PPP 343: "Navigating Different Perspectives" A Parenting Do Over with Thomas Grayston
Piano Parent Podcast: helping teachers, parents, and students get the most of their piano lessons.
Release Date: 07/24/2023
Piano Parent Podcast: helping teachers, parents, and students get the most of their piano lessons.
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
info_outlinePiano Parent Podcast: helping teachers, parents, and students get the most of their piano lessons.
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.
info_outlinePiano Parent Podcast: helping teachers, parents, and students get the most of their piano lessons.
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.
info_outlinePiano Parent Podcast: helping teachers, parents, and students get the most of their piano lessons.
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.
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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
info_outlinePiano Parent Podcast: helping teachers, parents, and students get the most of their piano lessons.
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
info_outlinePiano Parent Podcast: helping teachers, parents, and students get the most of their piano lessons.
"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 Join the practice challenge at www.PIANOVEMBER.com
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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
info_outlinePiano Parent Podcast: helping teachers, parents, and students get the most of their piano lessons.
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
info_outlinePiano Parent Podcast: helping teachers, parents, and students get the most of their piano lessons.
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
info_outlineBack in February, I interviewed Thomas Grayston (You can catch that interview at www.PianoParentPodcast.com/321). When the official interview was over, I asked Thomas if I could ask him 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 Thomas and me. You can find links and other resources for this episode at www.PianoParentPodcast.com/343.