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

On the podcast, we've talked about what to do when you have to miss a lesson but we've never talked about how to respond when your teacher needs to take an extended absence.

Using my family's circumstance from this past year, here are ten ways my students responded when I had to take a two-week break during the semester.

Learn more at www.PianoParentPodcast.com/360

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.

Learn more at www.PianoParentPodcast.com/359

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.

Learn more at www.PianoParentPodcast.com/358

Mr. Fred Rogers was born on March 20, 1928. This encore presentation is in honor of his 96th birthday, with gratitude for his life, well lived.

What an example and inspiration for us all!

Learn more at www.PianoParentpodcast.com/143.

What's your best deflection technique? Sometimes I'll answer a question with another question to avoid giving an uncomfortable answer.

What's your piano kid's best deflection technique? Do they try to memorize all their music to avoid sight reading? Do they blame the metronome when they aren't able to play along with it?

Learn some common "artful dodges" in today's teacher chat with Becki Laurent and Clinton Pratt.

Learn more at www.PianoParentPodcast.com/357

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.

Learn more at www.PianoParentPodcast.com/356

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.

Learn more at www.PianoParentPodcast.com/355