Piano Parent Podcast: Helping Teachers, Parents, And Students Get The Most Of Their Piano Lessons.

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. Check the show notes for links to specific recommendations in each category.

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.

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 you have drilled your phone number and address in your kid’s memory and you have ICE contact information on your cell phone, this summer series will give you ideas about how to handle potential obstacles in your piano studies.

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.

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.

My teaching method of getting SMART with your music is a nice middle ground between being fully committed to the written score and trying to create music from scratch. In this episode, you will hear how other piano kids are getting SMART with their music.  

A few days ago my friend and fellow piano teacher, Kristin Yost, posted a document from her music school. She called the document "Journey to Musical Mastery" and in it, she offers parents a basic guideline of expectations for each phase of learning to make music. With Kristin's permission, I am sharing the document with you today.

"...some of the most basic things are the most important to master, but most of us won't do it because it seems too simple." Vanessa Lau

The Circle of Fifths is a valuable tool for musicians. If you aren't familiar with it; however, it can look very overwhelming. On today's show, I will share three basic ways you can use the Circle of Fifths.

I am loving the word commencement this year. The graduation ceremony may mark the end of a season - a finish line, but commencement marks the beginning of a new and exciting adventure.

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.

Henry Ford said it best, "Whether you think you can or think you can't, either way, you're right." Learn why mindset is so much more important than strategy on today's show.

Listening is just as important as reading or touching the piano keys. Episode 288 of the Piano Parent Podcast gives you hands-on (or should I say ears-on) experience of actively listening to music.

Are you planning to continue piano lessons over the summer? Is your teacher planning to take a break for the summer? Today's episode includes three different perspectives on summer piano lessons. Give it a listen as you decide what is best for your piano kid.

I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase before – one hit wonder. A band produces a song that is so popular you would think it’s just one of many hits they must have had. As it turns out, that song was their one and only hit. They became a one hit wonder. Today, I’ll tell you the story of another one hit wonder. I promise you’ve heard of the hit, now you get to learn about the artist.

Today, I will share three snapshots of students who have started lessons within the last year. Each student has her own unique strengths and weaknesses. While I am the same teacher for all of them, the way they receive and process information is vastly different. I am enjoying learning from all of them.

March 29 is the 88th day of the year. Happy Piano Day!! I have a few ideas of how you can celebrate this special occasion with your piano kid. Find out on today's episode.

Sometimes in the spring, I start getting a feeling of overwhelm and wish I didn't have all the responsibilities that I have. Do you feel that way? Do you ever get Spring Fever? I wonder if your piano kid feels the same way. Let's talk about Spring Fever and how to overcome it on today's show...

You may have heard about perfect pitch and learned that if you don't have it, there is a small likelihood that you will develop it at this stage in your life. Fortunately, you can develop your relative pitch at any time. The sooner you can help your piano kid hone their skill of listening and hearing relative pitch, the better. Learn how in this week's episode.

Stephen Hughes, NCTM is a professional pianist, online piano teaching specialist, and music technology trainer. His online teaching studio, Virtual Piano Studio, is a growing community of students & music teachers of all ages and skill levels, who take private instruction via Live Online Lessons. He teaches students in the U.S., China, UK, & Australia.  Stephen was teaching online long before it became a necessity in 2020. Today, he shares how parents can help their piano kids set up their home practice space for optimal online piano lessons.