Piano Parent Podcast

When you “hire” a teacher, is it the same as an employer hiring an employee? Are you more like a customer buying services similar to the electric or telephone company? Is it like a restaurant where you order what you want off the menu and can request a customized meal? Maybe it’s like using a doctor for his or her knowledge and expertise. Authority You, as the parent, have the ultimate authority and responsibility over your child and for your child. Still, you must submit to your teacher’s authority when it comes to piano lessons.  You must defer to their expertise and knowledge. Communicate goals you and your child have for piano lessons; but also learn what the teacher has to offer as well.  This topic is also covered in Episode 002. Power Struggle Too Much – This parent is too involved.  They might attempt to dictate the course of the lesson, change the teacher’s assignment, demand rescheduled lessons. They try to take too much control. Too Little – This parent isn’t involved enough. They don’t attend lessons. They put all the responsibility of home practice onto their child. They don’t communicate with the teacher. Worst of all, they don’t advocate for their child. Just Right – This parent has struck the right balance of involvement.  They defer to the teacher. They help establish good practice habits. They help their child communicate goals as well as struggles. Caught vs taught The way you interact with people teaches your child how to do the same. Parents must teach their children to be responsible, to communicate well (even if the conversation is a difficult one), and to submit to authority.    

Melissa Cornelison is the mom of two boys who have been studying piano since they were very young children. Her family recently moved and had to transfer to a new piano teacher.  Learn about how they made a smooth transition for their boys in this episode. How do you schedule practice at home? Treat home practice like homework, chores, or any other responsibility. Kyle, Melissa’s older son, practices three hours each day.  He hopes to make music part of his profession some day.  While Kaden isn’t as passionate about music as Kyle, he still practices piano 30-45 minutes daily. What struggles have your guys overcome through piano study? Kaden struggled with self confidence, especially with the shadow cast by his older brother’s musical talent and passion. Pursuing different music opportunities has helped him to find his own musical voice. Mountaintop Experiences through piano study – Kaden participated in Summer Jam through Stephen Hughes studio, Musical Accents. Kyle was a finalist in the Dallas Piano Solo competition through his preparation with the McDonald Music Studios. A word of advice for new piano parents: Start little and stay consistent. Resources mentioned in this episode: Stephanie Johnson’s Piano Studio Stephen Hughes at Musical Accents Studio Stephen Hughes’ Summer Jam Alex McDonald at McDonald Music Studios Dallas Piano Solo Competition Texas Music Teachers Association East Texas Music Teachers Association Find a piano teacher in the United States through Music Teachers National Association

Episode Highlights: Jennifer Foxx is a piano teacher from Arizona. She can be reached at www.foxxpianostudio.com. Student reminder: Mark your practice sessions from home in your assignment folder. Go beyond the notes and rhythms; the dynamics and articulations really make the piece shine. Parent reminder: Reminders about studio happenings via email and studio newsletter. Teacher motivation: Jennifer likes to do themes to change things up each year.  The studio recital follows the theme from the year. The theme for 2016-2017 is “You’re a Star!” Resources mentioned in this episode: Piano Maestro Piano Pronto Piano Guys on YouTube Jennifer’s Composer Pick: Kids can learn more about Jennifer’s favorite composer, Jon Schmidt with The Piano Guys here. Parting Wisdom: Teachers can be very passionate about their teaching.  Parents need to be mindful of the teacher/student relationship. Contact Jennifer:  www.foxxpianostudio.com

AKA “Linear Circle of 5ths” (Magic Wand is a much cooler name, don’t you think?) My students take the annual theory exam offered by Texas Music Teachers Association. The information I describe in this podcast coincides with the concepts students need to know for the Level 5 and Level 6 theory exam. One of the primary concepts students need to know for this test, and musicians need to be familiar with in general, is key signatures. In this episode, we extend the original 7 keys (F C G D A E B) (previously discussed in Episode 013) to include all the major keys, from C♭ with 7 flats to C♯ with 7 sharps. It all starts with a goofy sentence about a Fat Cat: Fat Cats Go Down Alleys Eating Bacon This is the sentence used to start the whole process of drawing the Magic Wand; it will also be useful for remembering the order or sharps/flats.  When drawing the Magic Wand on a scratch sheet of paper, students are instructed to draw a rectangle around these seven letters. (See step 2 on the Magic Wand free resource sheet.) This box serves two purposes:  1. To remember which keys do not require a sharp or flat as part of their name. Anything inside the box uses that letter only as the name of the key. Any letters written outside the box and to the right, require a sharp as part of the name: F♯, C♯ (think “sharps go to the right” just like they do on the piano keys.) Any letters written outside the box and to the left, require a flat as part of the name: B♭, E♭, A♭, etc. (think “flats go to the left” just like they do on the piano keys.) 2. To remember the order of sharps and flats as they occur in a key signature. Order of Sharps (♯) starting with F and reading to the right: FCGDAEB Order of Flats (♭) starting with B and reading to the left: BEADGCF Use the Magic Wand to identify major key signatures: Identifying Major keys and their corresponding sharps/flats is easy with the Magic Wand! Notice the number of flats listed at the beginning of a piece or on a theory test question. For example, two flats (♭) listed after a treble clef sign. Look on your Magic Wand to find the number two. Be sure to look on the left portion of the Magic Wand because flats go the left. The letter below the number two is B♭.  This is the key of b♭ Major. The order of flats will tell you that the key of B♭ Major uses B♭ and E♭.   What if there are six sharps (♯) listed listed as a theory test questions? Look on your Magic Wand to find the number six.  There are two number sixes on the Magic Wand, we want the one to the right of C because sharps go to the right. The letter below that number six is F♯. This is the key of F♯ Major. The order of sharps will tell you that the sharps in the key of F♯ Major are F♯, C♯, G♯, D♯, A♯, and E♯. Use the Magic Wand to create chord patterns: You can use the Magic Wand to create your own music and chord patterns!  Follow these steps to get started.  (I apologize in advance for my primitive, hand-drawn graphics!) The steps correspond with the last five minutes of the podcast.       Hook Theory is a fun website to explore thousands of songs and the chord progressions they use. Hope this helps you and good luck on the theory test!!  

Gladys Casper is the mom of three daughters, two of whom studied with fellow East Texas teacher, Donna Calaway.  Gladys recognizes music as a core subject for students and sought to find a compatible teacher for her girls. How do you schedule practice at home? Practice comes before going other activities or spending time with friends. These days, the girls get up early to do their piano practicing. What struggles have your girls overcome through piano study? The Texas Music Teachers Association theory exam is a challenge the girls face every year. The effort and diligence they apply to preparing for the test also helps them with other academic endeavors. Mountaintop Experiences through piano study – Preparing for the East Texas Music Teachers Association Achievement Auditions and being successful has been a great experience for the girls. A word of advice for new piano parents: Take time and do the research to find a compatible teacher for your child. Help them find music they enjoy playing. Resources mentioned in this episode: Annie Moses Band Texas Music Teachers Association East Texas Music Teachers Association Find a piano teacher in the United States through Music Teachers National Association    

Episode Highlights: Chrisanne Holm is a piano teacher from Albertville, Minnesota. She can be reached at cholmpiano@gmail.com and www.chrisanneholmpianostudio.com. Student reminder: Counting, not to race over quarter notes in the middle of eighth notes. Pay attention to the music. Parent reminder: Studio events and schedule, despite the printed studio calendar. Teacher motivation: I enjoy my job! I enjoy seeing the light bulb go on when a student masters a concept or a piece they’ve learned. Resources mentioned in this episode: Useful Apps: Piano Maestro – 4:4 teachers recommend Piano Maestro for their students….so far.

Mentioned in this episode: Florida Stephen Foster State Park Musical Instrument Museum These are my ten reasons….today. What would you add to this list?  Please comment below.

  Sanette Brems is the mom of six daughters, five of whom I get to work with every week. The Brems family realized the importance of piano study as a basic, foundation instrument. Kids need a hobby, something to do that gets them excited, and piano is something they could do year-round. They invested in a quality piano their girls could practice on rather than trying to arrange practice at a friend’s house. How do you schedule practice for five piano players?!? Practice as soon as you get home from school Practice before electronics or playing with friends Youngest tend to go first The older girls can stay up later to practice after the younger girls are done Mom must be a factor in reminding about practice. How to overcome struggles If a new piece is too hard, go back to something else you are familiar with – you are still practicing piano Is it not uncommon for students to avoid practice if they don’t remember what to do or if they don’t feel confident Keep working at it Ask for help Try to end the practice session on a happy note (pun intended) A word of advice for new piano parents: Be patient It won’t happen all at once Practicing is as much your duty as it is your child’s Find something specific to compliment your child on when they are finished practicing Make the compliment genuine Resources mentioned in this episode: 10,000 Hours as mentioned in Malcolm Gladwell’s book Outliers: The Story of Success Tran-Siberian Orchestra on YouTube Trans-Siberian Orchestra – The Christmas Attic CD Includes 3 Extra Songs SDPS Bead Incentive Caitlyn’s YouTube video Here is the sheet music to the piece Caitlyn played in her YouTue video:  Dream Echoes: Sheet by E. L. Lancaster          

Episode Highlights: Emily Quiles is a piano teacher from Manhattan, Kansas. She can be reached at missemspiano@aol.com and www.missemilyspianolessons.com and on Facebook. Student reminder: Students in Emily’s studio are able to take a “puppy break” and enjoy time with her therapy dogs, Abrams and Gertie. Parent reminder: Give me a heads up if your child is struggling with something.  I will do everything in my power to help them. Teacher motivation: Pick me up folder Resources mentioned in this episode: Useful Apps: Piano Maestro Treble Cat Bass Cat Contact Emily:  missemspiano@aol.com Kids can learn more about Emily’s favorite composer, Jennifer Eklund with Piano Pronto here. Jennifer Eklund has a YouTube Channel where students can listen to many of her wonderful compositions.

Episode Highlights: 45 Gratifying Facts about Thanksgiving A little more about Sarah Hale, the Mother of Thanksgiving Thanksgiving makes me think of food, family and football. Football makes me think of the Parent/Teacher/Student relationship (Episode 002) The student is the player The teacher is the coach The parents are the cheerleaders! Here is an excerpt from my studio policy: Parental Involvement Parents are welcome to attend weekly lessons at any time; provided the student is comfortable with that arrangement.  Parents can also show support by arranging a regular practice schedule on a quality instrument.  Be your child’s biggest fan and cheerleader.  Encourage your student to play for family and friends.  Tell them how much you enjoy hearing them play.  Tell them which songs you like and why.  Piano lessons require a great deal of discipline and that is best accomplished in a positive manner.  The following things do not work:  yelling at your child, using practice as punishment, comparing your child’s progress to someone else’s, or criticizing your child without also praising their strengths. Music is for Sharing Listen to music as you travel and let your child choose some of the songs on your playlist (Episode 010) If there is a piano where you are traveling for the holidays: Take your music books so your child can play a few of their favorite pieces for their grandparents. Let your piano kid “teach” a relative one of their songs. Collaborate with other family members for a Thanksgiving Concert! If there is not a piano or you are not traveling for the holidays: Use Skype or Facetime to call Grandma and Grandpa for a piano concert over the telephone. There are few better cheerleaders than grandparents!!    

Suzanne Tapley is a piano parent from my own studio in East Texas.  Her daughter, Ashlynn, showed an interest in the arts as a young child. Suzanne gave her opportunities to experience the arts in many areas: art, ballet, band, piano, etc. Piano lessons have helped Ashlynn overcome shyness by performing in piano recitals and school talent show and other activities.  This will serve her well as she grows and must present reports in college and professionally. A word of advice for new piano parents: Don’t let your child quit too soon. Finish your commitments. Frustration is okay. If something is worth learning, it is worth working for. Resources mentioned in this episode: National Elementary Honor Society KVNE Christian Radio Station East Texas Symphony Orchestra  

Episode Highlights: Hetty Jagersma is a piano teacher from the Edmonton, Alberta area. Hetty teaches private piano lessons as well as Music for Young Children classes. She can be reached at hettymyc@gmail.com Student reminder: Exactly what constitutes a quality practice session. There is more to playing music than simply reading the notes, notice all the other markings like dynamics and articulations. Parent reminder: Very few students ‘want‘ to practice. It is the parent’s responsibility to teach their children the life skill and discipline of practicing. Teacher motivation: Building relationships with students and their parents. Resources mentioned in this episode: Useful Apps: Piano Maestro Speak Beat Contact Hetty:  hettymyc@gmail.com Kids can learn more about Hetty’s favorite composer, Jennifer Eklund with Piano Pronto here. Jennifer Eklund has a YouTube Channel where students can listen to many of her wonderful compositions.

Why do you have your child enrolled in piano lessons? Prepare for a future concert career – UNREALISTIC Not all piano students will grow up to become concert pianists! Do you even want them to?? Lots of travel. Too much time away from home. High expectations. Hectic Schedule. Prepare for lifetime of music enjoyment – REALISTIC If we aren’t expecting our children to become concert pianists then why are they studying piano? Self-esteem – Preparing and presenting music in a recital or music audition Discipline and patience, not instant gratification Problem Solving Memorization Concentration Coordination – eye/hand, hand/hand Bonus Benefits This is Your Brain on Music graphic Music is one of the few activities that engages the whole brain: front to back, side to side, top to bottom. (Watch this video) Right Brain – creative Frontal Lobe – emotional Auditory Cortex – processing what you hear Left Brain – logical Frontal Lobe – patterns Sensory Cortex – touch Occipital Lobe – processing what you see Daniel Levitin Links: Daniel Levitin Book: This is Your Brain on Music Music and the Brain interview Daniel Levitin and Bobby McFerrin (Just because I love this video!!) Get more of Bobby McFerrin:  The Best of Bobby McFerrin    

AKA “Linear Circle of 5ths” (Magic Wand is a much cooler name, don’t you think?) My students take the annual theory exam offered by Texas Music Teachers Association. The information I describe in this podcast coincides with the concepts students need to know for the Level 3 and Level 4 theory exam. One of the primary concepts students need to know for this test, and musicians need to be familiar with in general, is key signatures. It all starts with a goofy sentence about a Fat Cat: Fat Cats Go Down Alleys Eating Bacon Third Graders taking the TMTA theory test only need to know the first three letters: F, C, G. Students can remember: “F uses the Flat” meaning the F major scale uses a black key B. “C is Clear” meaning the C major scale has no black keys (no sharps or flats) “G uses the Sharp” meaning the G major scale uses a black key F. I tell my students to say, “C is Clear, F has the Flat, and G is the other one.” Fourth Graders taking the TMTA theory test are responsible for the keys of F, C, G, D, A, and E (I still teach them B to complete the sentence, though they won’t be tested over the B major scale) Students build on the information they learned in third grade. Order of Sharps (♯): FCGDAEB Order of Flats (♭): BEADGCF Use the Magic Wand to play major scales: D scale Put pinkies on two D piano keys. Place your other fingers (not your thumbs) on the white keys in-between the two D’s On your Magic Wand, notice that there is a number 2 above the letter D.  This means the D scale uses 2 sharps (♯). Looking at the Order of Sharps, you will notice that the first two sharps are F and C Now we know that we need to use a black key F and a black key C to play the D major scale correctly. Play the piano keys in order starting with your left pinkie going up to your right pinkie. E scale Put pinkies on two E piano keys. Place your other fingers (not your thumbs) on the white keys in-between the two E’s On the Magic Wand, notice that there is a number 4 above the letter E. This means the E major scale uses 4 sharps (♯). Looking at the Order of Sharps, you will notice that the first four sharps are F C G  and D Now we know that we need to use black keys on F, C, G, and D to play the E major scale correctly. Play the piano keys in order starting with your left pinkie going up to your right pinkie. Use the Magic Wand to identify major key signatures: Just like we can use the Magic Wand to know the correct notes to play in a scale, we can go in reverse and identify a key name by studying the key signature. Notice the number of sharps listed at the beginning of a piece. For example, three sharps (♯) listed after a treble clef sign. Look on your Magic Wand to find the number three. Be sure to look to the right of C because sharps go to the right. The letter below the number three is A.  This is the key of A Major. The order of sharps will tell you that the sharps in the key of A are F, C, and G. What if there is one flat (♭) listed after a treble clef sign? Look on your Magic Wand to find the number one.  There are two number ones on the Magic Wand, we want the one to the left of C because flats go to the left. The letter below the number one is F. This is the key of F Major. The order of flats will tell you that the flat in the key of F is B. Hope this helps you and good luck on the theory test!! Listen to Part 2 here.  

Episode Highlights: When you say “Yes” to something, you’re saying “No” to something else. Piano lessons are a commitment: Regular appointment.  Know your teacher’s policy about the lesson schedule. Piano lessons are not the same as a doctor or salon appointment. (Episode 002) Get past the mindset of buying time. (A word to the wise: if your teacher still charges by the lesson, beware – they are likely to burn out and get a different job soon.) There will be schedule conflicts.  It is the piano parents’ responsibility to manage them. My studio makeup policy: Each semester offers 16 private and group lessons but tuition pays for 14 lessons. This allows for two extra lessons per semester that may be missed as necessary. Makeup lessons may be offered during the week of a piano party. Students who inform me about a schedule conflict ahead of time might be able to work out a lesson swap with another student. Sometimes lessons will be missed: Missing school due to sickness is a legitimate reason to miss your piano lesson. If a parent or driver is sick and cannot bring the student to the lesson, try to do a lesson via Skype or Facetime. Be creative: tag team with dad, an older sibling, or a grandparent, hire a driver, carpool with other parents. Lack of practice is NOT a good reason to skip a lesson.  Sometimes coming to the lesson is just the motivation you need to get back on track. What creative ways have you used to avoid a missed piano lesson? Comment below or in our Facebook Group.