06 Apr 2026
By Shelly Davis
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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…
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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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06 Oct 2025
By Shelly Davis
PPP 367: I Don’t Know What to Practice!

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

Podcast, Practicing and Motivation, , , , ,
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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22 Sep 2025
By Shelly Davis
PPP 366: Human Nature Delays

PPP 366: Human Nature Delays

Podcast, Practicing and Motivation, , ,
Have you ever planned to practice piano right after a lesson, only to find “tomorrow” sneaking in? Or wanted to start a project for yourself but been stalled by the small stuff—or worse, the big stuff just never seems to begin? You’re not alone. In this post, I’ll unpack what “human nature delays” means, introduce the intention‑action gap, and share concrete strategies for you and your piano kid to move from "want to" to "did"—bit by bit, week by week. Listen to the full episode here Episode Highlights What Are “Human Nature Delays”? The feeling of being unqualified, not ready, or not…
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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…
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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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08 Jan 2024
By Shelly Davis
PPP 355: Take Inventory of Your 168-Hour Week

PPP 355: Take Inventory of Your 168-Hour Week

Mom to Mom, Podcast, ,
Listen to the full episode here 24 hours each day, 7 days every week.We all have 168 hours each week. If we're not careful, those hours will get filled with other people's agendas. Now is the time to take inventory of your schedule and make time for the things that are important to you. Resources mentioned in today's show Watch the companion video:https://youtu.be/8fgP4Z3L3_Q 168-Hours Worksheet Complete the form below to get your own copy of the 168-Hours Worksheet in either printable or digital from. Download the FREE168 Hours WorksheetUse this handy tool to get a clear picture of your weekly…
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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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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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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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16 Jan 2023
By Shelly Davis
PPP 316: Make Regular Practice Part of 2023

PPP 316: Make Regular Practice Part of 2023

Podcast, Practicing and Motivation, , , ,
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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09 Jan 2023
By Shelly Davis
PPP 315: Allowing for Miskates, er, Mistakes

PPP 315: Allowing for Miskates, er, Mistakes

Mom to Mom, Podcast, , , ,
My list of 22 for 2022 turned out to be a list of things I failed to do. When I look back on it, I don't celebrate the things I was able to finish, I just feel defeated by the areas where I missed the mark.Rather than aiming for perfection, I think it is good for our children to see us make mistakes and move on, gracefully. Our mistakes shouldn't devastate us and our kids need to learn to give themselves the same kind of mercy.In this P3 episode, we talk more about helping our piano kids to allow for…
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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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05 Sep 2022
By Shelly Davis
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)

Mom to Mom, Podcast, , , , ,
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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11 Jul 2022
By Shelly Davis
PPP 299: WWYD – Practice Space

PPP 299: WWYD – Practice Space

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 puts their backpack by the door the night before school and you have your car keys in a bowl on a table in the entry hallway, 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…
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27 Jun 2022
By Shelly Davis
PPP 297: WWYD – Practice Time

PPP 297: WWYD – Practice Time

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 has a set bedtime and you set the bathroom clock ahead 5 minutes to avoid being late, 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 Lessons PPP 297: WWYD -…
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07 Feb 2022
By Shelly Davis
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

Podcast, Teacher Chat, , ,
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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11 Oct 2021
By Shelly Davis
PPP262: Operation MGC (Make Grandma Cry….in a good way!) aka A fun practice project to close out 2021

PPP262: Operation MGC (Make Grandma Cry….in a good way!) aka A fun practice project to close out 2021

Podcast, Practicing and Motivation, , ,
Your secret mission, should you choose to accept it, is to Make Grandma Cry…in a good way by performing a meaningful song for them at the next family gathering. Find out how in today's episode. Listen to the full episode here Accept your mission by completing the form below. The FREE version of Operation MGC will be available through December 31. During that time, please download the top-secret dossier and help me improve the objectives.Let me know if your piano kid had any failed objectives. What was the problem? How can I help you complete your musical mission for your…
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16 Aug 2021
By Shelly Davis
PPP 254: Practice is NOT the Same as Playing with Clinton Pratt

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

Podcast, Practicing and Motivation, Teacher Interviews, , , , ,
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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07 Jun 2021
By Shelly Davis
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

Podcast, Teacher Interviews, , , , , ,
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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26 Apr 2021
By Shelly Davis
PPP238: Parkinson’s Law: Works expands so as to fill the time available for its completion

PPP238: Parkinson’s Law: Works expands so as to fill the time available for its completion

Podcast, Practicing and Motivation, , , , , ,
I often say, "I get more done, the busier I am."Cyril Northcote Parkinson said the same thing, much more elegantly. Here is the first paragraph of an article he wrote in 1955. "IT is a commonplace observation that work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion. Thus, an elderly lady of leisure can spend the entire day in writing and despatching a postcard to her niece at Bognor Regis. An hour will be spent in finding the postcard, another in hunting for spectacles, half-an-hour in a search for the address, an hour and a quarter in composition,…
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24 Aug 2020
By Shelly Davis
PPP206: “I Wish I Didn’t Quit” author, Nate Holder

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

Music HIstory, Podcast, , , , , , ,
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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16 Mar 2020
By Shelly Davis
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

Podcast, Teacher Interviews, , , , , , ,
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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09 Mar 2020
By Shelly Davis
PPP183: Spring 100 Practice Challenge

PPP183: Spring 100 Practice Challenge

Podcast, 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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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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10 Feb 2020
By Shelly Davis
PPP179: Nurture vs Organic

PPP179: Nurture vs Organic

Podcast, Practicing and Motivation, ,
There are lots of discussions about the Nature vs Nurture comparison. The question comes up often when we consider an adult's choices or actions. Were they just born this way? Were they influenced by their parents, teachers, or classmates? I think that is an interesting topic but it is a much broader scope than what we will cover on today's show. Listen to the full episode here Today, I want to focus specifically on your piano kid's musical journey. Is it happening organically - just go with the flow or are you nurturing it and being intentional to help it…
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16 Dec 2019
By Shelly Davis
PPP173: Highlights from 2019

PPP173: Highlights from 2019

Mom to Mom, Podcast, , , , , , , , , , ,
Our gift to you - highlights from some of the most downloaded episodes of 2019. We've taken some of the most interesting points from the top episodes and put them all in one place with links to the episodes if you want to dig deeper. Listen to the full episode here PPP133: What's Really Going on When Your Piano Kid Says, "This is too hard!" Doing new things can be challenging for all of us. Piano students are asked to do new things constantly. Once they master one concept, another is given to them without pause. Faced with something new, in…
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11 Nov 2019
By Shelly Davis
PPP168: You Cannot Learn to Play Piano in 30 Minutes Per Week

PPP168: You Cannot Learn to Play Piano in 30 Minutes Per Week

Podcast, Practicing and Motivation, , , , ,
I was reminded recently that parents need to be reminded to encourage their children to practice at home. I have the privilege of teaching music part-time at a charter school near me and my third graders are starting to play recorder. The kids and I meet only one day each week and that is only for 30 minutes. I told the students, "You cannot learn to play recorder in only 30 minutes per week. If you don't practice at home, you will be confused in class and will quickly fall behind." The same thing is true for piano students. They cannot…
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21 Jan 2019
By Shelly Davis
PPP126: Build Practice Habits

PPP126: Build Practice Habits

Podcast, Practicing and Motivation, , , , ,
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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10 Sep 2018
By Shelly Davis
PPP109: Practical Tips for Practicing WITH Your Young Piano Kid

PPP109: Practical Tips for Practicing WITH Your Young Piano Kid

Podcast, Practicing and Motivation, , ,
This week’s show is my answer to a recent question from a piano parent. Beth writes, “What is the best way to help a kindergarten student practice?” Thank you for the great question, Beth!Kindergarten is a wonderful time for students be begin learning to play piano. They are excellent learners, eager to soak up any information we give them. This is a great blessing and a great responsibility for parents.Young children have not yet learned responsibility and discipline or time management and self control. Unless you are actively involved in their home practice, they will not make progress and both of you…
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13 Aug 2018
By Shelly Davis
PPP105: The Blessing of Routine

PPP105: The Blessing of Routine

Practicing and Motivation, , , ,
The Blessing of Routine We all know what a routine is. We follow a routine, whether good or bad, every day. Get up at a certain time, get ready for work or school, the route we drive to get to those locations.The Miracle Morning and The FlyLady are two well-known websites geared to help establish good routines. Have you used these? Listen to the full episode here Summer - a blessing and a curse I love the free time with a loose schedule, staying up too late, sleeping in. However, the reality of summer is that I get less accomplished.…
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16 Oct 2017
By Shelly Davis
PPP064: Jacki Alexander shares how important grandparents are in piano lessons

PPP064: Jacki Alexander shares how important grandparents are in piano lessons

Podcast, Teacher Interviews, , , , , ,
Shelly took this photo of a roadside river in Yellowstone National Park in the summer of 2017.Jacki Alexander is a piano teacher and composer from Indianapolis, Indiana. She has been teaching over thirteen years. Listen to the full episode here Tell us your personal piano story as well as how you chose piano teaching as a career.I began piano lessons at the age of four. My grandmother was my teacher. As well as teaching me, she taught a full studio of 40 students. At first, it was just “Grandma and me” in the living room. As my skills grew and…
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09 Oct 2017
By Shelly Davis
PPP063: PIANOVEMBER Practice Challenge

PPP063: PIANOVEMBER Practice Challenge

Podcast, Practice Challenge, Practicing and Motivation, , , , , ,
#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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