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

In the style of Mike Rowe’s podcast “The Way I Heard It” and Paul Harvey’s radio show “The Rest of the Story”, this episode of the Piano Parent Podcast brings you the backstory of a musician or song or a moment in music history. I use these musical mysteries to tell you something you might not know about someone or something that is somewhat familiar.

In this case, I will tell you the story of a young author who never wrote the great American novel but still managed to go "Down in History". Here is his story:

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...

A few weeks ago I got an email from Sanette Brems, a piano mom in my studio. Listen to Sanette's parent interview with me on Episode 019. In her email, Sanette said, "I saw this and immediately thought of you!" The link in the email took me to the Kickstarter page for a new music theory game called, "Lord of the Chords". Their website declares that they are the "geekiest, punniest music theory game in the world".

Lord of the Chords Kickstarter Page - click here

I love puns and really love games that help my students learn and use music theory so I did a little research and was able to contact the developers of the game. Jonathan Ng, one member of the development team, responded to my email and we set up our interview within days and now I am pleased to share that interview with you!

Listen to the full interview here

A little of Jonathan's background

Jonathan started violin when he was eight years old but never felt a strong connection to the violin. By ten, Jonathan wasn't really enjoying the violin but his wise mother made him stick with it! (Way to go, Mom!!)

He took ABRSM exams from age 9-18, ultimately passing Grade 8.

He did not enjoy the music theory aspect of the exams; his goal was just to pass the exam. He didn't see music theory as the wonderful tool and language that he now recognizes it to be.

Jonathan also started learning guitar and began jazz guitar lessons. He says, "To really play jazz, you've got to know your music theory." Thanks to his jazz guitar teacher, Mr. Bay, Jonathan learned the rules of theory and how to use them to "play the game of music".

Jonathan shared the things he learned about music improvisation with his friend Jun Yu because he wanted someone to jam with. Jun Yu, a pianist, advanced to ABRSM Grade 8 as well but had a similar experience with dry music theory. Once he understood the way he could use music theory to make music with his friend, Jun Yu and Jonathan set out to find a way to replicate this knowledge.

How could they gamify music theory?

Read more about Jonathan's musical journey as well as the evolution of Lord of the Chords in this article on Medium.com.

Finally, another friend joined the Lord of the Chords team. Keith is an amazing illustrator and designer who had zero musical knowledge before working with Jonathan and Jun Yu. Through playing the game, Keith learned not only the rules of the game and how he could earn triads and steal his opponent's cards but he also learned elements of music theory.

This actually gave him an advantage in being able to explain elements of the game to others because he didn't have the "curse of knowledge".

Jonathan shows us how the game works.

https://youtu.be/l6rzPBjI12o

There are many ways to play

The basic game comes with 150 note cards and action cards in a beautiful three-dimensional box along with accidental tokens.

Students are limited only by their imagination in all the fun ways they can use the cards to play games. The more music theory they learn, the more they can adapt the game.

Booster packs will be available to add even more challenges and aspects of the game.

Support Lord of the Chords Kickstarter Campaign

Thank you, Jonathan, for sharing your story with us today.  I am truly excited about your new game and look forward to supporting your Kickstarter.

Piano Parent, if you would like to support Jonathan, Jun Yu, and Keith, check out their Kickstarter page at www.LordoftheChords.com.

Thanks for listening!

To share your thoughts:

• Leave a note in the comment section below
• Ask a question at pianoparentpodcast@gmail.com
• Share this show on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest

To help out the show:

• leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews help other piano parents and teachers find the show.
• Subscribe on iTunes, Podbean, or your favorite podcast player. 

Listen to PPP260 to learn TEN SOUND EFFECTS YOU CAN CREATE ON THE PIANO.

I am excited to share the next Musical Mystery with you! The story is still in the works. Please check back soon.

In the meantime, follow this link to download the Podbean Podcast Player and listen to previous Piano Parent Podcast episodes.

Back in March, I interviewed Ashlee Young (You can catch that interview at www.PianoParentPodcast.com/324). When the official interview was over, I asked Ashlee if I could ask her one more question.

"Is there a moment in your parenting that you can share where you would really like a 'Do Over'?"

So often on social media and in my interviews with guests, we try to put our best foot forward. That is as it should be. We want to offer professional, succinct information that will be helpful to listeners. The reality is that most of my guests are parents just like you. They are in the trenches with busy schedules, trying to keep up with practice routines, dealing with tired and cranky kids, moody teenagers, and doing the best they can.

I hope you enjoy this quick look behind the curtain to hear real stories from Ashlee and me. You can find links and other resources for this episode at www.PianoParentPodcast.com/344.

In case you didn’t know, this podcast is called the Piano Parent Podcast. Most episodes deal with common obstacles or struggles students face when learning to play the piano. Today, I’d like to spend our time together by focusing on just you, parents.

Specifically, today I want to encourage you to stand firm and do not give in.

Listen to the full episode here

Click here to download this episode.

Remember the goal is to train your child

Since my youngest is 16 and my parenting skills are a little dated, I decided to check out what others say about modern parenting. This article by Robert Locke from LIfehack.org had some interesting things to say about this topic. He says it is a mistake to give in to have a quiet life.

Many parents give in because they have to juggle credit card, shopping, trolley and a screaming child. The only problem about giving in and hoping for a quiet life is that the child has learned a new strategy. This will be used again and again. It works!

I couldn’t agree more and I’ll talk a bit more about giving in in a bit but I have a few comments about his ‘fix’ for temptation in the grocery store.

The best way to avoid grocery store meltdowns is to:

• Make sure that the child has had his snack before going shopping
  • Yes and No - those temptations have nothing to do with hunger
  • We see, we want - unless we have a good strategy in mind
• Avoid shopping with a child in tow
  • Yes and No - Duane often says he’d rather go to the store without me because we end up spending more money. LOL
  • I’d prefer that you include your child in the grocery shopping trip
    • If they are learning to write, have them write a shopping list
    • I love the little child sized carts!
    • Use this opportunity to teach them….anything!
      • Colors, sorting, price comparison, counting money
• Use delivery services as much as possible
  • Solves the problem of grocery shopping but doesn’t teach our children any form of discipline.
• Lobby supermarkets to stop stocking checkouts with junk food
  • This one irks me the most. It demands other people take responsibility to make things easier for me.
  • NO! I need to take responsibility for myself and I must teach my children to make responsible choices.

Make it stop!

Our temptation when our child is being disagreeable - they are whining about playing a song they think is too hard - or having a full-on temper tantrum - they are crying and hiding under the piano bench to avoid the piano (This happened many years ago in a lesson. I held the young man’s hand and marched him out to his mother’s car. I told her his lesson was over for the day and that we would try again next week. I am proud to tell you that same young man has continued lessons with me all these years and will be graduating high school this year. He has continued to study piano his own way and has achieved unconventional success but he has learned to keep working and to respect my instruction. Hugh goal achieved!) Our temptation in those situations is to give in. Just make it stop!

Like Robert Locke says in his article, that is teaching your child a strategy but it is not about coping or perseverance or discipline. Giving in only teaches them that crying and being loud works. Each time you give in, their will becomes stronger.

The first time you do not give in, you may feel like they will never stop crying or they will never settle down. Once they learn that tactic is not going to be successful, they will not work so hard at their tantrum (an uncontrolled outburst of anger and frustration, typically in a young child.) the next time.

Each time you stand your ground. You speak calmly to the child, assure them that you love them and they are safe but remind them that they must obey you. Their tantrum will become less powerful and last a shorter period of time.

If it’s not working, they are smart and will try a different strategy.

Set YOURSELF up for success

Here are some suggestions for setting your piano kid and yourself up for success.

• Prepare your child for what is to come.
  • We don’t like surprises or changes to our routine.
  • Explain, in a way they will understand, that something different is going to happen. It doesn’t have to be a long involved lecture, just a quick, “We usually go to piano lessons on Wednesday but now we get to go on Monday.”
• Make sure the task is something that will have a positive impact on your child.
  • Don’t push them into harder music or piano contests if they aren’t ready - technically or emotionally.
  • Work with your teacher to find music and activities that will progressively help them move forward in the piano skills.
• Take responsibility for yourself and how you and your spouse wish to raise your child.
  • If you know your child has had a rough week, text your teacher or speak to them privately. Give him or her a heads up about what’s been happening. They will most likely support you and encourage your piano kid.
  • Like the mom at the top of the show. I heard her working with her son. I didn’t interfere but when his sister’s lesson was done, I gave the mom my best smile and told her to hang in there, that I was sending her strong mom vibes. Parents need encouragement too. The next lesson this week, everybody was back on track.

Final Thoughts

Parenting is not for the faint of heart. Our children don’t come with instruction manuals, we have to learn as we go. Sometimes we will give in too easily because we are tired and we just want some peace and quiet. I want you to know you are doing a good work and I support you and hope to encourage you.

Hang in there!

Piano Parent Summer Survival Kit FREE mini eBook

This episode is brought to you by “The Piano Parent Summer Survival Kit”.

The end of the school year and summer break is just around the corner. With the excitement of a change of pace comes the reality that your piano kid is going to have more free time on their hands.

Rather than just telling them to go practice piano, I’ve created a free resource for you to use that has fun and creative ways to help them stay engaged with their music and playing the piano this summer.

The Piano Parent Summer Survival Kit mini eBook offers a variety of activities to keep your piano momentum progressing forward. There are things your piano kid can do independently as well as suggestions for things your whole family can do together.

Complete the form below to have your kit delivered right to your email inbox.

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Thanks for listening!

To share your thoughts:

• Leave a note in the comment section below
• Ask a question at pianoparentpodcast@gmail.com
• Share this show on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest

To help out the show:

• leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews help other piano parents and teachers find the show.
• Subscribe on Spotify, iTunes, Podbean, or your favorite podcast player. 

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 this and more reflections at www.PianoParentPodcast.com/319

I started to call this chat "Hobbyist vs Serious Musicians" but realized that's not a fair description. Some would say I'm a hobbyist at podcasting - because I make ZERO money doing it - but I still take it very seriously. That's why I made the change to "Hobbyist vs Career Musicians" - some of our piano kids are doing lessons for a season, without the intention of pursuing music in college or as a profession while others have different long-term plans.

Your goals have a big impact on the teacher you select and how that teacher will go about teaching you to play the piano.

Please visit www.pianoparentpodcast.com/327 to learn more.

Today's episode offers help for those piano kids who have a difficult time feeling the steady beat of music.  Some children can feel the beat but they aren't yet able to discern the downbeat, the start of a new measure.

If a child has trouble feeling the steady pulse of music they listen to, they will have even more trouble trying to reproduce a steady beat in the music they play.

Learn more at www.PianoParentPodcast.com/348

We do everything we can, as parents, to set our kids up for success at the piano. We pay for lessons, drive them to their lesson, provide them with an instrument to practice. What steps should we take to help our piano kids overcome failure?

How can we make their piano journey "so simple, plain, or reliable as to leave no opportunity for error, misuse, or failure"?

Find out in today's episode and learn more at www.PianoParentPodcast.com/349.

Summertime is a great time to take a much-deserved break! It's also a great time to catch up on reading or, at least maintain your reading capabilities. The same tactics that help new readers to read library books will also work for piano kids learning to read new music. Find some helpful tips for reading both kinds of literature on today's show.

Learn more at www.PianoParentPodcast.com/333

I’m sure you’ve heard the expression, “Where words fail, music speaks”- a quote by Hans Christian Andersen. Today’s musical mystery will tell you the story of an occasion where words could have gotten you fired so music was the only way to communicate.

Hear the full story in today's Musical Mystery Opus 4, No. 2 "Turn out the lights, the party's over!"

Visit www.pianoparentpodcast.com/326 for more information about this mystery as well as a link to other Musical Mysteries.

Why would a world-class athlete, someone who is at the top of their physical abilities, need a coach? Find out on today's show.

www.pianoparentpodcast.com/308

Every June, our Texas Music Teachers Association hosts a conference. It is one of the highlights of my year because I gain so much from attending.

Our state conference brings in top-notch presenters to share new teaching strategies, new music, and other professional development opportunities. There are also many activities for students and their parents.

On today's show, I am bringing the conference experience to you with ten takeaways for piano parents. You can learn more at www.PianoParentPodcast.com/340

Welcome new Piano Parents!

If you and your piano kid are new to the wonderful world of piano lessons, you may be wondering what kinds of things they will be learning during this first year.

Today's episode gives you a few things to expect.

Learn more at www.PianoParentPodcast.com/352.

Click here to download this episode.

In this episode we learn

♫ How Raphaelita’s instructor, mentor, and lifelong friend discovered her when she was practicing at a local church one day.

♫ How Raphealita’s upbringing and the influence of her mother helped her become an excellent student.

♫ The difference between the casual piano parent who aims to broaden their child’s interests and knowledge versus the more stern piano parent who views piano study as a launching pad for additional opportunities for their piano kid in college and beyond.

♫ How Raphaelita uses WhatsApp to help her students stay motivated and practicing throughout the week.

One question I enjoy asking the teachers I interview is, "If you could spend time with any composer, who would you choose and why?" Without hesitation, Raphaelita gave me her answer.

The person Raphaelita most admires and would love to spend time with is her instructor and mentor, Veda Zuponcic. Professor Zuponcic is the Founding Artistic Director of the Northern Lights Music Festival in Aurora, Minnesota.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dAK2p-H6gG0

Connect with Raphaelita Justice

For information about piano lessons in Raphaelita's Piano Academy go to Muse Piano Academy FaceBook Page  (Teachers may also contact Raphaelita for custom advertising videos.)

Thanks for listening!

To share your thoughts:

• Leave a note in the comment section below
• Ask a question at pianoparentpodcast@gmail.com
• Share this show on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest

To help out the show:

• leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews help other piano parents and teachers find the show.
• Subscribe on iTunes, Podbean, or your favorite podcast player. 

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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.

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.

RAMI BAR-NIV (RAHmee BarNEEV) is one of Israel's most acclaimed and sought-after pianists. He travels extensively and has become an international citizen, concertizing all over the world. Rami has performed on every continent with the exception of Antarctica (I suppose we'll excuse you from that one).

In addition to concertizing and lecturing, Rami also composes and has written two books. On today's show, Rami will share insights from his first book, The Art of Piano Fingering.

Every tenth episode of the Piano Parent Podcast offers you a list of ten somethings. On today's show, I present to you a list of Ten Wintery Pieces.

A textbook definition of sight-reading would be the ability to read a piece of sheet music on the spot and to be able to play it as you're reading it. Another aspect of sight-reading is the ability to use your eyes to track the music on the page while your hands find the notes without having to look at them.

On today's show, Christopher Oill talks about sight-reading - it's value and how to improve this skill.

One of the best ways to help a child learn to play an instrument is to get them singing familiar tunes. When your piano kid is able to sing a song, playing it on an instrument is exponentially more successful. On today's show, we meet with an author who understands this fact very well. Emily Norris has written a new book of piano sheet music to help young children begin learning to sing and play familiar songs on the piano and she is here to tell us all about it.

Learn more at www.PianoParentPodcast.com/337

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

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.

My studio was recently gifted with a Baldwin Hamilton baby grand piano and I am thrilled! Going through this new experience taught me a few things that I think you might enjoy learning as well.

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

In our fourth teacher chat, Beth Horton and I discuss hand hygiene and fingernails.

Listen to additional teacher chats here.

Listen to the full episode here

Beth Horton

Beth is a teacher in Lubbock, Texas who teaches in a multi-teacher studio, travels to students' homes, and offers online piano lessons. Beth will be featured in the next teacher interview coming out May 6, Episode 141.

What do you expect as far as hand hygiene from your students?

Beth - In a word, CLEAN. As for length, hold your hand up and look at your palm, if you see you fingernail over the back of your fingertip, your nails are too long.

Shelly - "Biting your nails is gross," ~ Allison Thompson, the most popular girl in my fifth grade class.

What problems can result from fingernails that are too long?

Beth - Fingernails make a clacking sound on the piano keys. To avoid that sound, many students play with flat fingers. To play with flat fingers, their third knuckle will collapse, their wrist is arched, and there is so much tension in their playing. Students can't play as beautifully with this tension in their hands. Over time, that kind of stress and tension can cause more serious injury.

Shelly - As a person who rarely paints her nails, I did paint them as an experiment for this chat. The awareness that I have polish on my nails has caused me to be more careful with how I use my hands. I don't want to scratch or chip my nails. While playing the piano, I am less focused on my music and more conscientious about my nails. When I removed the polish, I noticed that my fingernails were much dirtier underneath than they are when I don't have polish to cover the dirt up.

It's prom season. What alternatives are there to long acrylic nails?

Beth - If you choose to go the acrylic route, be sure to go back to the salon to have them professionally removed. Do not pick at your nails or pull them off yourself.

Two alternatives to consider:

Gel Manicure

Dip Powder Manicure

Shelly - Celebrate that special occasion! Enjoy prom or your cousin's wedding but also consider your piano responsibilities. Prom season is also recital season. You don't want to spend a load of money getting your nails done only to have them cause problems with your piano playing.

One thing for parents to take away from this chat -

Beth - Have a strategy before you go to the salon or after soccer practice.

Shelly - You are sharing the piano keyboard with every other student who has seen your teacher this week. Keep your hands clean and ask your piano teacher to keep the piano keys clean.

Consider piano playing when you are getting ready for those special occasions.

Connect with Beth

Sharing the Love of Music

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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.