17 Nov 2025
By Shelly Davis
PPP370: Ten Finger Activities for Young Pianists

PPP370: Ten Finger Activities for Young Pianists

Podcast, Tenth Episode List, , , ,
Welcome, Piano Parents!In today’s special “ends‑in‑zero” episode (every 10th episode I bring you a list of ten), we focus on 10 finger activities for young/preschool beginning pianists — fun, off‑piano activities that build fine motor skills, which help enormously when children return to the piano bench.Last week, we shifted to older students and parents; today, we swing the pendulum the other way and offer practical, screen‑free, hands‑on ideas for the younger ones. These activities foster finger independence, coordination, strength, and the readiness for playing the piano with control. Listen to the full episode here Watch on YouTube https://youtu.be/RRE9FSznt-Q Episode Highlights…
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19 Aug 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…
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11 Sep 2023
By Shelly Davis
PPP 350: 10 Ways to Scare Your Piano Teacher

PPP 350: 10 Ways to Scare Your Piano Teacher

Podcast, Tenth Episode List, ,
'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. 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…
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03 Jul 2023
By Shelly Davis
PPP 340: Ten Takeaways for Piano Parents from My Recent TMTA Conference Experience

PPP 340: Ten Takeaways for Piano Parents from My Recent TMTA Conference Experience

Podcast, Tenth Episode List, ,
Every June, our Texas Music Teachers Association hosts a conference for teachers, students, and parents. It is one of my favorite weeks of the year!I thought I would use this tenth episode to bring you along with me to the conference and share a few parent takeaways.Click here for more tenth episode lists. Listen to the full episode here Free Ear Training ResourceCameron Dennis (from PPP 208 and PPP 275) shared his free online ear training site.You can check it out at www.LionTheory.com.National Endowment for the ArtsDr. Jane Chu presented our opening key note address. She was the chair of…
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24 Apr 2023
By Shelly Davis
PPP 330: Ten Things for the Day of the Recital

PPP 330: Ten Things for the Day of the Recital

Podcast, Tenth Episode List, , , , ,
Keep this list handy for any time your piano kid participates in a studio recital or piano event. These are wonderful things you can do to make this important day as stress-free and calm for your piano kid (and your whole family) as possible. Listen to the full episode here Download your free Recital Checklist! Send me the Recital Checklist!Subscribe to get the checklist plus our latest content by email.SubmitWe respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.Built with ConvertKit Social Shareables Click an image to share directly to your Pinterest account. Download an image to share in your social circles.…
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13 Feb 2023
By Shelly Davis
PPP 320: Ten Things Piano Parents Love About Piano Lessons

PPP 320: Ten Things Piano Parents Love About Piano Lessons

Podcast, Tenth Episode List, ,
Every episode that ends with a 0 includes a list of ten somethings.Since tomorrow is Valentine's Day, this list gives you 10 things piano parents love about piano lessons.Listen to other tenth-episode lists here.What else would you add to the list? Listen to the full episode here Foster a love of music Learning to play the piano fosters a love of music that they can have the rest of their lives because they were exposed to how it was put together and understand it. Cognitive growth Playing the piano and reading music aids in cognitive growth.Spatial reasoningAbstract conceptsHand-eye coordinationHand-hand coordination…
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26 Sep 2022
By Shelly Davis
PPP 310: Ten Things I Learned Through Acquiring My New-to-me Piano

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

Podcast, Tenth Episode List, ,
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. Listen to the full episode here Hire a piano technicianLike you would ask a trusted auto mechanic to evaluate a used car before you buy it, it is a good idea to hire a trusted piano technician to inspect the piano before you make such a large purchase.They can 'check under the hood' and let you know about possible issues the piano might have. This…
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18 Jul 2022
By Shelly Davis
PPP 300: Ten Episodes for New Listeners

PPP 300: Ten Episodes for New Listeners

Podcast, Tenth Episode List, , , , , ,
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. Listen to the full episode here Every episode that ends in the number ZERO is a list of ten somethings.You can search the full archive and listen to any previous episode any time you want.Click this link to find other lists of ten.One of the most popular lists of ten somethings is PPP 110:…
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09 May 2022
By Shelly Davis
PPP 290: Ten Teacher Gift Ideas for Summer (or graduation)

PPP 290: Ten Teacher Gift Ideas for Summer (or graduation)

Podcast, Tenth Episode List,
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. Listen to the full episode here Since I am only one person with my own specific opinion, I decided to ask my piano teacher friends what kinds of gifts they enjoy receiving.Most of the items fell into two basic categories: personal gifts and gifts for the studio. Enjoy! Personal Items Hand…
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28 Feb 2022
By Shelly Davis
PPP280: Ten Subtle Musical Milestones

PPP280: Ten Subtle Musical Milestones

Podcast, Tenth Episode List, ,
Sometimes it's hard to notice the tiny improvements your piano kid is making in their piano studies. Playing harder music isn't the only sign that they are growing as a musician. On today's show, I will share ten subtle changes that are easy to miss but are definite signs they are making good progress on their musical journey. Listen to the full episode here Finger Independence So many things we do with our hands involve our whole hand: throwing a ball, using a fork and spoon, etc. Playing the piano requires the ability to use individual fingers or specific groups…
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06 Dec 2021
By Shelly Davis
PPP270: Ten Wintery Pieces

PPP270: Ten Wintery Pieces

Podcast, Tenth Episode List, , , , , , , , , , , ,
Every tenth episode of the podcast, I offer you a list of ten somethings. On today's show, I present to you a list of Ten Wintery Pieces. Maybe your piano kid doesn't enjoy playing holiday music. Maybe your piano kid has been playing Christmas since October and your whole house is ready to hear something different. This list of ten pieces and songs has something for everyone at every skill level. Listen to the full episode here 1. "I Hate to Wear a Coat" by Wendy Stevens late elementary 2. "Winter Winds" - Chriss Ricker early intermediate Chrissy joined me…
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27 Sep 2021
By Shelly Davis
PPP260: Ten Sound Effects You Can Create on the Piano

PPP260: Ten Sound Effects You Can Create on the Piano

Podcast, Tenth Episode List, , , ,
Making music at the piano is just plain FUN!! In today's show, you will learn ten cool sound effects you can use to create interesting music on your piano. Listen to the full episode here 10 Sound Effects you can create on your piano In this week's show, you will learn ten different sound effects you can create on your piano. Give it a listen and have fun making your own music!Running upstairs - all half steps (chromatic)Two notes - JAWS!!!Spinning - chromatic up and down C to E or F to B"And many more!"Basic Boogie PatternBasic Boogie Pattern with…
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19 Jul 2021
By Shelly Davis
PPP250: Ten Standard Teaching Pieces for the Early Years

PPP250: Ten Standard Teaching Pieces for the Early Years

Podcast, Tenth Episode List, , , , , , ,
When students begin their piano journey, they often aspire to learn iconic piano pieces. Parents mention melodies like Fur Elise or Moonlight Sonata or The Entertainer to their teachers. I don't think parents intend to ask too much of their children or their teacher. I believe they are simply trying to connect with this new venture for their child and these are the pieces that pop into their head. Unfortunately, those iconic pieces are far too advanced for beginning students. Listen to the full episode here It would be like me meeting an astronaut and saying, "Hey, been to the…
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10 May 2021
By Shelly Davis
PPP240: 10 Reasons for Summer Piano Lessons

PPP240: 10 Reasons for Summer Piano Lessons

Podcast, Tenth Episode List
You might be tempted to stop piano lessons for summer break but I don't think piano and summer have to be mutually exclusive. On today's show, I'm suggesting 10 reasons why summer piano lessons are a great idea. Listen to the full episode here 1. Use it or lose it that's not just referring to piano skills. if you don't keep using your brain for cognitive processes, your response time will slow down. summer piano lessons are a great way to keep your piano skills and your brain connections fired up. 2. Change of pace a change of pace brings…
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01 Mar 2021
By Shelly Davis
PPP230: Ten Things I Bet You Didn’t Know About Your Piano

PPP230: Ten Things I Bet You Didn’t Know About Your Piano

Podcast, Tenth Episode List, , , , ,
The month of March hosts a very special day for piano players. March 29, 2021, is the 88th day of the year!Last week's episode gave all the fun details of how we are going to celebrate leading up to this special day. If you haven't listened to PPP229 yet, be sure to catch it when you're done with this episode. We've got a fun practice incentive that will last the whole month of March: We're playing BINGO!!If you haven't already seen it on my Instagram feed, you can find all the details at www.pianoparentpodcast.com/march (Fun fact: Listening to TODAY's episode…
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07 Dec 2020
By Shelly Davis
PPP220: Ten Things – CHRISTMAS! Edition

PPP220: Ten Things – CHRISTMAS! Edition

Podcast, Tenth Episode List, , , , , , , , ,
Several years ago I established a tradition for our family. Every Christmas Eve, after we've had our evening meal and we're still gathered around the dining table (a rarity for us to all be at the same table!) we pull out a journal and write the word C H R I S T M A S down the left side. As a family we review the previous year and list highlights that fit the letters. That little journal has become a documented history of our kids as they've grown up and has marked some memorable occasions for our family. I…
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21 Sep 2020
By Shelly Davis
PPP210: Ten Things You Should Know About Copyright

PPP210: Ten Things You Should Know About Copyright

Podcast, Technology, Tenth Episode List, , , ,
I am not an attorney. Any comments made on the podcast or in the following show notes are my attempt to offer you guidelines for the proper use and purchase of someone else's copyrighted material.It is my utmost desire that we respect and value those people who have the skills and knowledge to produce printed music for our piano kids from which to learn, play, and enjoy. Listen to the full episode here 5 Things you CAN do with copyrighted music 1. Make a copy of a page to eliminate page turns.2. Make a full copy of the entire song…
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06 Jul 2020
By Shelly Davis
PPP200: Ten Common Reasons Students Quit Piano Lessons

PPP200: Ten Common Reasons Students Quit Piano Lessons

Podcast, Tenth Episode List, , , , , , ,
I can't tell you how many times adults learn that I teach piano and tell me their sad story of their own lessons as a child. Without fail, they tell me they wish they hadn't quit. This is our opportunity to help our own children reach a different conclusion with their piano studies. Let's talk about why children often quit piano and how we can help them persevere. Listen to the full episode here 10. Middle School When students grow up and gain a little more independence and get involved in extra-curricular activities, piano often gets pushed to the wayside.  Adding…
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27 Apr 2020
By Shelly Davis
PPP190: Ten Things You Need to Know about Beethoven’s Für Elise

PPP190: Ten Things You Need to Know about Beethoven’s Für Elise

Podcast, Tenth Episode List, , , ,
Today is April 27, 2020. Listen to this week's episode to learn why this is the perfect date to learn ten things you should know about Beethoven's Für Elise. Listen to the full episode here 1. Inscribed with a specific date. Dated April 27, 1810 - 210 years ago 2. Please wait before you try to learn to play it. Not a first year piece - Let's just get that out of the way. Parents recognize the first part of this piece and request that their kids learn it. 3. Who was Elise? The mystery of Elise - friend or…
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17 Feb 2020
By Shelly Davis
PPP180: Ten Ways to Flip the Script with Kate Webb

PPP180: Ten Ways to Flip the Script with Kate Webb

Podcast, Tenth Episode List, , , , , ,
Welcome Kate Webb from Kate's Keys Piano Studio! I've been following Kate on Instagram for a while and her posts are always beautifully designed and inspirational for piano students as well as their parents.Lately, Kate has been sharing some posts that have a way of flipping the script on home practice and motivation at the piano so I invited her to share some of her tips with us today. Listen to the full episode here Listen to previous tenth episodes here. 10 Ways to Flip the Script Instead of thinking, "I made so many mistakes", think, "I'm still learning".Instead of thinking,…
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25 Nov 2019
By Shelly Davis
PPP170: TLC for Your Piano in Winter

PPP170: TLC for Your Piano in Winter

Podcast, Tenth Episode List, ,
Winter is just around the corner. With colder temperatures comes less humidity and more concentrated germs. Today's list offers ten tips for caring for yourself as well as your piano this time of year. Listen to the full episode here Listen to more tenth episode lists here. Ten Tips for caring for yourself and your piano during the winter season Keep your hands clean - THE number one way to prevent the spread of germs is to wash your hands, often.Keep the tissues handy - clean piano keys after each use, especially if your piano is shared by multiple players.…
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16 Sep 2019
By Shelly Davis
PPP160: Ten Reasons We Love and Need Our Dads

PPP160: Ten Reasons We Love and Need Our Dads

Podcast, Tenth Episode List, , , , ,
It isn't Father's Day in America (though September 1 was Father's Day in Australia, so happy belated Father's Day to all my Australian friends!) but I don't want to wait until next June to talk about how valuable dads are to piano kids. Plus, my father's birthday is September 20 so my mind is geared this direction at the moment. I've told you before that I remember starting piano lessons because my dad convinced me that he'd love for me to learn to play a certain song for him. After that, my mother was the main one taking me to lessons…
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08 Jul 2019
By Shelly Davis
PPP150: Ten Screenless Summer Activities

PPP150: Ten Screenless Summer Activities

Podcast, Tenth Episode List, , , ,
The last three Piano Parent episodes have focused on the value of limiting screen time and increasing physical activity. If you haven't listened to them already, be sure to catch them after you finish this episode. They will inform the thought process behind the list of ten we have for you this week. PPP147: Teacher Chat - Screen Time PPP148: Developmental Fitness with Vicki Conway, part 1 PPP149: Developmental Fitness with Vicki Conway, part 2 Click here to find previous tenth episode lists. Listen to the full episode here 1. Picnic in the park or your own backyard Maybe you…
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29 Apr 2019
By Shelly Davis
PPP140: Ten Things You Need to Know about Performance Butterflies

PPP140: Ten Things You Need to Know about Performance Butterflies

Podcast, Tenth Episode List, , , ,
Every ten episodes, I present to you some sort of list. This is our 14th tenth episode. If you’d like to listen to other lists click here. Today I am aiming my comments toward the piano kids so I really encourage parents to listen to this one with them. If you are a teacher listening, consider making this required homework for all your students preparing for upcoming recitals. Share this episode with a friend. Stick around until the end where I will tell you about a free practice tracker you can use to help your piano kids get lots of repetitions…
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18 Feb 2019
By Shelly Davis
PPP130: Ten Songs that are Perfect for a YouTube Play Along

PPP130: Ten Songs that are Perfect for a YouTube Play Along

Podcast, Technology, Tenth Episode List, , , , , , , , ,
The last few shows have mentioned playing chords or pop songs or getting creative at the piano in some way. Talking about it is great and your piano kid might really be interested in playing some pop tunes but getting started can feel a little overwhelming. That’s why I put together this list of 10 songs that are perfect to play along with a YouTube video and I have the videos embedded on the show notes for this episode. I chose these songs because most of them use only a few chords (most of them five chords or less) and…
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26 Nov 2018
By Shelly Davis
PPP120: Ten Ways to Share Music During the Holidays

PPP120: Ten Ways to Share Music During the Holidays

Podcast, Tenth Episode List, , , , ,
THIS is the reason you signed your child up for piano lessons! Now is their opportunity to share their gift of music with others to bring them joy. Here are a few ideas for how you can share music during the holidays. 1. Play for a school event. At different times, my students have been able to play for talent shows, choir concerts, and prelude music before awards programs. 2. Play for a church event. Prelude music before a worship service. Offertory or piano solo during the service. Postlude music as people are exiting the church. Play for youth Sunday…
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17 Sep 2018
By Shelly Davis
PPP110: Ten Ways to Genuinely Compliment Your Piano Kid

PPP110: Ten Ways to Genuinely Compliment Your Piano Kid

Podcast, Tenth Episode List
My kids know when I’m not really listening to them because I will nod and say, “That’s great!” in the wrong places. Sometimes my husband will add crazy made-up details to a story to see if I’m paying attention. We all know what it feels like to be ignored or, worse, to be complimented insincerely. Saying “That’s Great!” or “You’re Awesome” requires little effort on our part and doesn’t really give the confidence boost we think it does. Today I’d like to share with you some compliments I’ve received and that I try to share with my students. I hope…
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09 Jul 2018
By Shelly Davis
PPP100: Ten Non-Musical Benefits of Studying Music

PPP100: Ten Non-Musical Benefits of Studying Music

Podcast, Tenth Episode List
Listen to the full episode here Today, the Piano Parent Podcast is celebrating it's 100th episode!The Piano Parent Podcast has been downloaded 28,821 times from people all around the world. Thank you for listening and thank you for sharing the podcast with you piano parent friends.While this is a podcast milestone, it is also our 10th "10 musical somethings" episode. So today, I would like to give you 10 non-musical benefits of studying music!Over the years I’ve spoken to lots of teachers; some would argue that music is worthwhile simply for the beauty of music. I don’t disagree with them.…
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30 Apr 2018
By Shelly Davis
PPP090: 10 Positive Messages You Give Your Child When You Attend Their Piano Events

PPP090: 10 Positive Messages You Give Your Child When You Attend Their Piano Events

Podcast, Tenth Episode List
Every tenth episode is a list of ten music-y things Previous lists of ten music-y things include 10 things to watch for when you sit at the piano, 10 books to read with your piano kid, and 10 ways to encourage a love of music. To see the full list of tenth episodes, click here. Every year private piano teachers host piano recitals My studio recital is the cherry on top of the previous school year. I use it to recognize all the accomplishments my students have achieved throughout the year. To learn more of what I value in annual spring…
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19 Feb 2018
By Shelly Davis
PPP080: Ten Books to Read with Your Piano Kid

PPP080: Ten Books to Read with Your Piano Kid

Podcast, Tenth Episode List, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Ten Books to Read with Your Piano Kid Welcome to the Piano Parent Podcast show notes for Episode 080. Every tenth episode features a list of ten things to help you in your musical journey. Today's episode is one of my favorites: Ten Books to Read with Your Piano Kid! (more…)
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10 Jul 2017
By Shelly Davis
PPP050: What NOT to do as a Piano Parent

PPP050: What NOT to do as a Piano Parent

Podcast, Tenth Episode List
Sometimes parents just don't realize the piano mistakes they make. By listening to the Piano Parent Podcast, you can save yourself some embarrassment and save your teacher much anguish by avoiding these common problems. Listen to the full episode What NOT to do as a Piano Parent:1. Show up early - Try to arrive as close to your lesson time as possible, no more than five minutes early. Early arrival can catch your teacher unprepared or cause a distraction for the student before you.2. Show up late - Don't expect your piano teacher to babysit your piano kid. Manage your…
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