In this episode of the Piano Parent Podcast, host Shelly Davis chats with Michael Hemsworth, author, educator, and founder of New Songs Music School in California.

Michael shares his journey from piano kid to leading a music school with over 1,300 students, and reveals the heart behind his new book, "Mr. Michael’s Music Maker Manual: A Guide for Growing Creative Children." They discuss the power of nurturing creativity, why every child’s musical path is unique, and how parents can be strong advocates in their child’s artistic journey.

Learn more about Michael's book at newsongsmusic.com/manual

Visit PianoParentPodcast.com/365

Screens are convenient, but they don’t build relationships. In this episode, we explore the overlooked value of playing physical games with your piano kid—games that boost memory, spark laughter, and strengthen your connection (without feeling like practice).

In this episode, Shelly explores the power of playing physical games with your piano kid—and why face-to-face interaction beats screen time every time. Learn how simple card games help your child develop memory, strategy, confidence, and communication. Plus, hear about her new music theory card game, Music Alphabet GARBAGE, launching on Kickstarter July 1st!

You’ll learn:

• Why physical play matters in personal development

• How games build trust and family connection

• Ways to use games in restaurants, home practice, and family time

🎉 Plus, I introduce Music Alphabet GARBAGE, my brand-new card game launching July 1st on Kickstarter! Learn how to turn music theory into your next favorite family game.

🔍 Learn More Here: www.PianoParentPodcast.com/364 🔔 Follow the game here: Music Alphabet GARBAGE Kickstarter Campaign

Today, I spent some time in the TMTA exhibit hall where I got to meet Liz Boyd with www.SusanParadis.com and bought some music stickers and piano manipulatives to use in my lessons.

I also won an item in the silent auction, which raises funds for the Texas Music Teachers Education Foundation. I won a box of wooden cutouts from www.DenneheyDesigns.com.

Last night, we heard a wonderful concert form the lovely Dr. Artina McCain www.ArtinaMcCain.com. If you aren't familiar with her, please check her out. It's been a wonderful, exhausting conference!!

Today I attended a session by Wendy Stevens with www.composecreate.com. She spoke on the topic. "Have you forgotten what it's like to be a child??"

I also attended some meetings which highlighted the fact that we don't have to do all the things. We can focus on the things we do well and give other people opportunities to do the things they do well.

Connect with me on Instagram @pianoparentpodcast

Today was a day filled with music. It started with music with my elementary piano ensemble and their piece called "Ice Cream Scoops written by composer Susan Staples Bell. I think Mrs. Bell was as excited to hear the students as the students were to play for her.

The day ended with an eclectic collection of musical pieces; some of them were to my tastes and some of them were not... and that's okay.

In today's video, I share some of the highlights from the second day of our conference.

Today was a lot of business meetings and chatting with fellow teachers from across Texas. Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast player at piano parent podcast.

Connect with me on Instagram @pianoparentpodcast and send me a direct message if there's something you'd like for me to talk about on the next video.

In this short video, I share the value of professional development for your piano teacher and how that has a direct influence on your piano kids' development as a musician. This is day one of a 7-day mini series.

There are ways that we intentionally speak positive encouragement into our piano kids' musical journey, but we must also be aware of the ways our unintentional conversation communicates with them.

On today's show, learn some of the ways my parents impacted my musical journey, both intentionally and unintentionally.

Learn more at www.PianoParentPodcast.com/363

The holidays are a time of joy, celebration, and... chaos. With all the festive frenzy, it can be challenging to maintain a consistent piano practice routine.

In this episode, we'll explore practical strategies to keep your child's piano practice on track during the holiday season. We'll delve into three key tips: setting realistic goals, creating a dedicated practice space, and incorporating holiday music into practice sessions.

Learn more at www.PianoParentPodcast.com/362

"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.

Learn more at www.PianoParentPodcast.com/361

Join the practice challenge at www.PIANOVEMBER.com