raising musical kids Archives - Page 2 of 8

When Piano Feels Hard: How Piano Practice Goals Keep Students Going

It’s easy for a student’s excitement about piano to ebb and flow. Some weeks, they’re eager to sit down and play. Other weeks… well, the piano bench seems to collect more dust than practice time.

The truth is, even the most enthusiastic learners hit periods where progress feels slow or the music feels “too hard.” That’s why having clear, personal piano practice goals can make such a difference. When students know exactly what they’re working toward — in their own words — they have a built-in source of motivation to keep going, even when the initial excitement fades.

Continue reading “When Piano Feels Hard: How Piano Practice Goals Keep Students Going”

Meet Our August Students of the Month: Chloe & Savannah

At Busy Kids Do Piano, I often hear the question: “Is your program just for little kids?” The answer is a resounding no! While many families join us when their children are just beginning their musical journey, Busy Kids Do Piano continues to support students as they grow—musically and developmentally. In fact, some of our most committed and accomplished pianists are now in their teens!

That’s why I’m so excited to introduce you to our August Students of the Month: Chloe and Savannah. Both girls are 14 years old and have been learning with Busy Kids Do Piano for over five years. Their stories offer a wonderful glimpse into what consistent piano study can look like for older students. Continue reading “Meet Our August Students of the Month: Chloe & Savannah”

7 Secrets to Take the Struggle Out of Piano Practice

If you’re anything like me, you know that getting kids to practice piano consistently can sometimes feel like a real challenge. As a piano teacher and parent, I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years — and today, I’m sharing seven easy and effective piano practice strategies to help make piano practice a smoother, more positive experience for your family. Continue reading “7 Secrets to Take the Struggle Out of Piano Practice”

Piano Practice Motivation

If you have a piano student at home, you probably know that practicing can sometimes feel like an uphill battle. Piano practice motivation comes and goes, and even the most enthusiastic students can hit slumps where they drag their feet to log those practice hours.

As a piano teacher, I see this all the time! And guess what? You’re not alone. I recently sent out a survey to our Busy Kids Do Piano members to find out what challenges they face when it comes to piano practice—and what strategies have worked for their families. Continue reading “Piano Practice Motivation”

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

A couple of years ago, I was walking the Beltline here in Atlanta during our local Pianos for Peace festival, where artists decorate old pianos and just leave them out along the trail for anyone to sit down and play. My friend Shawnna and I make a tradition of it every year — we walk, we find a piano, I play, she takes pictures.

That particular day, I was in the middle of “Piano Man” when a guy on his lunch break wandered over and just started singing along. We moved on to “The Way We Were” (him doing his best Streisand, no shame about it either). Turned out he worked at one of the studios nearby, and he told me he’d always wanted to do a little lunchtime concert for his coworkers but never had anyone to accompany him. So he hired me. I’ve gone back a few times since to play for him. 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”

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”

February 2024 Members of the Month

Allow me to introduce you to our February Members of the Month, siblings Izzy (13), Abe (10), and Noah (8). The family has been a part of Busy Kids Do Piano for over 1 year, and the kids attend school at home. BKDP has been made a part of their family learning routine as they access the materials once a week.

When asked what she loves most about Busy Kids Do Piano, mom Megan states, “I love the fact that it is very affordable, and I can use it for all my children. I also love the fact that it grows with my children, and I can do it from home and fit the practices into our day.” Megan, you’re speaking to one of our main goals with the program…that it works for a wide range of ages and abilities and can grow with your students. Continue reading “February 2024 Members of the Month”

Musical Nutcracker Activities

I’ll be honest — I go a little overboard for the Nutcracker every December. It’s one of those pieces of music that just sounds like the holidays to me, and over the years I’ve built up a whole collection of Nutcracker activities I love sharing with families. So consider this your list, straight from my “favorites” folder to yours. Here are the five I come back to every single year. Continue reading “Musical Nutcracker Activities”

Musical Advent Calendar

Musical Advent Calendar: A Free Printable to Make Your Countdown to Christmas Extra Musical

December has a way of sneaking up on me every single year (you’d think after 22 years of teaching piano through the holidays I’d have this down by now, but nope). One minute it’s Thanksgiving leftovers, and the next my kids are asking when we’re putting up the tree. If your house feels the same way, I’ve got something that might help — a free Musical Advent Calendar to count down the days to Christmas together, one song at a time.

I made this because I wanted something for our family that wasn’t another chocolate-a-day countdown (though, no judgment, we do that too) — something that would slow us down just enough to actually listen to music together during a season that tends to rush right past us. Continue reading “Musical Advent Calendar”