Piano Parent Podcast: helping teachers, parents, and students get the most of their piano lessons.

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 instead of just technical skill. Shelly reflects on how these rules connect to piano lessons, recital preparation, and ensemble playing. The episode ends with Schumann's beautiful reminder that being musical means music lives in your heart and mind—not just in your fingers. Learn more at www.PianoParentPodcast.com/380

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. Together they discuss: How to recognize when a child is discouraged Why attitude matters more than perfect performance A simple "good attitude chart" that helped Barrett push through frustration The importance of praising effort instead of perfection How piano lessons build confidence, resilience, and life skills far beyond the keyboard If your child has ever said, "I can't do this," this episode will give you encouragement and practical ideas to help them keep going. "Don't cry. Just try." Learn more at www.PianoParentPodcast.com/379

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

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 places Use games to make repetition fun These simple techniques can help students feel more prepared for recitals, auditions, and performances. Whether your piano kid needs to memorize a recital piece or just wants to keep favorite songs ready to play, these strategies will make practice smarter and more enjoyable.

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 their spark. Sometimes the breakthrough isn't more practice — it's a new approach. Learn more at www.PianoParentPodcast.com/376

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 everything for your child Learn more at www.PianoParentPodcast.com/375.

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 home, or wanting fresh ways to support your young pianist — this conversation will inspire and equip you! Learn more at www.PianoParentPodcast.com/374.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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  

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 young author who never wrote the great American novel but still managed to go "Down in History".  Find the original episode at www.PianoParentPodcast.com.266

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 book offers a different approach. Get your piano kid creating music and exploring sounds right from the first lesson! Learn more at www.PianoParentPodcast.com/354.

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

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.

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 much as she loved writing them. Learn more at www.PianoParentPodcast.com/351

'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.

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 learn more at www.PianoParentPodcast.com/349.

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 www.PianoParentPodcast.com/348

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

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

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.  

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 as it should be. We want to offer professional, succinct information that will be helpful to listeners. The reality is that most of my guests are parents just like you. They are in the trenches with busy schedules, trying to keep up with practice routines, dealing with tired and cranky kids, moody teenagers, and doing the best they can. I hope you enjoy this quick look behind the curtain to hear real stories from Ashlee and me. You can find links and other resources for this episode at www.PianoParentPodcast.com/344.

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. That is as it should be. We want to offer professional, succinct information that will be helpful to listeners. The reality is that most of my guests are parents just like you. They are in the trenches with busy schedules, trying to keep up with practice routines, dealing with tired and cranky kids, moody teenagers, and doing the best they can. I hope you enjoy this quick look behind the curtain to hear real stories from Thomas and me. You can find links and other resources for this episode at www.PianoParentPodcast.com/343.

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. That is as it should be. We want to offer professional, succinct information that will be helpful to listeners. The reality is that most of my guests are parents just like you. They are in the trenches with busy schedules, trying to keep up with practice routines, dealing with tired and cranky kids, moody teenagers, and doing the best they can. I hope you enjoy this quick look behind the curtain to hear real stories from Fernanda and me. You can find links and other resources for this episode at www.PianoParentPodcast.com/342.

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. That is as it should be. We want to offer professional, succinct information that will be helpful to listeners. The reality is that most of my guests are parents just like you. They are in the trenches with busy schedules, trying to keep up with practice routines, dealing with tired and cranky kids, moody teenagers, and doing the best they can. I hope you enjoy this quick look behind the curtain to hear real stories from Stephen and me. You can find links and other resources for this episode at www.PianoParentPodcast.com/341.

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 conference experience to you with ten takeaways for piano parents. You can learn more at www.PianoParentPodcast.com/340

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 as it should be. We want to offer professional, succinct information that will be helpful to listeners. The reality is that most of my guests are parents just like you. They are in the trenches with busy schedules, trying to keep up with practice routines, dealing with tired and cranky kids, moody teenagers, and doing the best they can. I hope you enjoy this quick look behind the curtain to hear real stories from Cher and me. You can find links and other resources for this episode at www.PianoParentPodcast.com/339.  

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.