PPP 367: I Don’t Know What to Practice!

PPP 367: I Don’t Know What to Practice!

Getting your kid to the piano to practice and them knowing what to practice are two very different things. On today's show, we'll explore a few strategies to help your piano kid know what to do when they sit at the piano. Plus, PIANOVEMBER is just around the corner! Listen to the full episode here Episode highlights 1. Building the HabitKids — especially beginners — may not naturally see the value of practicing daily.Try “age × 3” minutes as a guideline (e.g. a 5‑year‑old aims for ~15 minutes total).Practice sessions can be split across the day (morning, after school, etc.).It’s…
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PPP 330: Ten Things for the Day of the Recital

PPP 330: Ten Things for the Day of the Recital

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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PPP 329: Spring Cleaning Our Music Bags

PPP 329: Spring Cleaning Our Music Bags

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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PPP 316: Make Regular Practice Part of 2023

PPP 316: Make Regular Practice Part of 2023

In last week's episode I quoted Art L. Williams Jr. “Remember, before you can be great, you’ve got to be good. Before you can be good, you’ve got to be bad. But before you can even be bad, you’ve got to try.”Today, let's focus on the trying aspect of learning to play the piano. Listen to the full episode here Resources mentioned in today's show James Clear's book, Atomic HabitsUse my 168 Hours chart to plot out your schedule and make an appointment with yourself and your piano. Complete the form below. Social Sharables Click an image to share directly to your…
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PPP 312: Music Alphabet – Counting by 1s, 3s, and 5s

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

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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PPP 307: Break the Cycle (How to Reprogram Negative Communication with Your Piano Kid)

PPP 307: Break the Cycle (How to Reprogram Negative Communication with Your Piano Kid)

Have you ever found yourself having a negative reaction to someone else's negative reaction?Do your defenses or emotions kick into the situation, making the conversation even more tense?On today's show, we will talk about how to disrupt your brain's reactionary routine and reprogram the cycle of communication. Listen to the full episode here How about this scenerio? You know your piano kid needs to practice their assignment before their piano lesson next week.Below are two possible habit routines that you and your child could be creating.On the left, is a negative spiral that leaves everyone frustrated and minimal practicing done.On…
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PPP277: Finger Numbers and Hand Positions, a teacher chat with Dawn Ivers and Shelly Davis

PPP277: Finger Numbers and Hand Positions, a teacher chat with Dawn Ivers and Shelly Davis

One of the trickiest things about learning to play the piano is mastering how to use your hands and fingers. We use our fingers independently and in all kinds of combinations. Coordinating that movement while simultaneously reading unfamiliar symbols and keeping a steady pulse is a lot! In today's teacher chat, Dawn Ivers and Shelly Davis discuss some of the obstacles piano students encounter when it comes to finger numbers and hand positions. We will share tips for piano parents to be on the lookout for potential problems and coping skills while offering suggestions for overcoming the tricky bits of…
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PPP273: Rami Bar-Niv discusses The Art of Piano Fingering

PPP273: Rami Bar-Niv discusses The Art of Piano Fingering

RAMI BAR-NIV (RAMee Barneev) is one of Israel's most acclaimed and sought-after pianists. He travels extensively and has become an international citizen, concertizing all over the world. Rami has performed on every continent with the exception of Antarctica (I suppose we'll excuse him from that one).In addition to concertizing and lecturing, Rami also composes and has written two books. On today's show, Rami will share insights from his first book, The Art of Piano Fingering. Listen to the full episode here Connect with ... Rami Bar-Niv websiteThe Art of Piano Fingering bookBlood, Sweat, and Tours: Notes from the Diary of…
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PPP269: Music Maker – Rhythm

PPP269: Music Maker – Rhythm

Music Maker series Trying to decipher all the unusual symbols and find their matching sound on the piano is a complex endeavor, especially if you are 5-6 years old and simultaneously learning the symbols of the alphabet and trying to read books. Because of the vast amount of information, mistakes are common, which leads to missed notes, terrible sounds, and frustrated piano kids. What if we reverse engineer the process? What if children are guided through a process of writing the notes themselves so they can begin to notice the direction and distance from one note to the next? What…
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PPP268: Christopher Oill shares the value of sight reading

PPP268: Christopher Oill shares the value of sight reading

A textbook definition of sight-reading would be the ability to read a piece of sheet music on the spot and to be able to play it as you're reading it. Another aspect of sight-reading is the ability to use your eyes to track the music on the page while your hands find the notes without having to look at them. On today's show, Christopher Oill talks about sight-reading - it's value and how to improve this skill. Listen to the full episode here What is a good definition of sight-reading? A textbook definition would be the ability to read a…
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PPP 254: Practice is NOT the Same as Playing with Clinton Pratt

PPP 254: Practice is NOT the Same as Playing with Clinton Pratt

Clinton Pratt (BM, MM, NCTM) has a Masters degree in Piano, training in Dalcroze Eurhythmics, over 20 years teaching experience, and was the 2016 Certified Teacher of the Year for his OhioMTA district.His successful private studio offers students a solid musical foundation, but with the added benefit of improvisation, ear training, rhythmic games, and multimedia recitals. He has served on local and OhioMTA boards, is on the editorial committee for American Music Teacher, and is a member of the College of Examiners for the Royal Conservatory of Music.Clinton has presented at local and state conferences, MTNA, and the National Conference…
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PPP244: The Role of the Parent is Crucial, with London piano teacher, Andra Kruka

PPP244: The Role of the Parent is Crucial, with London piano teacher, Andra Kruka

Piano teacher, Andra Kruka, is a delightful teacher based in London. In recent years, her attention has been drawn to a greater understanding of advanced child psychology. In today's interview, Andra shares several important considerations for parents as they fulfill their crucial role in supporting their children's musical piano journey. Listen to the full episode here Tell us your piano story. Andra Kruka, originally from Latvia, began piano lessons at the age of four. Her musical education was much different then than the way she teaches now. Her parents, like many parents today, wanted to offer a variety of learning…
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PPP243: Why does music use so many Italian terms?

PPP243: Why does music use so many Italian terms?

Why are so many Italian terms used in music?Three big musical things happened in Italy which influenced how music is performed, heard, and notated. Listen to today's show to learn more. Listen to the full episode here Three big musical things happened in Italy Guido d'Arezzo (1st century) established an organized way of reading the writing musical notation on a staff of five lines with four spaces in between.Toward the end of the 16th century, a new form of entertainment was originated in Italy. This new form of entertainment, opera, combined the storytelling of Greek drama with music and visual…
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PPP224: The Practicing Pro, Christy Hodder

PPP224: The Practicing Pro, Christy Hodder

Christy Hodder is a violin teacher and director of the Scotia Suzuki School of Music. She is on a mission to "help parents have effective, positive, and FUN practicing in their homes". Listen to the full episode here Tell us your music story. Christy's mother is the hero of her music story. Her mom joined the RCA record club and receive a new album every month. Christy remembers hearing amazing music in her home from a very early age. She attended an orchestra concert with her family and fell in love with the violin and knew that she wanted to…
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PPP216: Musical Mystery Opus 2, No. 2, “One Night at the Opera”

PPP216: Musical Mystery Opus 2, No. 2, “One Night at the Opera”

In the style of Mike Rowe’s “The Way I Heard It” and Paul Harvey’s “The Rest of the Story” this episode of the Piano Parent Podcast brings you the backstory of a musical group who had an unexpected interruption during their performance at the Opera House in the oldest town in Texas. Listen to the full episode here This story is about a mother's desire to give her young sons something productive to do to keep them from getting mixed up with the wrong crowd on the streets of New York. While her plan worked, it didn't turn out exactly the way she might…
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PPP213: Interleaved Practice (Couldn’t they come up with a better name?)

PPP213: Interleaved Practice (Couldn’t they come up with a better name?)

I learned a new word this summer. Here is a great definition from the University of Arizona, Academic Affairs "Interleaving is a process where students mix, or interleave, multiple subjects or topics while they study in order to improve their learning. Blocked practice, on the other hand, involves studying one topic very thoroughly before moving to another topic." Listen to the full episode here Interleaved in other academic studies Before we talk about how this works for piano lessons, here are a couple of examples related to school. One article http://pianopracticeassistant.com/interleaved-practice/ I read used learning the state capitals as an example. You could…
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PPP206: “I Wish I Didn’t Quit” author, Nate Holder

PPP206: “I Wish I Didn’t Quit” author, Nate Holder

I first e-met Nate Holder when I started following him on Instagram. His account shares beautiful pictures of musicians at every level and age.Nate's passion is to broaden the spectrum of music education to include voices from all walks of life. While celebrating the works of traditional classical giants, he also shines a light on lesser-known composers and song writers.Music is a language and it includes many dialects. Listen to the full episode here Resources mentioned in today's show Nate Holder MusicFollow Nate on InstagramPre-order your copy of "Why is My Piano Black and White?"The Why BooksDuring our conversation, I…
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PPP193: This is a Good Time to Reevaluate Your Home Practice Environment

PPP193: This is a Good Time to Reevaluate Your Home Practice Environment

The global shift to online piano lessons has shown piano teachers what's really going on at home. We see the instrument your piano kid is using for practice and we see how they are sitting at the piano. This is a great time for you to take a closer look at your piano or keyboard and notice how your piano kid is sitting at the piano when they practice.  Listen to this week's show for tips and suggestions that will not only help your piano kid but will give you bonus points with your piano teacher as well. We've also got some…
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PPP192: These are Difficult Time(Signatures)

PPP192: These are Difficult Time(Signatures)

Time Signature or Meter is a way of measuring time in music. Located at the top left of the music you may be reading, the bottom number indicates the type of note that gets the beat. The top number indicates how many beats are contained in each measure. If you view the time signature like a fraction, the 4/4 time can be considered four quarters; there is the value of four quarter notes in each measure. If only it were as simple as that.... Listen to the full episode here Resources mentioned in today's episode Super Metronome Groovebox Pro Metronome…
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PPP190: Ten Things You Need to Know about Beethoven’s Für Elise

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

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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PPP184: Make Music Part of the Rhythm of Your Life with Tony Parlapiano

PPP184: Make Music Part of the Rhythm of Your Life with Tony Parlapiano

Tony Parlapiano is a piano instructor and the creator of popMATICS, a concept based music curriculum that approaches learning by listening and reading through writing. Tony resides in East Longmeadow, Massachusetts, where he enjoys fancy coffee, playing in spreadsheets, and carries a copy of his birth certificate for anyone who questions the authenticity of his last name. We first chatted with Tony in PPP127: Teacher Chat: Popular Music Styles with Stephen Hughes and Tony Parlapiano and we are delighted to have him back on the show. Listen to the full episode here Tell us your piano story. I was late…
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PPP183: Spring 100 Practice Challenge

PPP183: Spring 100 Practice Challenge

Spring is springing around here! Trees are budding. After lots of rain and gray skies, the clouds have parted and we're enjoying blue skies and sunshine. Just like changes in seasons, the practice needs of our piano kids change too. Fall - new school year, reestablish practice habitsWinter holidays - more family time, more opportunities to share the gift of music.Spring - semester winding down, preparing for the big finale Listen to the full episode here “Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to…
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PPP180: Ten Ways to Flip the Script with Kate Webb

PPP180: Ten Ways to Flip the Script with Kate Webb

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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PPP144: Learn how important parents are to their child’s success with Judy Wilkins

PPP144: Learn how important parents are to their child’s success with Judy Wilkins

When I first started podcasting in 2016 I was nervous to ask my own piano teacher friends to come on the show. I'm not sure if I was embarrassed or intimidated. Actually, I didn't want to impose on our friendship to ask them for such a favor. Now that I have a few episodes under my belt and feel more confident, I want to share with all of you the wonderful teachers from my own community who have been such encouragement to me personally and professionally.It is my joy to introduce to you my good friend and piano teacher colleague, Judy…
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PPP143: Mr. Rogers’ Code for I Love You

PPP143: Mr. Rogers’ Code for I Love You

Do you and your piano kid share code words? Words or a phrase that has a secret meaning between the two of you? My daughter, Tracy and I will do the ASL sign for I Love You when we see each other in a crowded space. Our family also has different references or words that recall inside jokes that would be meaningless to anyone else, one of which is "Furniture Lacks Appliances" (you'll have to ask my son Justin about that!). When I saw the “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” documentary last year I learned about a special number code…
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PPP142: Intervals – Going beyond EGBDF

PPP142: Intervals – Going beyond EGBDF

Today let’s talk about intervals. As with any musical topic, we could make this discussion very in depth and complicated. It seems like there is a never ending well of information we can learn with music theory. Today we are going to stay with the basic foundation of intervals; things your second or third year student will be learning. Hey! I just used some intervallic terms when I described the students. I mentioned second or third year students and this offers a reference point for the knowledge of those students. Intervals in music do the same thing; they offer a…
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PPP129: “Lord of the Chords” Game Developer, Jonathan Ng

PPP129: “Lord of the Chords” Game Developer, Jonathan Ng

A few weeks ago I got an email from Sanette Brems, a piano mom in my studio. Listen to Sanette's parent interview with me on Episode 019. In her email, Sanette said, "I saw this and immediately thought of you!" The link in the email took me to the Kickstarter page for a new music theory game called, "Lord of the Chords". Their website declares that they are the "geekiest, punniest music theory game in the world".Lord of the Chords Kickstarter Page - click hereI love puns and really love games that help my students learn and use music theory so I…
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PPP126: Build Practice Habits

PPP126: Build Practice Habits

Over the break I purchased James Clear’s new book, “Atomic Habits”. I’ve been “reading” it in audio format which has been nice. I had to drive to Dallas for a meeting and had James Clear teaching me his wonderful habit lessons the entire trip. Some of the things he talked about in the book caused me to think of you guys and how we can help our piano kids have more successful practice sessions at home. This may be a little corny but I’ve mapped it out using performance lingo. Today we’ll talk about Setting the Stage, Knowing Your Cue,…
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PPP124: Going Beyond the Music Lesson with Abigail Peterson & Christine Goodner

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

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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PPP113: The Legacy of Van Cliburn, presented by Annette Morgan

PPP113: The Legacy of Van Cliburn, presented by Annette Morgan

Today's guest, Annette Morgan, is a former student of Rildia Bee O'Bryan Cliburn. In today's interview, Mrs. Morgan shares her experiences in Mrs. Cliburn's studio as well as the story of Van Cliburn's rise to fame after he won the first Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow, in 1958. This episode is dedicated to the memory of Ann Saslav, a well-respected pianist herself, who was the catalyst for Annette Morgan's presentation to East Texas Music Teachers Association and for today's interview. Ann Saslav interview with Tyler Morning Telegraph Ann Saslav obituary Mrs. Cliburn, piano teacher Rildia Bee O'Bryan was born October 14,…
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PPP088: This One is Dedicated to the Piano, of course!

PPP088: This One is Dedicated to the Piano, of course!

How could Episode 88 be about anything other than the instrument that brings us together every week? The piano! Listen to the full episode here Resources on the history of the piano: We first told you about a book explaining the history of the piano in Episode 080: Ten Books to Read with Your Piano Kid"The Music of Life: Bartolomeo Cristofori & the Invention of the Piano" by Elizabeth Rusch.The Metropolitan Museum: The Pianos of Bartolomeo Cristofori  Resources on the design of the modern piano:Steinway & Sons About Page"Every STEINWAY & SONS grand and upright is a masterpiece of craftsmanship and a consummate work of art. Each STEINWAY piano, consisting of…
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PPP066: Major and Minor – The Powerful Effect Music has on Our Emotions

PPP066: Major and Minor – The Powerful Effect Music has on Our Emotions

Music is everywhere and it has a powerful affect on our emotions This time of year, unusual sounding music is all over shopping malls, television shows, and even commercials. Those sounds can be frightening for young children. While I am not a child psychologist, I do want to share, mom to mom, some of my experiences working with children and music. Parents are the filter for their children First of all, you must decide what types of music you allow your child to hear. Protect them from sounds and lyrics that will be too frightening for them. Even when you…
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PPP065: A Chat with Note Rush App Developer, Thomas Grayston

PPP065: A Chat with Note Rush App Developer, Thomas Grayston

Thomas Grayston is a software developer from Tasmania, Australia. He has produced an excellent app to help piano students learn to associate notes on the staff with specific keys on the piano. Tell us a bit about your background. Are you a musician or a teacher? Thomas plays piano and was a music director for church. His wife, Kylie, teaches piano and Thomas helps in her studio from time to time. (more…)
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PPP063: PIANOVEMBER Practice Challenge

PPP063: PIANOVEMBER Practice Challenge

#3020 September Practice Challenge Recap Before I jump into our next piano practice challenge, I wanted to share the ups and downs of the September Practice Challenge. Ups: There was a lot of positive feedback from parents and teachers alike. I received wonderful videos and photos of students working toward their practice goals. 27% of my own students met the challenge with success! I even met the challenge myself!! (I wouldn't have if I hadn't taken time to plan my practices and put them on my schedule.) Downs: Several of my students not only missed the goal of 20 days practice,…
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Episode 028: Learn How to Prepare Your Child for Piano Exams with Parent/Teacher Dr. Mario Ajero

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…)
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Episode 025: Parent Interview with Melissa Cornelison

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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Episode 002: Parent – Teacher Relationship

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…
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Episode 003: Piano Geography (aka Do not, under any circumstances, buy those cheesy music alphabet stickers!)

Listen to the full episode here DO NOT, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, BUY THOSE CHEESY MUSIC ALPHABET STICKERS!! You, as a Piano Parent Podcast listener, are too smart to fall for that retail trap! Helping your child learn the names of the piano keys is too easy and too essential for their piano proficiency to depend on stickers or any other external aid. (more…)
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Podcast Launch

Podcast Launch

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…
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