Piano Parent Podcast: helping teachers, parents, and students get the most of their piano lessons.

Episode 380 continues the Piano Parent Podcast tradition of celebrating every "zero" episode with a list of 10 things. This time, Shelly shares 10 Life Rules for Young Musicians from Robert Schumann.
These simple but powerful ideas encourage piano students and parents to keep learning, stay humble, care for their instruments, sing more, work well with others, and focus on musical expression instead of just technical skill.
Shelly reflects on how these rules connect to piano lessons, recital preparation, and ensemble playing. The episode ends with Schumann's beautiful reminder that being musical means music lives in your heart and mind—not just in your fingers.
Learn more at www.PianoParentPodcast.com/380

Even though this is the Piano Parent Podcast, Shelly realizes she hasn't featured nearly enough actual piano parents on the show!
In this episode, Shelly talks with Kristen Pennington, a homeschool mom and parent of one of Shelly's piano students. Kristen shares the challenges and victories of helping her son Barrett learn piano—especially when frustration and negative self-talk begin to creep in.
Together they discuss:
How to recognize when a child is discouraged
Why attitude matters more than perfect performance
A simple "good attitude chart" that helped Barrett push through frustration
The importance of praising effort instead of perfection
How piano lessons build confidence, resilience, and life skills far beyond the keyboard
If your child has ever said, "I can't do this," this episode will give you encouragement and practical ideas to help them keep going.
"Don't cry. Just try."
Learn more at www.PianoParentPodcast.com/379

In this episode, Dr. Michael Clark joins me to share the fascinating story of composer Florence Price and the rediscovery of her music. We also talk about supporting young pianists, meaningful practice habits, and why exploring a wider range of composers can enrich your child's musical journey.
Learn more at www.PianoParentPodcast.com/378

Preparing for a spring piano recital? Memorizing music can feel overwhelming for many students—but it doesn't have to be!
In this episode of the Piano Parent Podcast, Shelly shares three fun and effective strategies she uses in her studio to help piano kids memorize music with confidence.
You'll learn how to help your child:
Identify patterns in their music

Practice starting in different places

Use games to make repetition fun

These simple techniques can help students feel more prepared for recitals, auditions, and performances.
Whether your piano kid needs to memorize a recital piece or just wants to keep favorite songs ready to play, these strategies will make practice smarter and more enjoyable.

What makes piano lessons finally click for a child?
In Episode 376, composer and teacher Susan Staples Bell shares how jazz, improvisation, and storytelling transformed her own musical journey — and how those same tools can help your child fall in love with piano.
If your student feels bored, stuck, or unmotivated, this conversation offers practical encouragement and creative ideas to reignite their spark.
Sometimes the breakthrough isn't more practice — it's a new approach.
Learn more at www.PianoParentPodcast.com/376