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
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 PIANOVEMBER Practice Challenge (join us!) Learn more at www.PianoParentPodcast.com/367
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
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 of nurturing creativity, why every child's musical path is unique, and how parents can be strong advocates in their child's artistic journey. Learn more about Michael's book at newsongsmusic.com/manual Visit PianoParentPodcast.com/365
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 every time. Learn how simple card games help your child develop memory, strategy, confidence, and communication. Plus, hear about her new music theory card game, Music Alphabet GARBAGE, launching on Kickstarter July 1st! You'll learn: Why physical play matters in personal development How games build trust and family connection Ways to use games in restaurants, home practice, and family time 🎉 Plus, I introduce Music Alphabet GARBAGE, my brand-new card game launching July 1st on Kickstarter! Learn how to turn music theory into your next favorite family game. 🔍 Learn More Here: www.PianoParentPodcast.com/364 🔔 Follow the game here: Music Alphabet GARBAGE Kickstarter Campaign
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 the lovely Dr. Artina McCain www.ArtinaMcCain.com. If you aren't familiar with her, please check her out. It's been a wonderful, exhausting conference!!
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
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.
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 next video.
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.
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
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 holiday music into practice sessions. Learn more at www.PianoParentPodcast.com/362
"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 Join the practice challenge at www.PIANOVEMBER.com
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
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 husband and four young children. On today's show, Crystal shares some of the joys and frustrations of parenting four musical children. Learn more at www.PianoParentPodcast.com/359
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 husband and four young children. Learn more at www.PianoParentPodcast.com/358
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.
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 and Clinton Pratt. Learn more at www.PianoParentPodcast.com/357
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
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