Author: carly

Setting Practice Goals for the New Year

As we flip the calendar to 2025, many of us are thinking about New Year’s resolutions. The start of a new year feels like the perfect time for fresh beginnings and ambitious goals. But here’s an interesting fact: research shows that 80% of New Year’s resolutions fail by February! Why? Often, it’s because the goals are too big, too vague, or not supported by a solid plan.

Instead of setting yourself up for frustration, try focusing on small, achievable goals—especially when it comes to piano practice. These types of goals can create positive momentum, build confidence, and lead to lasting progress over time. Whether you’re just starting out or have been playing for years, the key is to focus on what’s attainable, specific, and motivating.  Continue reading “Setting Practice Goals for the New Year”

Why Busy Kids Do Piano Works for Families of All Sizes

Think your Thanksgiving table will be full this year? Well, it’s my pleasure to introduce you to a Busy Kids Do Piano family in Missouri who has been in the program for just under a year. In addition to Mom, Jenifer, learning to play, they have 6 children who are learning to play piano (Rachel (16), Kennah (15), David (11), Kaden (10), Blake (9), Addilyn (8)) and 4 others! The kids attend school at home and dive into the BKDP lessons multiple times per week. Continue reading “Why Busy Kids Do Piano Works for Families of All Sizes”

Piano for 6 kids? See how this homeschool crew does it!

It’s time for October’s Member of the Month. I love to share with you about families who are a part of the Busy Kids Do Piano program. I feature families of all shapes and sizes and families who are using the program for various reasons. My hope is that eventually, you’d recognize your family’s unique needs in these stories and see how you too could benefit from the BKDP program.

Today, we’re meeting an amazing homeschooling family from New York where all SIX of the kids are learning piano through BKDP. Garrett (17), Lillian (14), Amalia, (12), Landon (10), Maeve (8), and Felicity (5) have only been a part of BKDP for a few months, but they are accessing the lessons several times a week and making the most of it! Continue reading “Piano for 6 kids? See how this homeschool crew does it!”

Why Piano Performances are Key to Becoming a Better Musician

When I was a young piano student, I often participated in local piano competitions. After one particular competition, all the finalists were asked to perform one of their pieces for an audience filled with families, teachers, and fellow students. I felt prepared and confident—until a giant bug landed on my hand mid-performance! I’m not a fan of giant bugs, so I let out a tiny scream and waved my hand in the air to get rid of it before continuing to play. Was I mortified? Absolutely. But I also learned some valuable lessons from that piano performance, lessons that shaped me as a musician and performer.

Performing for an audience is an important step in every musician’s journey. It’s not just about playing the right notes; it’s about gaining confidence, building resilience, and connecting with your listeners. Here’s why stepping into the spotlight (bugs and all!) is so important for your growth as a pianist. Continue reading “Why Piano Performances are Key to Becoming a Better Musician”

Pumpkin Music Math: A Fun Way to Practice Music Note Values This Fall

Fall is here, and with it comes cooler weather, cozy sweaters, and pumpkin themed everything! To celebrate the season, I’ve created a brand new Pumpkin Music Math printable that will help young musicians practice their note values in a fun, festive way.

Whether your child is just beginning their musical journey or needs a little extra practice with rhythm, this activity offers a playful approach to mastering note values, which is a crucial skill for reading and performing music. Continue reading “Pumpkin Music Math: A Fun Way to Practice Music Note Values This Fall”

Celebrate Piano Month: Free Coloring Book & Fun Piano Facts for Kids

Happy National Piano Month, everyone! September is a special time for us at Busy Kids Do Piano, and we’re excited to celebrate with you. Whether you’re a beginner just starting your musical journey or an experienced pianist, this month is all about appreciating the beauty and joy that playing the piano brings. Continue reading “Celebrate Piano Month: Free Coloring Book & Fun Piano Facts for Kids”

Lexi’s Experience with Busy Kids Do Piano: Flexible and Fun

We are featuring an awesome Busy Kids student, Lexi, today! Let me tell you ALL the cool things about Lexi.
She has been playing piano for around 5 years, previously taking lessons at her school. But she’s finding that Busy Kids Do Piano is extra helpful to her progress. Lexi’s mom says, “We love how it is in a video format which allows us to watch and repeat a lesson whenever we want. We like that flexibility to adjust the lessons to our schedules and holiday plans.”
YEP, this is why we’ve developed BKDP – to make music learning a more convenient enrichment to your student’s life.

Continue reading “Lexi’s Experience with Busy Kids Do Piano: Flexible and Fun”

Piano Practice Bingo Card

Practicing the piano can sometimes feel like a chore, especially for young learners. To make practice sessions more engaging and enjoyable, I’ve created a free printable Piano Practice Bingo Card! This fun and interactive tool turns practice into a game, motivating students to complete various musical tasks while building essential skills. Download and print your bingo card, and bring some fun and games into your practice routine! Continue reading “Piano Practice Bingo Card”

Meet Robyn: A Busy Mom Finding Joy in Piano

We have a special edition of Member of the Month for you today. If you’ve followed along with these features, you know we normally take time to focus on a student who shows engagement and commitment within Busy Kids Do Piano. Today, however, we are focusing on an adult student, Robyn, who began my Busy Moms Do Piano curriculum.

Continue reading “Meet Robyn: A Busy Mom Finding Joy in Piano”

4 Ways to Combine Music and Nature

We are in that sweet spot of seasons—spring becoming summer—and it’s time to get outside. With most kids out of school, there’s a perfect opportunity to embrace the outdoors. But stepping outside doesn’t mean your student’s music education has to stop. In fact, it can thrive! Today, I’m excited to share four fun games that beautifully combine nature and music learning in the form of musical nature walks. Perhaps you can choose one per week for the next four weeks as an enriching exercise. Let’s dive in! Continue reading “4 Ways to Combine Music and Nature”