26 Jan 2026
By Shelly Davis
PPP 374: Make Music Doable: Group Piano with Dorla Aparicio

PPP 374: Make Music Doable: Group Piano with Dorla Aparicio

Podcast, Teacher Interviews, , ,
In this conversation with Texas piano teacher Dorla Aparicio, we dive deep into a different way of approaching piano study — one that embraces group learning, multilevel classes, and supportive family involvement. Listen to the full episode here Watch on YouTube https://youtu.be/pt5F5NSJPyg Dorla Aparicio Dorla Aparicio was born and raised in Costa Rica, where she began piano lessons at age six. She continued her musical studies in Mexico, earning a degree in Piano Performance before completing her Master’s in Piano Pedagogy at Texas Christian University. Alongside her teaching career, she homeschooled her son, Samuel, and taught him piano; he is…
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28 Jul 2025
By Shelly Davis
PPP 365: Mr. Michael’s Music Maker Manual, an interview with author, Michael Hemsworth

PPP 365: Mr. Michael’s Music Maker Manual, an interview with author, Michael Hemsworth

Podcast, Teacher Interviews, , , , ,
In this episode, Shelly Davis welcomes music educator and author Michael Hemsworth to discuss how parents can support their child’s musical journey with patience, curiosity, and creativity. Listen to the full episode here Episode Highlights As the founder of New Songs Music Schools, Michael brings decades of experience and a deep understanding of what it means to raise confident, artistic kids.Topics discussed include:Michael’s musical background and how he started teaching at 16The difference between "carpenter" and "gardener" parenting and teaching stylesHow to recognize and support different learning styles in musicThe role of parents in shaping their child’s musically creative environmentWhy…
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28 Oct 2024
By Shelly Davis
PPP361: Practice Only on Days that End in Y

PPP361: Practice Only on Days that End in Y

Podcast, Practice Challenge, Practicing and Motivation, , ,
"Practice only on days that end in Y." It's playful, it's catchy, and it makes you laugh at first. But when we dig deeper, this phrase offers a profound truth about growth, mastery, and commitment. It’s a reminder that the journey to excellence doesn’t happen just on the days we feel motivated, or only when things are convenient. It happens every day. Listen to the full episode here Resources mentioned in today's show Join the FREE practice challenge at www.PIANOVEMBER.com. Get your PIANOVEMBER practice tracker here. Social Sharables Click an image to share directly to your pinterest account. Download an…
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29 Jan 2024
By Shelly Davis
PPP 356: The Groundhog Day of Piano Lessons

PPP 356: The Groundhog Day of Piano Lessons

Podcast, Practicing and Motivation, ,
Do you ever feel like you're living the same piano lesson week after week?Listen to today's show to learn some reasons why music is re-assigned at the lesson and how you can help your piano kid keep moving forward. Listen to the full episode here Resources mentioned in today's show History of Groundhog DayLessons from the Screenplay: Groundhog DayI Got You Babe music at SheetMusicDirect.com 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…
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16 Oct 2023
By Shelly Davis
PPP 353: What To Do When You Don’t Practice

PPP 353: What To Do When You Don’t Practice

Podcast, Practicing and Motivation, ,
Listen to today's episode to hear my suggestions for what you and your piano kid can do about your piano lesson when you've gone the whole week without spending time at your own piano. 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…
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28 Aug 2023
By Shelly Davis
PPP 348: Find the ‘1’ – Helping students feel the steady beat and find the downbeat in music

PPP 348: Find the ‘1’ – Helping students feel the steady beat and find the downbeat in music

Music Theory, Podcast, , , ,
Today's episode offers help for those piano kids who have a difficult time feeling the steady beat of music.  Some children can feel the beat but they aren't yet able to discern the downbeat, the start of a new measure.If a child has trouble feeling the steady pulse of music they listen to, they will have even more trouble trying to reproduce a steady beat in the music they play. Listen to the full episode here Resources mentioned in today's show iReal Pro App - "Master your art by practicing with the world’s most versatile virtual band, tirelessly accompanying you…
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21 Aug 2023
By Shelly Davis
PPP 347: Brock Chart with My-Melodies Publishing (sometimes our trajectory changes with the flip of a coin)

PPP 347: Brock Chart with My-Melodies Publishing (sometimes our trajectory changes with the flip of a coin)

Podcast, Teacher Interviews, , , , , , , ,
Enjoy this delightful conversation with Kansas piano teacher, award-winning composer, and founder of My-Melodies Publishing, Brock Chart.Brock Chart is a composer and studio owner in Kansas. Brock composes in many genres and mediums including jazz, pop, educational piano, and film music. He is a proud alumni of KU and was 2022 Composer of the Year by Kansas Federation of Music Clubs.Brock was awarded twice in DownBeat Magazine for composition in large jazz ensemble writing, and small group writing. He was an honorable mention in the 2017 NY Youth Symphony Commissions for his piece, “Down to the Wire”. Brock also composed music for the…
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07 Aug 2023
By Shelly Davis
PPP 345: Time to Clean Off Your Piano

PPP 345: Time to Clean Off Your Piano

Mom to Mom, Podcast, , , ,
As we gear up for a new school year and a new semester of piano lessons, this is a great time to declutter your piano or keyboard. Let's do it together! You can clean off your piano while you listen to this episode! Listen to the full episode here Resources mentioned in today's show PPP 329: Spring Cleaning Our Music BagsPPP 003: Piano Geography (How I use the little dogs and cars to teach the names of the piano keys)Note Speed Card GameTheory Time Wacky 8ths Card Game Social Sharables Click an image to share directly to your pinterest account.…
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31 Jul 2023
By Shelly Davis
PPP 344: “Make Space for Your Child’s Experiences” A Parenting Do Over with Ashlee Young

PPP 344: “Make Space for Your Child’s Experiences” A Parenting Do Over with Ashlee Young

Mom to Mom, Podcast, Summer Mini Episode, , , ,
Back in March, I interviewed Ashlee Young (You can catch that interview at www.PianoParentPodcast.com/324). When the official interview was over, I asked Ashlee if I could ask her one more question."Is there a moment in your parenting that you can share where you would really like a 'Do Over'?"So often on social media and in my interviews with guests, we try to put our best foot forward. That is as it should be. We want to offer professional, succinct information that will be helpful to listeners. The reality is that most of my guests are parents just like you. They are…
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24 Jul 2023
By Shelly Davis
PPP 343: “Navigating Different Perspectives” A Parenting Do Over with Thomas Grayston

PPP 343: “Navigating Different Perspectives” A Parenting Do Over with Thomas Grayston

Podcast, Summer Mini Episode, , , , ,
Back in February, I interviewed Thomas Grayston (You can catch that interview at www.PianoParentPodcast.com/321). When the official interview was over, I asked Thomas if I could ask him one more question.“Is there a moment in your parenting that you can share where you would really like a ‘Do Over’?”So often on social media and in my interviews with guests, we try to put our best foot forward. That is as it should be. We want to offer professional, succinct information that will be helpful to listeners. The reality is that most of my guests are parents just like you. They are…
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01 May 2023
By Shelly Davis
PPP 331: Technique is a tool that serves performance with Ken Thompson

PPP 331: Technique is a tool that serves performance with Ken Thompson

Podcast, Teacher Interviews, , , ,
In today's show, Ken Thompson shares valuable insight into piano technique. "Technique is a tool that serves performance. If you use the tool in performance, you are able to be free musically, to express yourself, and to send a musical message to your audience. In order for that to happen, the tool needs to be reliable." Listen to the full episode here Resources mentioned in today's show Music Studio Startup - Ken's interview with Andrea Miller, Snapshot 001Beethoven's "Moonlight" Sonata, 3rd movement. I thought you would enjoy this compilation of 24 pianists performing the iconic piece Ken mentioned in his piano…
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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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17 Apr 2023
By Shelly Davis
PPP 329: Spring Cleaning Our Music Bags

PPP 329: Spring Cleaning Our Music Bags

Mom to Mom, Podcast, , , ,
I am amazed at the things students collect in their music bags. I've seen everything from books and music that was completed long ago to old theory tests and worksheets to candy wrappers from my prize box. Once I even found a banana that was well past its expiration!So many odd items creep into my own music bag. Exactly why do I have three types of breath mints, two lip balms, and seven hair ties?!?On today's show, let's clean out our music bags together. Listen to the full episode here Watch the companion video https://youtu.be/rWHBkQ6MPkISee more videos on the Piano…
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10 Apr 2023
By Shelly Davis
PPP 328: This mom did everything right and they still quit

PPP 328: This mom did everything right and they still quit

Mom to Mom, Podcast, , ,
Sometimes, no matter how much you want your piano kids to enjoy their lessons and learn to make music, they just don't get it. Sometimes, even if you've done everything right, they still end up quitting.That's the topic of today's show. Listen to the full episode here Resources mentioned in today's show Spring 100 practice trackersPPP 002: The Parent/Teacher Relationship 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…
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20 Mar 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…
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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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06 Feb 2023
By Shelly Davis
PPP 319: Reflections on last week’s episode

PPP 319: Reflections on last week’s episode

Mom to Mom, Podcast, , , ,
I really enjoyed talking with Winston Hall last week. One of the things he said really struck me and I've been thinking about it ever since. He said, "Reading music is the most analytical way to make music." and that wasn't how his brain was wired.My brain actually feels safer and more confident with the music, in fact, I feel frozen if I don't have music in front of me; I don't know what to play! Listen to the full episode here Resources mentioned in today's show Winston Hall's interview: PPP 318: Wrong Note Right: The Story of an Accidental…
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30 Jan 2023
By Shelly Davis
PPP 318: “Wrong Note Right: the Story of an Accidental Piano Man” with author, Winston Hall

PPP 318: “Wrong Note Right: the Story of an Accidental Piano Man” with author, Winston Hall

Mom to Mom, Podcast, , , , , ,
Winston Hall is a self-proclaimed "below-average piano student" who was able to overcome obstacles that might have stopped most people - the inability to read music, his own self-doubt, and debilitating stage fright. Winston is now one of the most popular entertainers in the Northwest Lousiana area.This is an episode that you will bookmark and listen to again and again and share with your piano parent friendswe Listen to the full episode here Resources mentioned in today's show Get Winston's e-Book "Wrong Note Right: The Story of an Accidental Piano Man" on AmazonWinston Hall Music on YouTubeFollow Winston on Facebook…
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23 Jan 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…
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10 Oct 2022
By Shelly Davis
PPP 312: Music Alphabet – Counting by 1s, 3s, and 5s

PPP 312: Music Alphabet – Counting by 1s, 3s, and 5s

Music Theory, Podcast, , ,
Everything your piano kid has to do with music: reading music, finding the correct piano keys, eventually building scales and chords, and putting chords together in a sequence, all of that stems from understanding the basic seven notes of the music alphabet.Learn some fun activities you can do with your piano kid to help them master this concept. Listen to the full episode here From the PPP Archives PPP 003: Piano Geography (aka Do not, under any circumstances, buy those cheesy music alphabet stickers!)PPP 004: Understanding the Grand StaffPPP 013: Magic Wand Part 1 (a much better name than "Linear…
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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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20 Jun 2022
By Shelly Davis
PPP 296: WWYD – Stopping Lessons

PPP 296: WWYD – Stopping Lessons

Mom to Mom, Podcast,
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. Listen to the full episode here Listen to the whole WWYD Series PPP 296: WWYD - Stopping…
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29 Mar 2021
By Shelly Davis
PPP234: Are we having FUN yet?

PPP234: Are we having FUN yet?

Podcast, Practicing and Motivation,
Should piano lessons and home piano practice be fun? Is it better to have a serious piano lesson? What do you do to keep practice from becoming boring? Listen to the full episode here What do you think about this definition of fun? Here is a different take on FUN If you would like a better definition of fun when it comes to piano lessons, you might try to make them.... Fulfilling If you have a task to do, it can be fulfilling simply because you enjoy the result of the work. I don't like sweeping the floors but I…
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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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07 Jan 2019
By Shelly Davis
PPP124: Going Beyond the Music Lesson with Abigail Peterson & Christine Goodner

PPP124: Going Beyond the Music Lesson with Abigail Peterson & Christine Goodner

Podcast, Teacher Interviews, , , , , , , , ,
Abigail Peterson and Christine Goodner are violin teachers in Wisconsin and Oregon, respectively. Together, they host the "Beyond the Music Lesson" podcast.I really enjoyed hearing how things work in their violin studios and learning that their students have similar struggles to mine. I hope you will enjoy the conversation as well. In this week's episode you will learn: How Abbey and Christine got started in violin as players and teachers.Even violin students have to be reminded to practice.Parental involvement is so important to the success of the student. How to help your child “get started” with home practice.Good Attitude Practice…
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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…
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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…
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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…)
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22 Aug 2016
By Shelly Davis

PPP004: Understanding the Grand Staff

Music Theory, Podcast, , , , , ,
Links mentioned in this episode: Purchase Roth's Book: Do Re Mi: If You Can Read Music, Thank Guido D'Arezzo Grand Staff Information Sheet from Susan Paradis Listen to the full episode here Episode Highlights: Historically, until Guido d'Arezzo devised a form of written notation, music was passed orally from generation to generation. If a song was forgotten, it was lost forever. Today, part of a student's piano lesson is teaching them to read music notation. Music is a type of language and piano students truly learn to READ music.  Every music symbol has meaning that must decoded to create beautiful music.…
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