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”
Category: Playing and Learning Tips
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
If your kiddo has ever looked at the piano bench like it personally wronged them, you are not alone. I’ve been teaching piano for a long time, and I can tell you with complete confidence that “practice resistance” is one of the most universal struggles in music education. It doesn’t mean your child doesn’t love music, or that you’re doing something wrong. It usually just means practice needs a little spark.
Which is exactly why I made this: a free printable Piano Practice Bingo Card.
The concept is simple, and really, that’s the point. Each square on the card has a different practice task — things like playing scales, sight-reading, improvising, working on dynamics, and more. As your student completes each task, they mark off the square. The goal? Fill a row, a column, a diagonal, or if you’ve got a particularly ambitious kid, the whole card. It’s still practice, but now it has a game layered over it, and that shift makes a surprisingly big difference.
Why it works (without feeling gimmicky)
What I love about the bingo format is that it introduces variety naturally. Your student isn’t grinding through the same checklist every day — they’re making choices, working toward a goal, and covering a truly broad range of skills along the way. Technical work like scales and tricky passages builds finger strength and coordination. Playing with dynamics helps them understand how emotion lives inside music. Improvising and experimenting with different tempos or keys builds the kind of creative confidence that sticks around long after the bingo card is done.
And if you want to add a small reward for completing a line or finishing the card? Absolutely do it. It doesn’t have to be elaborate — extra screen time, a favorite treat, a trip to get ice cream — the point is that your student has something to work toward that feels worth the effort.
How to get it
Just click the link, download the PDF, and print it out. It’s ready to use as-is, so there’s no prep work on your end. Slip it into your practice space and let your student know the game is on.
Download your free Piano Practice Bingo Card here.
If your family gives it a try, I’d love to hear how it goes — tag me on social media @busymomsdopiano. Happy practicing!
Carly
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!)”
Spring Music Activities Round-Up
Spring has sprung, and what better way to embrace the season’s joy than through music? Whether you’re a music enthusiast or just looking for creative ways to engage your family, here is a collection of some of my most popular spring music activities. Continue reading “Spring Music Activities Round-Up”
Wizard of Oz Music Camp
The Wizard of Oz holds a special place in the hearts of many, with its timeless story and unforgettable music. For decades, it has captivated audiences of all ages, transporting them to the magical land of Oz. I’m thrilled to invite you and your young adventurers to join us on a whimsical journey down the yellow brick road with my FREE 3-day online camp inspired by the Wizard of Oz!
