06 Apr 2026
By Shelly Davis
PPP 379: Learn how this mom helped her son rewrite his internal script, with piano parent, Kristen Pennington

PPP 379: Learn how this mom helped her son rewrite his internal script, with piano parent, Kristen Pennington

Mom to Mom, Parent Interviews, Podcast, , , , ,
In today's episode, Shelly sits down with Kristen Pennington, a homeschool mom and piano parent, to talk about what happens when children become discouraged during piano practice.Kristen shares how her son Barrett began struggling with negative self-talk and frustration, especially when learning more difficult pieces. Rather than focusing on perfect performance, Kristen created a “good attitude chart” that rewarded effort, persistence, and a willingness to keep trying. Listen to the full episode here Watch on YouTube https://youtu.be/0IJM2zJRXEc Episode Highlights Key Takeaways:Children often need encouragement more than correction.A child’s attitude during practice matters more than perfect performance.Negative self-talk can often be…
Read More
24 Jun 2024
By Shelly Davis
PPP359: Find the Joy in Little Things, a parent interview with Crystal Boyack

PPP359: Find the Joy in Little Things, a parent interview with Crystal Boyack

Parent Interviews, Podcast, , , ,
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. Listen to the full episode here Resources mentioned in today's show Connect with Crystal: Crystal…
Read More
25 Jan 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…
Read More
05 Oct 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
06 Apr 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…
Read More
02 Dec 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…
Read More
02 Apr 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, Podcast
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…
Read More
12 Mar 2018
By Shelly Davis
PPP083: Learn how piano parent, Erica Hyland, incorporates the whole family in piano lessons

PPP083: Learn how piano parent, Erica Hyland, incorporates the whole family in piano lessons

Parent Interviews, Podcast, , , , , , , , , ,
Piano parent, Erica Hyland, is the mom of Emily, an 11-year-old student in my studio. Emily began piano lessons in first grade and continues to learn to express herself and gain more confidence at the piano with every lesson. (more…)
Read More
24 Jul 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
06 Mar 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!  Music lets ME be…
Read More
06 Feb 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
16 Jan 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…
Read More
05 Dec 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