Piano Parent Podcast
Hosted by Shelly Davis
...helping parents support their piano kids and make the most of piano lessons. The Piano Parent Podcast is your one-stop shop for all things related to parenting a piano student. From practice tips to piano geography in musical terms, common studio practices to teacher and parent interviews, this is THE best resource to help you and your piano kid make the most of piano lessons. Whether you are a knowledgeable musician or a complete novice, there is definitely something for you here.
5 public episodes
Cover art and public share links
PPP382: Rowina Sidler and Noteology: A New Way to Learn to Read Music
Rowena Sidler grew up playing piano entirely by ear—and quit traditional lessons after only ten weeks because reading music was so frustrating. Years later, her background in education, computer science, and memory techniques inspired her to create Noteology, an app designed to make note reading more memorable and intuitive. Rowena and Shelly talk about memory palaces, intervallic reading, quirky characters (including a winged camel!), helping parents learn alongside their piano kids, and the ultimate goal: raising lifelong music makers. Learn more at www.PianoParentPodcast.com/382
PPP 381: Eric Church's 2026 Commencement Speech: Every Parent Should Hear This
In this special episode, Shelly reacts to Eric Church's memorable 2026 commencement speech at the University of North Carolina. Using the six strings of a guitar as a metaphor for life, Church shares timeless lessons about faith, family, resilience, community, and finding your unique voice. Shelly explores how these principles apply not only to graduates, but also to piano parents and the young musicians they're raising. A thoughtful conversation about staying "in tune" with what matters most.
PPP380: Ten Life Rules from Robert Schumann
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
PPP 379: Learn how this mom helped her son rewrite his internal script, with piano parent, Kristen Pennington
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
PPP 376: When Piano Lessons Click: Jazz, Storytelling, and Helping Kids Fall in Love with Music with Susan Staples Bell
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