Piano Parent Podcast: Helping Teachers, Parents, And Students Get The Most Of Their Piano Lessons.

Click here to download this episode. Introductory remarks Listen to the full episode here 1. Why Butterflies? Adrenaline is one way your body works to protect you in a dangerous situation. Part of that protection includes making your heart and lungs work faster and stronger, making your muscles stronger, and helping you think more clearly to you can make quick decisions. The problem is, your brain wants to protect you and kick these things into action if you’re in real danger, say being chased by a bear, or not in real danger, say waiting to play your recital piece. Another group of muscles your brain puts on red alert is your stomach muscles. Since the early 1900s, that constriction of the stomach muscles has been called “butterflies in your stomach”. Maybe 'butterflies' sounds more gentle and calming that hummingbirds or ocean waves. 2. You Care The presence of butterflies shows that you care about this performance and that’s a very good sign. Because you care, you want to do your best. When you have the

Each year, about this time, music teachers around the world prepare their students for recital.  The question is WHY? I can’t speak for other teachers but I’ll use this post to explain why I think a formal spring recital is important along with more details about the way my studio recitals are conducted. Listen to the full episode here First, the WHY: I believe one of the best reasons for a recital is simply the enjoyment of music.  We often listen to music passively while driving in the car or working on other projects, so to set aside an hour to give our undivided attention to music is a gift, not only for the student, but also for each audience member. In addition to celebrating the beauty of music, a formal spring recital is just that – formal.  It provides an opportunity to reinforce all the manners parents want their children to learn and practice as civilized human beings. Sit still and be quiet while others are performing. Give your full attention to something outside yourself. Encourage the efforts