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

On today's show, Stephen Hughes returns to share specific things budding jazz pianists can do to prepare to play piano in their school or church band. You can listen to the first part of our discussion at www.PianoParentPodcast.com/304.

Stephen Hughes, shares practical tips and strategies for that moment when your high school band director recruits you to play keyboard in the school jazz band. In part 1, we'll talk about being proactive, focusing on chords, and listening to Jazz Classics.

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 can only learn independence through experience, 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 put appointments on your calendar to avoid double booking, 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 like you wouldn't skip a dentist appointment if your child forgot to brush their teeth, this summer series will give you ideas about how to handle potential obstacles in your piano studies.

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.