checklist download and find other tenth episodes at www.PianoParentPodcast.com/330
PPP 329: Spring Cleaning Our Music Bag
I am amazed at the things students collect in their music bags. I've seen everything from books and music that was completed long ago to old theory tests and worksheets to candy wrappers from my prize box. Once I even found a banana that was well past its expiration! So many odd items creep into my own music bag. Exactly why do I have three types of breath mints, two lip balms, and seven hair ties
PPP 328: This mom did everything right and they still quit
Sometimes, no matter how much you want your piano kids to enjoy their lessons and learn to make music, they just don't get it. Sometimes, even if you've done everything right, they still end up quitting. That's the topic of today's show. Learn more at www.pianoparentpodcast.com/328
PPP 327: Teacher Chat: Hobbyist vs Career Musicians with Joellyn Andrews and Janna Williamson
I started to call this chat "Hobbyist vs Serious Musicians" but realized that's not a fair description. Some would say I'm a hobbyist at podcasting - because I make ZERO money doing it - but I still take it very seriously. That's why I made the change to "Hobbyist vs Career Musicians" - some of our piano kids are doing lessons for a season, without the intention of pursuing music in college or as
PPP 326: Musical Mystery Opus 4, No. 2 "Turn out the lights, the party's over!"
I'm sure you've heard the expression, "Where words fail, music speaks"- a quote by Hans Christian Andersen. Today's musical mystery will tell you the story of an occasion where words could have gotten you fired so music was the only way to communicate. Hear the full story in today's Musical Mystery Opus 4, No. 2 "Turn out the lights, the party's over!" Visit www.pianoparentpodcast.com/326 for m
PPP 325: "We need to leave early from the recital."
This is a busy time of the year. To avoid schedule conflicts and the urge to do all the things, parents need to be proactive, set priorities and make difficult decisions for their piano kids. Listen to today's show to learn how. Check www.pianoparentpodcast.com/325 for more information.
PPP 324: Work Smarter, Not Harder with Ashlee Young
Ashlee Young is a piano teacher with a passion to help musicians plan more effective and efficient practice sessions. In today's interview, she shares how you can move from reading individual notes to more lengthy phrases in the same way we progress in reading letters, words, and sentences. Visit www.PianoParentPodcast.com/324 for more information.
PPP 323: Piano Day Project and Music Cryptography
March 29 is the 88th day of the year - PIANO DAY!! To celebrate one of our favorite days of the year, we are going to do a fun Piano Day Project where we will encrypt a secret name in our special, one-of-a-kind melody. Learn how in today's show! Get your free Alpha-Numeric Code maker at www.PianoParentPodcast.com/323.
PPP 322: The Grand Staff and a Ta11 Tale
Once upon a time, I read or heard a story about the grand staff. I share it with my students and today I'll share it with you.
PPP 321: Note Rush, 2nd edition with App Developer, Thomas Grayston
We first met Thomas Grayston, the genius developer behind the popular note identification app, Note Rush, back in 2017. (You can listen to that interview at www.PianoParentPodcast.com/065) Today, he is back to share some exciting updates to the app including new themes, customized decks of notes, and helpful hints while playing the app. Find links and other resources at www.PianoParentPodcast.com/
PPP 320: Ten Things Piano Parents Love About Piano Lessons
Every episode that ends with a 0 includes a list of ten somethings. Since tomorrow is Valentine's Day, this list gives you 10 things piano parents love about piano lessons. What else would you add to the list? www.PianoParentPodcast.com/320
PPP 319: Reflections on last week's episode
I really enjoyed talking with Winston Hall last week. One of the things he said really struck me and I've been thinking about it ever since. He said, "Reading music is the most analytical way to make music." and that wasn't how his brain was wired. My brain actually feels safer and more confident with the music, in fact, I feel frozen if I don't have music in front of me; I don't know what to pla
PPP 318: "Wrong Note Right: The Story of an Accidental Piano Man" with Winston Hall
Winston Hall is a self-proclaimed "below-average piano student" who was able to overcome obstacles that might have stopped most people - the inability to read music, his own self-doubt, and debilitating stage fright. Winston is now one of the most popular entertainers in the Northwest Louisiana area. This is an episode that you will bookmark and listen to again and again and share with your piano
PPP 317: Preparing to Start Piano Lessons
If you're waiting to start piano lessons, this is the episode for you! Potential students reach out to me for lessons but I often don't have a space available. Many times, they opt to wait for my short-term summer session and start the process of waiting for piano lessons to begin. In today's show, I'll share three things that piano parents can do to make good use of this interim time: think about
PPP 316: Make Regular Practice Part of 2023
In last week's episode I quoted Art L. Williams Jr. "Remember, before you can be great, you've got to be good. Before you can be good, you've got to be bad. But before you can even be bad, you've got to try." Today, let's focus on the trying aspect of learning to play the piano.
PPP 315: Allowing for Miskates, er, Mistakes
My list of 22 for 2022 turned out to be a list of things I failed to do. When I look back on it, I don't celebrate the things I was able to finish, I just feel defeated by the areas where I missed the mark. Rather than aiming for perfection, I think it is good for our children to see us make mistakes and move on, gracefully. Our mistakes shouldn't devastate us and our kids need to learn to give th
Holiday Replay of PPP072: These Popular Christmas Songs Were Written in the Heat of the Summer
Do you ever wonder what inspires composers and songwriters to create the music they do? Would you be surprised to learn that some of our favorite Christmas tunes were written in the heat of the summer? On today's podcast, I'll share some of the interesting things I discovered about some of the songs we enjoy throughout the holiday season. Learn more at www.PianoParentPodcast.com/072 Merry Christma
Holiday Replay of PPP122: Handel's Messiah - the IMDB(ish) Story
Listen to the inspiring story behind one of the most iconic pieces of musical literature, Handel's "Messiah". I have to admit that I was not a fan of this oratorio until I learned the difficulties Handel faced before he came to write the music. Learn more at www.PianoParentPodcast.com/122. Thanks for listening and I hope you have a wonderful holiday season!
PPP 314: Mindfulness and Breathing with Dr. Fernanda Nieto
After dealing with everything we have over the last two years, our brains have gotten really good at facing problems and anxiety - maybe too good. We might have accidentally trained our brains to be hyperresponsive to uncomfortable circumstances. On today's show, Dr. Fernanda Nieto shares some wonderful ways to help our brains and our bodies to relax and breathe.
PPP 313: It's okay to have fun!
Inspired by a quote from Agatha Christie, this episode reminds us all to enjoy the journey and allow ourselves to be a little ridiculous.
PPP 312: Music Alphabet - Counting by 1s, 3s, and 5s
Everything your piano kid has to do with music: reading music, finding the correct piano keys, eventually building scales and chords, and putting chords together in a sequence, all of that stems from understanding the basic seven notes of the music alphabet.
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