20Oct 2025 by Shelly Davis
PPP 368: Three Questions I Ask (almost) Every Student At (almost) Every Lesson

PPP 368: Three Questions I Ask (almost) Every Student At (almost) Every Lesson

Communication, Podcast
On this episode, I share three open‑ended questions I ask my piano students during lessons—questions designed to give them a voice, encourage reflection, and increase their engagement with the music. Listen to the full episode here Highlights from today's show Question 1: “What do you think?”The #1 question I ask after a student plays a pieceTeaching students to be active listeners and self-evaluatorsGuiding them to notice dynamics, articulation, finger choices, and moreWhy “I don’t know” is just the starting point of a deeper conversationQuestion 2: "What can we do to help you practice this at home?There is a big difference between asking and tellingSticky notes, rainbow phrase marks, and other practice aidsLetting students make decisions about visual aidsQuestion 3: “What should we do with this piece this week?”Options include: keep…
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20Jan 2025 by Shelly Davis
PPP 363: My Dad Talked Me Into Piano Lessons, But My Mom Helped Me Become a Musician

PPP 363: My Dad Talked Me Into Piano Lessons, But My Mom Helped Me Become a Musician

Communication, Podcast
On today's show, learn some of the ways my parents impacted my musical journey, both intentionally and unintentionally. Listen to the full episode here Resources mentioned in today's show Listen to my mom recount the story of breaking our piano in episode 032. Social Sharables Click an image to share directly to your pinterest account. Download an image to share in your social circles. If the image isn't branded, please link back to this page and help us spread the word about all the great resources at Piano Parent Podcast. Thank you! Thanks for listening! To share your thoughts: Leave a note in the comment section below Ask a question at pianoparentpodcast@gmail.com Share this show on Facebook,  Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest To help out the show: Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Podbean, or your favorite podcast player. Leave…
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19Aug 2024 by Shelly Davis
PPP360: Ten Ways to Handle Teacher Absence

PPP360: Ten Ways to Handle Teacher Absence

Communication, Podcast, Tenth Episode List
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. Listen to the full episode here Social Sharables Click an image to share directly to your pinterest account. Download an image to share in your social circles. If the image isn't branded, please link back to this page and help us spread the word about all the great resources at Piano Parent Podcast. Thank you! Thanks for listening! To share your thoughts:Leave a note in the comment section belowAsk a question at pianoparentpodcast@gmail.comShare…
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19Jun 2023 by Shelly Davis
PPP 338: “Amazing Doesn’t Have to Be Hard” – My TEXtalk Presentation at the annual TMTA Conference, June 2023

PPP 338: “Amazing Doesn’t Have to Be Hard” – My TEXtalk Presentation at the annual TMTA Conference, June 2023

Communication, Podcast
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." Listen to the full episode here Resources mentioned in today's show Susan Connor and Sherry Frush belong to Abilene Music Teachers AssociationTeresa CrawfordDarcy Radcliffe's Revolution Strings' videoTexas Music Teachers AssociationDr. Hisashi NikaidoHypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome Social Sharables Click an image to share directly to your pinterest account. Download an image to share in your social circles. If the image isn't branded, please link back to this page and help us spread the word about all the great resources at Piano Parent Podcast. Thank you! Thanks for listening! To share your…
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29May 2023 by Shelly Davis
PPP 335: Piano Parent Summer Survival Kit (My first book on Amazon!)

PPP 335: Piano Parent Summer Survival Kit (My first book on Amazon!)

Communication, Podcast
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/ nounthe 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/ nounthe state or fact of continuing to live or exist, typically in spite of an accident, ordeal, or difficult circumstances.how piano parents feel when struggling to prevent the aforementioned backsliding.Kit kit/ nouna set of articles or equipment needed for a specific purpose.this book:  a source of rescue and ideas to help aforementioned piano parent when struggling to help aforementioned backsliding piano kid. Listen to the full episode here Resources mentioned in today's show Get…
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20Mar 2023 by Shelly Davis
PPP 325: “We need to leave early from the recital.”

PPP 325: “We need to leave early from the recital.”

Communication, Podcast
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. Listen to the full episode here Resources mentioned in today's show FREE Spring 100 Practice Trackers are HERE.March 29th is the 88th day of the year - PIANO DAY!! Join me for a fun PIANO DAY Project. Check it out HERE. Social Sharables Click an image to share directly to your pinterest account. Download an image to share in your social circles. If the image isn't branded, please link back to this page and help us spread the word about all the great resources at Piano Parent Podcast. Thank…
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23Jan 2023 by Shelly Davis
PPP 317: Preparing to Start Piano Lessons

PPP 317: Preparing to Start Piano Lessons

Communication, Podcast
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 your goals, build anticipation, and start a regular practice habit - NOW. Listen to the full episode here Think about goals What do you want to learn through learning to play the piano?A stronger connection to music - appreciation and creationPPP 205: Marvin Blickenstaff talks about Shaping the SoundPPP 204: Dr. Kathy Koch shares your piano kid's "8…
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18Oct 2021 by Shelly Davis
PPP263: Building Rapport Between Student and Teacher

PPP263: Building Rapport Between Student and Teacher

Communication, Podcast
I recently received this question from a listener: Hey Shelly, have you done an episode 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? Listen to the full episode here Thank you for this great topic suggestion, Christina! Do you have a suggestion for an episode or a question about piano lessons? I would love to hear from you @pianoparentpodcast. Resources: PPP007: Should I stay or should I go Social Sharables Click an image to share directly to your pinterest account. Download an image to share in your social circles. If the image isn't branded, please link back to this page and help us spread the word about all the great resources at Piano Parent Podcast. Thank you!…
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06Sep 2021 by Shelly Davis
PPP257: Let’s talk about studio policies! A teacher chat with Vanessa Chisler and Kelli Cooper

PPP257: Let’s talk about studio policies! A teacher chat with Vanessa Chisler and Kelli Cooper

Communication, Podcast, Teacher Chat
So many problems can be avoided if there is clear communication between parents and teachers. A studio policy is a good place to begin.Knowing and following your teacher's studio policy frees both of you up to focus on the most important thing - your child learning to make music.Click here to find other teacher chats. Listen to the full episode here. Vanessa ChislerVanessa was born and raised in Daingerfield, Texas where she began piano study at age 8. She earned an Associate of Arts degree from TJC and a B.A. Music degree from UT Tyler. She also holds a Texas State Educator Certificate for All Level Music. An active member of ETMTA since 2006, Vanessa has held many positions including Librarian, Publicity Chair, Achievement Auditions Chair, Student Affiliate/Theory Chair, and…
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05Jul 2021 by Shelly Davis
PPP248: How to Win Arguments with Your Older Piano Kid

PPP248: How to Win Arguments with Your Older Piano Kid

Communication, Mom to Mom, Podcast
I've said more than once on this show that parents are the most important people in the world to their children. As they grow into the teen years, it may feel like you are their least favorite person and that hurts. It's a natural part of the growing process but it still hurts. Listen to the full episode here As your child ages and gets into the teen years, they need to start being a little more independent. The road to independence can be a very bumpy one that can lead to a lot of arguments if you continue to parent your teen like you did when they were younger. (PPP194 Trent Dilfer talks about four stages of parenting.)My goal for today's show is to help you keep the upper…
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03Sep 2018 by Shelly Davis
PPP108: Breaking Up is Hard to Do

PPP108: Breaking Up is Hard to Do

Communication, Podcast
Sometimes, through social media, we only see the perfectly positive perception that others portray. On this podcast and on my social media channels, I hope to be honest and upfront with you.A piano family broke up with me last week. I can only speak from my point of view and I will do that in the kindest way possible because... I want to learn. I want to help you (piano teacher and piano parent) avoid common mistakes. I want to resume a relationship with this family if they choose to. Anything I say here I will be very careful to give them the respect and kindness they deserve. I would not be ashamed if this mom heard this episode. Listen to the full episode here Three lessons I learned: 1. I need to nurture…
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02Jul 2018 by Shelly Davis
PPP099: How to know if your teacher is effective, and what to do it they’re not.

PPP099: How to know if your teacher is effective, and what to do it they’re not.

Communication, Podcast
On this day: July 2, 1956 Elvis Presley records "Hound Dog" and "Don't Be Cruel" Every piano teacher is as uniquely different as each child they teach. Teaching methods, learning styles, personalities and more all interact and impact the effectiveness of your piano teacher, your piano kid, and the lessons that they share.Today, I want to talk about a few ways you can determine if your piano teacher is the most effective for your piano kid. Listen to the full episode here Goal Setting as a Tool for Gauging Effectiveness Last week, we discussed "exit strategies". Now that you've had a chance to think your exit strategy for piano lessons, what are some goals you have in mind for you child? What does effective mean to you? Are piano lessons recreational,…
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25Jun 2018 by Shelly Davis
PPP098: What is your Exit Strategy?

PPP098: What is your Exit Strategy?

Communication, Podcast
According to the dictionary, the term "Exit Strategy" has three definitions:A method or plan for extricating oneself from an undesirable situationA plan and timetable for withdrawal from a military engagementThe method by which an investor intends to cash out of an investment.Today, I would like for your to consider your "Exit Strategy" or plan for piano lessons?Once you start piano lessons, how long will they last? What will be the reason you decide to stop? If your child seems uninterested, how will you know it is time to quit? Career Strategy Considering what the end will look like determines the decisions we will make and the actions we will take.Once we determine what we "want to be when we grow up" we can set our course to achieve that goal…
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11Jun 2018 by Shelly Davis
PPP096: On Birth Order & Piano lessons

PPP096: On Birth Order & Piano lessons

Communication, Podcast
The theory of birth order and the impact it has on our children is an interesting thing to consider. I believe it is something to consider regarding piano study as well. Two different points of view These are the two articles I refered to on the podcast:Parents.com article "How Birth Order Affects Your Child's Personality and Behavior"PsychologyToday.com article "Is Birth Order a Myth?"The idea of birth order is simply a theory, it is not a definitive statement of what to expect from your child depending on their placement in your family.More important than the order that your children are born in, your parenting style and your family dynamic will have a greater impact on their personality and their behavior and their success. My experiences with my own children My husband…
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11Sep 2017 by Shelly Davis

PPP059: The One With My Piano Tuner

Communication, Podcast
Dan Kessinger has been tuning my piano since 2000. Dan, who is completely blind, learned the Piano Technician trade during his high school years at a school for the blind in Little Rock, Arkansas. Listen to the full episode here Dan places red relt between the strings to prepare to tune. In addition to the felt, Dan also uses two sizes of wedges to be able to reach between the multiple strings. Dan uses a tuner lever (tuning hammer) to tune each of the approximately 230 strings. For maintenance of your acoustic piano, Dan recommends the following: Find a good, qualified tuner. Check the Piano Technician's Guild website for a tuner near you. Hire a tuner to check over a piano you are interested in purchasing. Clean the surface of the…
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23Jan 2017 by Shelly Davis

Episode 026: Who’s the Boss?

Communication
When you "hire" a teacher, is it the same as an employer hiring an employee?Are you more like a customer buying services similar to the electric or telephone company?Is it like a restaurant where you order what you want off the menu and can request a customized meal?Maybe it's like using a doctor for his or her knowledge and expertise. Listen to the full episode here When you "hire" a teacher, is it the same as an employer hiring an employee?Are you more like a customer buying services similar to the electric or telephone company?Is it like a restaurant where you order what you want off the menu and can request a customized meal?Maybe it's like using a doctor for his or her knowledge and expertise. (more…)
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26Sep 2016 by Shelly Davis

Episode 009: Let Your Child Watch You Learn Something New

Communication, Practicing and Motivation
[caption id="attachment_124" align="alignnone" width="960"] Students sometimes feel even their practice should be perfect. They need to be encouraged to keep trying and work through mistakes.[/caption] Kids are often surprised to learn that their parents don't know something...until they become teenagers, and then they don't think their parents know anything.  (more…)
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15Aug 2016 by Shelly Davis

Episode 002: Parent – Teacher Relationship

Communication, Podcast
Listen to the full episode here Episode Highlights: Communication Read your teacher's studio policy.  Make sure you adhere to the terms of the policy. Find out the best way your teacher receives communication.  Text? Email? Telephone? Respect your teacher's office hours. Your child's teacher has the gift of 30-60 minutes of dedicated time with them.  Be sure you have hired a teacher who will speak positive encouragement to you son or daughter during that personal time. Listen to your teacher when they recommend additional vision, hearing, or learning tests for the benefit of your child.  They are able to observe their students more closely then even classroom teachers and might pick up on potential problems that can be addressed early. NEVER discuss problems in front of your child!  Don't let…
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25Jul 2016 by Shelly Davis
Podcast Launch

Podcast Launch

Communication
[caption id="attachment_8" align="alignleft" width="335"] Making the most of piano lessons.[/caption] In less than one month, this one-of-a-kind podcast will launch! Mark your calendar for August 15, 2016 for the launch of a brand new podcast dedicated to parents of piano students; the Piano Parent Podcast. If you do a Google search for piano podcasts, you will find many to choose from that are directed at piano teachers.  Every issue from proper technique to the latest music apps to standard teaching repertoire is addressed in order to equip piano teachers with knowledge so they can provide the best musical education for their students. While these issues are important and necessary, what about the parents of piano students?   (more…)
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