Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and what better way to spread the love than by combining music and creative fun? I’m thrilled to share a special Valentine’s-themed “Color by Pitch” activity that your budding musician will adore. This fun and educational worksheet not only celebrates the holiday but also helps students strengthen their note-reading skills on the bass clef. And the best part? It’s completely free! Simply join my email list, and I’ll send it straight to your inbox for you to download and print. Continue reading “Valentine’s Day Music Theory Printable”
Category: Playing and Learning Tips
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”
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”
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”
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”
Host Your Own Piano Recital: 5 Fun & Easy Ideas
Hello, piano enthusiasts! If I were your in-person piano teacher, we’d be getting ready for our annual Spring Recital this month. Since I’m your virtual piano teacher, I want to help you bring the recital magic to your home. Here are five easy and fun ideas to host your own recital, ensuring your student’s hard work gets the spotlight it deserves.
Why Host a PIANO Recital?
Regular performances are a fantastic motivator for students. They provide a goal to work toward and a chance for friends and family to celebrate their progress. Gather some fellow music students or siblings and invite a small audience. These ideas require minimal preparation and are sure to create a memorable experience. Continue reading “Host Your Own Piano Recital: 5 Fun & Easy Ideas”
Piano Practice Prompt Cards (or…the PICK 3 Piano Practice Game!)
It’s not something exclusive to piano: we all want to be good at something as quickly as possible. Getting in our so-called 10,000 hours is often mundane, and maybe even a bit painful. And let’s be honest, some personalities can tolerate the mundane a bit more than others. For those of us who need extra novelty to keep going with piano practice, I’ve got your back.
Continue reading “Piano Practice Prompt Cards (or…the PICK 3 Piano Practice Game!)”
