25Jan 2021 by Shelly Davis
PPP225: “2021” with Songwriter and Piano Kid, Violet Rivers (and company)

PPP225: “2021” with Songwriter and Piano Kid, Violet Rivers (and company)

Parent Interviews, Practicing and Motivation, Teacher Interviews
Violet Rivers put a smile on my face with her delightful song and her charming interview. I love that she is learning to work through difficulties and challenging times with creativity and songwriting.Music truly can soothe the soul - and bring a giggle.In this episode, we hear from Violet along with her parents, Mark and Kristen Rivers, and her piano teacher, Gere Fennelly. Violet's dog, Walter, even makes a brief appearance! Listen to the full episode here Piano Parent Takeaways: "You can do anything for 10 minutes." Just get to the piano for 10 minutes. Your piano kid will likely play longer than that but we just have to get them started.I tip my hat to anybody who's making a living playing music. They're not working some office job they…
Read More
05Oct 2020 by Shelly Davis
Encore Presentation PPP032: An Interview with my favorite piano parents, Jerry and Patricia Truett (Dedicated to the memory of my mom.)

Encore Presentation PPP032: An Interview with my favorite piano parents, Jerry and Patricia Truett (Dedicated to the memory of my mom.)

Parent Interviews, Podcast
Back in March of 2017, I invited my parents, Jerry and Patricia Truett, to interview with me for this podcast. We had a wonderful conversation about my musical journey and how they encouraged and supported me along the way. I knew at the time that this recording would become a treasure, though I hoped it would be many, many years down the road; to be able to hear their voices and laughter again. Though this interview is very personal to me, I believe it will also be helpful to piano parents today. Listen to the full episode here
Read More
06Apr 2020 by Shelly Davis
PPP187: Parent Chat: Coping with Quarantine with Sanette Brems, Beth Hughes, and Dawn Ivers

PPP187: Parent Chat: Coping with Quarantine with Sanette Brems, Beth Hughes, and Dawn Ivers

Mom to Mom, Parent Interviews, Podcast, Teacher Chat
Up until now, I've been pretty quiet about the COVID-19 pandemic. I was being inundated with information and was feeling a bit overwhelmed and wondered if you might be feeling the same way. Now that we've had some time to adjust and get over the initial upheaval, I think it's a good time to come together to help each other through this tough situation. We have two piano parents on the podcast today to share how they are helping their children deal with uncertainty while helping them build a framework in order to continue their education and recreation while being quarantined at home. Listen to additional teacher chats here. Listen to the full episode here Learn more about our guests Sanette Brems - Mother of six beautiful and talented daughters. Sanette…
Read More
02Dec 2019 by Shelly Davis
PPP171: Listen to your children with Piano Parent, Ashley Smith

PPP171: Listen to your children with Piano Parent, Ashley Smith

Parent Interviews, Podcast
There are many things I enjoy about producing this podcast. I like pushing my comfort zone - a little. I enjoy researching topics and facts to make sure I'm giving you correct information.My absolute favorite thing about producing this podcast is getting to meet so many wonderful people.I was so glad to receive this email from Ashley Smith."Hello Mrs. Shelly, I am a piano parent and an avid listener of your podcasts!  I have two daughters, Piper age 3 (future pianist) and Madison age 7 (my current pianist and violinist).  They are both informative and entertaining. In a recent podcast, you mentioned that you have not had a parent interview recently and you encouraged your listeners to email you if interested in the opportunity to be interviewed. Well... It would be such an…
Read More
02Apr 2018 by Shelly Davis
PPP086: Character Building through Piano Lessons with Piano Parent, Alma Spencer

PPP086: Character Building through Piano Lessons with Piano Parent, Alma Spencer

Parent Interviews
Piano is about so much more than piano Sebastian has been a student in my studio for many, many years.  I have learned many things from him. When I first met him, he was a very busy first grader; it was all I could do to keep him engaged in his piano lessons. Now, he is a very busy junior in high school. These days, his busy-ness is more about serving others and helping various organizations in his school and community. Sebastian is becoming a wonderful young man, full of character. You can thank and congratulate his mom, Alma, for that. "I think it is so great to see children work through challenges and persevere. It is such a character building experience like none other that they can get except…
Read More
24Jul 2017 by Shelly Davis

PPP052: Advice for Piano Parents from Piano Parents

Parent Interviews, Podcast
  Over the last year of producing this podcast, one of my favorite things has become the parent interviews. I have really enjoyed chatting with parents from my studio and other studios to learn how they motivate their children and help them face the challenges that come with piano lessons. One of the last things I ask them is to share their experience and offer words of advice for parents of new piano students. This week I've put together a compilation of all the answers from parent interviews so far. (more…)
Read More
06Mar 2017 by Shelly Davis

Episode 032: Parent Interview with Shelly’s Mom and Dad, Patricia and Jerry Truett

Parent Interviews, Podcast, Practicing and Motivation
What a joy it was to talk to my own parents, Jerry and Patricia Truett, about my piano lessons growing up!   Listen to the full episode here Episode Highlights On this week's episode, I get to interview my two most favorite piano parents in the whole world: my parents, Jerry and Patricia Truett.  They were first introduced to the idea of piano lessons through a cardboard keyboard that was sent home from the Dallas Public School District. This was my very first piano lesson book. It was published by the Dallas Independent School District. Amazing! [caption id="attachment_506" align="alignnone" width="474"]  Music lets ME be someone. What a lovely quote, then and now. How did you find a new piano teacher after you moved from the Dallas area? Mostly word of…
Read More
06Feb 2017 by Shelly Davis

Episode 028: Learn How to Prepare Your Child for Piano Exams with Parent/Teacher Dr. Mario Ajero

Parent Interviews, Podcast, Practicing and Motivation, Teacher Interviews
Dr. Mario Ajero is internationally recognized as an authority in technology in piano pedagogy and music education. He has been invited as a presenter and performer at conferences such as the MTNA National Conference, the National Conference on Keyboard Pedagogy, the Australasian Piano Pedagogy Conference, and the Royal Conservatory Summer Summit. Dr. Ajero is Professor of Piano at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas where he serves as the Keyboard Area Coordinator, teaches applied piano, piano pedagogy, and group piano classes. (more…)
Read More
16Jan 2017 by Shelly Davis

Episode 025: Parent Interview with Melissa Cornelison

Parent Interviews, Podcast, Practicing and Motivation
Melissa Cornelison is the mom of two boys who have been studying piano since they were very young children. Her family recently moved and had to transfer to a new piano teacher.  Learn about how they made a smooth transition for their boys in this episode. Listen to the full episode here How do you schedule practice at home? Treat home practice like homework, chores, or any other responsibility. Kyle, Melissa's older son, practices three hours each day.  He hopes to make music part of his profession some day.  While Kaden isn't as passionate about music as Kyle, he still practices piano 30-45 minutes daily. What struggles have your guys overcome through piano study? Kaden struggled with self confidence, especially with the shadow cast by his older brother's musical talent and…
Read More
05Dec 2016 by Shelly Davis

PPP019: Parent Interview with Sanette Brems

Parent Interviews, Podcast, Practicing and Motivation
  Sanette Brems is the mom of six daughters, five of whom I get to work with every week. The Brems family realized the importance of piano study as a basic, foundation instrument. Kids need a hobby, something to do that gets them excited, and piano is something they could do year-round. They invested in a quality piano their girls could practice on rather than trying to arrange practice at a friend's house. (more…)
Read More