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

PPP 310: Ten Things I Learned Through Acquiring My New-to-me Piano

My studio was recently gifted with a Baldwin Hamilton baby grand piano and I am thrilled! Going through this new experience taught me a few things that I think you might enjoy learning as well.

PPP 309: Author, Cher Kretz shares her GPS Life System

Returning to the show from her previous appearance in PPP209, author, and counselor, Cher Kretz is back to share more helpful insight for parents. On today's show you will hear about her latest book release, "30 Days to Higher Hopes" and her GPS Life System. www.pianoparentpodcast.com/309

PPP 308: Why do Olympic athletes need a coach?

Why would a world-class athlete, someone who is at the top of their physical abilities, need a coach? Find out on today's show. www.pianoparentpodcast.com/308

PPP 307: Break the Cycle (How to Reprogram a Negative Routine)

On today's show, we will share how to disrupt and reprogram the negative cycle of communication with your piano kid.

PPP 306: Musical Mystery (coming soon)

I am excited to share the next Musical Mystery with you! The story is still in the works. Please check back soon. In the meantime, follow this link to download the Podbean Podcast Player and listen to previous Piano Parent Podcast episodes.

PPP 305: Stephen Hughes Jazz Band, Part 2

On today's show, Stephen Hughes returns to share specific things budding jazz pianists can do to prepare to play piano in their school or church band. You can listen to the first part of our discussion at www.PianoParentPodcast.com/304.

PPP 304: Stephen Hughes - Jazz Band, Part 1

Stephen Hughes, shares practical tips and strategies for that moment when your high school band director recruits you to play keyboard in the school jazz band. In part 1, we'll talk about being proactive, focusing on chords, and listening to Jazz Classics.

PPP 303: WWYD - Attending the Lesson

This summer, I’m doing a special series called, “What would you do?” We’re taking a little break from the longer format episodes to focus on individual scenarios you might face as you and your piano kid navigate this musical journey. Just as your child can only learn independence through experience, this summer series will give you ideas about how to handle potential obstacles in your piano studies.

PPP 302: WWYD - Schedule Conflicts

This summer, I’m doing a special series called, “What would you do?” We’re taking a little break from the longer format episodes to focus on individual scenarios you might face as you and your piano kid navigate this musical journey. Just as you put appointments on your calendar to avoid double booking, this summer series will give you ideas about how to handle potential obstacles in your piano studies.

PPP 301: WWYD - No Practice

This summer, I’m doing a special series called, “What would you do?” We’re taking a little break from the longer format episodes to focus on individual scenarios you might face as you and your piano kid navigate this musical journey. Just like you wouldn't skip a dentist appointment if your child forgot to brush their teeth, this summer series will give you ideas about how to handle potential obstacles in your piano studies.

PPP 300: Ten Episodes for New Listeners

Happy Anniversary!! The podcast is celebrating its sixth year and the milestone of 300 episodes! If you are a new listener, this episode is the perfect place to start. On today's show, I am highlighting ten of the different types of episodes you can expect to hear. Check the show notes for links to specific recommendations in each category.

PPP 299: WWYD - Practice Space

This summer, I’m doing a special series called, “What would you do?” We’re taking a little break from the longer format episodes to focus on individual scenarios you might face as you and your piano kid navigate this musical journey. Just as your child puts their backpack by the door the night before school and you have your car keys in a bowl on a table in the entry hallway, this summer series will give you ideas about how to handle potential obstacles in your piano studies.

PPP 298: WWYD - Letter Names

This summer, I’m doing a special series called, “What would you do?” We’re taking a little break from the longer format episodes to focus on individual scenarios you might face as you and your piano kid navigate this musical journey. Just as you have drilled your phone number and address in your kid’s memory and you have ICE contact information on your cell phone, this summer series will give you ideas about how to handle potential obstacles in your piano studies.

PPP 297: WWYD - Practice Time

This summer, I’m doing a special series called, “What would you do?” We’re taking a little break from the longer format episodes to focus on individual scenarios you might face as you and your piano kid navigate this musical journey. Just as your child has a set bedtime and you set the bathroom clock ahead 5 minutes to avoid being late, this summer series will give you ideas about how to handle potential obstacles in your piano studies.

PPP 296: WWYD - Stopping Lessons

This summer, I’m doing a special series called, “What would you do?” We’re taking a little break from the longer format episodes to focus on individual scenarios you might face as you and your piano kid navigate this musical journey. Just as your child practices fire drills at school and you have a backup plan in case it rains on the day of their birthday party, this summer series will give you ideas about how to handle potential obstacles in your piano studies.

PPP 295: Why should your piano kid get SMART with their music?

My teaching method of getting SMART with your music is a nice middle ground between being fully committed to the written score and trying to create music from scratch. In this episode, you will hear how other piano kids are getting SMART with their music.  

PPP 294: The Journey to Musical Mastery

A few days ago my friend and fellow piano teacher, Kristin Yost, posted a document from her music school. She called the document "Journey to Musical Mastery" and in it, she offers parents a basic guideline of expectations for each phase of learning to make music. With Kristin's permission, I am sharing the document with you today.

PPP 293: Don't Confuse Basic with Easy

"...some of the most basic things are the most important to master, but most of us won't do it because it seems too simple." Vanessa Lau

PPP 292: Three Ways to Use the Circle of Fifths

The Circle of Fifths is a valuable tool for musicians. If you aren't familiar with it; however, it can look very overwhelming. On today's show, I will share three basic ways you can use the Circle of Fifths.

PPP 291: Commencement: Congratulations, Graduates!!

I am loving the word commencement this year. The graduation ceremony may mark the end of a season - a finish line, but commencement marks the beginning of a new and exciting adventure.

PPP290: Ten Teacher Gift Ideas for Summer (or graduation)

With the end of another school year just around the corner, you may be thinking of a way to let your teacher know how much you appreciate the knowledge and relationship they share with your piano kid. On today's show, you will hear what kinds of gifts piano teachers enjoy receiving.

PPP 289: Mindset is More Important Than Strategy

Henry Ford said it best, "Whether you think you can or think you can't, either way, you're right." Learn why mindset is so much more important than strategy on today's show.

PPP 288: The Advantage of Listening

Listening is just as important as reading or touching the piano keys. Episode 288 of the Piano Parent Podcast gives you hands-on (or should I say ears-on) experience of actively listening to music.

PPP287: Teacher Chat - Summer Piano Lessons

Are you planning to continue piano lessons over the summer? Is your teacher planning to take a break for the summer? Today's episode includes three different perspectives on summer piano lessons. Give it a listen as you decide what is best for your piano kid.

PPP286: Musical Mystery (Coming Soon)

I am excited to share the next Musical Mystery with you! The story is still in the works. Please check back soon. In the meantime, follow this link to download the Podbean Podcast Player and listen to previous Piano Parent Podcast episodes.

PPP 286: Musical Mystery Opus 3, No. 4 "One HIt Wonder"

I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase before – one hit wonder. A band produces a song that is so popular you would think it’s just one of many hits they must have had. As it turns out, that song was their one and only hit. They became a one hit wonder. Today, I’ll tell you the story of another one hit wonder. I promise you’ve heard of the hit, now you get to learn about the artist.

PPP 285: Three Students, Three Strategies

Today, I will share three snapshots of students who have started lessons within the last year. Each student has her own unique strengths and weaknesses. While I am the same teacher for all of them, the way they receive and process information is vastly different. I am enjoying learning from all of them.

PPP 284: Piano Day 2022

March 29 is the 88th day of the year. Happy Piano Day!! I have a few ideas of how you can celebrate this special occasion with your piano kid. Find out on today's episode.

PPP 283 Spring Fever

Sometimes in the spring, I start getting a feeling of overwhelm and wish I didn't have all the responsibilities that I have. Do you feel that way? Do you ever get Spring Fever? I wonder if your piano kid feels the same way. Let's talk about Spring Fever and how to overcome it on today's show...

PPP282: Relative Pitch

You may have heard about perfect pitch and learned that if you don't have it, there is a small likelihood that you will develop it at this stage in your life. Fortunately, you can develop your relative pitch at any time. The sooner you can help your piano kid hone their skill of listening and hearing relative pitch, the better. Learn how in this week's episode.

PPP281: Setting up your space for online piano lessons with Stephen Hughes

Stephen Hughes, NCTM is a professional pianist, online piano teaching specialist, and music technology trainer. His online teaching studio, Virtual Piano Studio, is a growing community of students & music teachers of all ages and skill levels, who take private instruction via Live Online Lessons. He teaches students in the U.S., China, UK, & Australia.  Stephen was teaching online long before it became a necessity in 2020. Today, he shares how parents can help their piano kids set up their...

PPP280: Ten Subtle Musical Milestones

Sometimes it's hard to notice improvements in your piano kid's skill and musicality. Today's episode gives you ten small things to look for to know your child is growing as a musician. Look for these signs to reassure yourself of the investment you're making for your child. Use them as a source of encouragement for them.

PPP279: An "Original" ELVIS Impersonator

Recently, my husband and I took his parents to a concert. Though I was glad to spend time with them, I was not looking forward to seeing another Elvis Presley impersonator. What I experienced at the concert was something completely unexpected so I thought I'd share it with you on today's show.

PPP278: Training Elephants - Learned Helplessness or Limiting Beliefs

I heard a new term the other day, "Learned Helplessness". According to Psychology Today, "Learned helplessness occurs when an individual continuously faces a negative, uncontrollable situation and stops trying to change their circumstances, even when they have the ability to do so. For example, a smoker may repeatedly try and fail to quit. He may grow frustrated and come to believe that nothing he does will help, and therefore he stops trying altogether. The perception that one cannot contr...

PPP277: Teacher Chat - Finger Numbers and Hand Positions with Dawn Ivers

PPP276: Musical Mystery Opus 3, No. 3 "Arriving and Reviving

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, we will learn how one young musician convinced his older and wiser teacher to try something new by singing something old.

PPP275: Cameron Dennis talks about Ear Training

Cameron Dennis is an amazing fusion of music and technology. While continuing to pursue graduate degrees in performance and music theory he is combining his musical knowledge with his skills in technology to create wonderful online resources for music students of any skill level. On today's show, Cameron shares his new Ear Trainer. This resource is extremely valuable to help piano kids learn to identify and notate the sounds they hear.

PPP274: Janna Williamson talks about our historic heritage of piano music

With such a push these days for popular music, it is refreshing to hear someone who is just as passionate about our historic musical heritage as Janna Williamson. Janna Williamson, NCTM, is a pianist, educator, and collaborator. Janna enjoys high retention in her independent piano studio in the suburbs of Chicago as well as the rewards of students who have gone on to enjoy a lifetime of music. 

PPP273: Rami BarNiv discusses The Art of Piano Fingering

RAMI BAR-NIV (RAHmee BarNEEV) is one of Israel's most acclaimed and sought-after pianists. He travels extensively and has become an international citizen, concertizing all over the world. Rami has performed on every continent with the exception of Antarctica (I suppose we'll excuse you from that one).   In addition to concertizing and lecturing, Rami also composes and has written two books. On today's show, Rami will share insights from his first book, The Art of Piano Fingering.

BONUS Episode: Luke 2 "Mary pondered these things in her heart"

Merry Christmas! In this BONUS episode of the Piano Parent Podcast, you will hear my reading of Luke 2:1-20. I will also share some personal thoughts on that passage and this special time of year.

PPP272: My List of 21 for 2021

Whether you are great at setting goals or stay up well past midnight on January 1 making New Year's Resolutions, it's a good idea to make plans and have things to aim for.

PPP271: Anna Fagan takes travel teaching to a whole new level

In early 2020 when the pandemic first happened, Anna Fagan and her husband used the opportunity to fulfill a marriage-long dream; RVing around the country. Listen to today's show to hear how Anna has taken travel teaching to a whole new level.

PPP270: Ten Wintery Pieces

Every tenth episode of the Piano Parent Podcast offers you a list of ten somethings. On today's show, I present to you a list of Ten Wintery Pieces.

PPP269: Music Maker - Rhythm

PPP268: Christopher Oill Talks About Sight Reading

A textbook definition of sight-reading would be the ability to read a piece of sheet music on the spot and to be able to play it as you're reading it. Another aspect of sight-reading is the ability to use your eyes to track the music on the page while your hands find the notes without having to look at them. On today's show, Christopher Oill talks about sight-reading - it's value and how to improve this skill.

PPP267: Thankful for Piano Parents (and a confession)

In today's special Thanksgiving episode, piano teachers share stories of gratitude for the families in their studio.

PPP266: Musical Mystery Opus 3, No. 2 "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 young author who never wrote the great American novel but still managed to go "Down in Hist...

PPP265: You Know More Than You Think You Know with Christopher Oill

Christopher Oill is a concert pianist, composer, and teacher, who leads performance and pedagogy into the future, perfecting “what is” and experimenting with “what could be.” Through his teaching business, the Oill Piano Universe, he helps open up the minds of creative musicians around the world, and he gives them the tools to succeed in their own niche way.

PPP264: Level Up Your Video Game Music with Chrissy Ricker

Chrissy Ricker, NCTM, is a pianist, teacher, and composer from North Carolina. Chrissy holds a Master’s degree in piano performance and pedagogy and has been teaching piano for 23 years. Chrissy specializes in creating exciting original music and arrangements for pianists of all ages and skill levels. She has published over 30 collections of piano solo and duet music for students, and her piano music is featured regularly on the contest lists of teaching associations across the United States...

PPP263: Building Rapport between Student and Teacher

Many thanks to fellow piano teacher, Christina, who submitted this topic suggestion. "... about how parents often mistake chattiness as being “off-topic” and “wasting time” when it’s actually mega-important bonding time for teacher/student relationships."