Photo by Tomás Guerra – Fotografia on Unsplash
Wish your child loved practicing music—or at least didn’t dread it? Music educator Barbie Wong shares simple, research-backed strategies to make music practice easier, more joyful, and effective. Barbie is founder of Musical Nest, a vibrant community supporting teachers and parents in inspiring kids to make music. Access tips, tools, and solutions to nurture musical growth, foster motivation, and create joyful, engaging learning experiences for children.
Guest
Barbie Wong is a passionate music educator and founder of Musical Nest, a vibrant community supporting teachers and parents in inspiring kids to make music. She has worked with thousands of educators worldwide, sharing practical strategies to nurture musical growth, foster motivation, and create joyful, engaging learning experiences for children. Barbie uses her background in classical piano and music degrees from Stanford University and Smith College to blend research, real-world experience, and a deep love of teaching to inspire kids and the grown-ups guiding them.
Notes
We discuss:
- Barbie and I met at the MTNA (Music Teachers National Association) annual national convention this spring.
- As a piano teacher, I would say that the biggest challenge I consistently witnessed was parents wanting to give their child the gift of music (through lessons), but not wanting to “force” it on a child when they didn’t want to practice. And sometimes these same parents would lament that they wish their own parents had not “let them quit” piano lessons (when THEY didn’t want to practice)! There’s a lack of clarity around what is the teacher’s role, the parent’s role, and the student’s role – and how much “fun” and “work” should be expected in the music learning experience.
- Barbie shares from one of her most popular workshops, “Music Practice: 5 Ways to Make It Easier.”
- The many FREE resources offered on Barbie’s website, including:
- Download: “10 Ways to Inspire Kids to Make Music”
- Download: Practice schedule to set your child or students up for musical success
- Blog
- E-newsletter
- Premium Resources offered by Barbie and her colleague, Christine Goodner, including:
- “Why Kids (Sometimes) Hate Practice” e-book
- Musical Nest Community
- Barbie’s experience raising her own two musical children, and how her own joys and frustrations in that stage have influenced and informed her work.
- Tip: Experiment with these resources over the summer while your kiddos may be on a more casual lesson & practice schedule and/or you as a parent may have a little more breathing room in your schedule; implement games and other ideas so you don’t lose any progress over the summer and can hit the ground running in the fall!
Connect/Other Resources
- Website: BarbieWong.com
- Socials: @barbiewongmusic (Instagram, YouTube, FB)
- I mention the Bethel University Summer Piano Camp
Other episodes we mentioned or that you may enjoy:
- Ep. 28: My CHILD is taking music lessons; what’s MY role? with Suzanne Greer
- Ep. 106: How to Talk… when kids don’t want to practice, with authors Joanna Faber & Julie King
- Micro 6: Design your own summer camp
- Ep. 6: How to Get Your Child to Practice…Without Resorting to Violence! (Author Cynthia Richards)
- Micro 34: Musical Adventures Beyond the Lesson – Creative Ways to Explore Music
- Ep. 31: “Good Music, Brighter Children: Simple and Practical Ideas to Help Transform Your Child’s Life Through the Power of Music,” with author Sharlene Habermeyer
- View all episodes related to Education & Community
In-Episode Promo
SHEET MUSIC DIRECT: One of my favorite ways to enhance my life with music is to play just-for-fun songs on the piano at the end of the day. My current favorites are ABBA songs and songs from the 80s, like We Are The World. With Sheet Music Direct, I can explore new music, track my favorites, play and download scores any time, from any device. This online treasure trove of digital sheet music is powered by music publisher Hal Leonard and has over a million arrangements—ready to view, listen to, and download instantly. Prices start at just $0.99 and include selections for every instrument, genre, and skill level. My family has relied on Sheet Music Direct for years for musical joy and convenience. For an entire musical library at your fingertips, visit SheetMusicDirect.com.
LIVING WELL WITH DR. MICHELLE: If you’ve listened to this podcast for long, you know that, in addition to being passionate about music, I am also passionate about natural health and wellbeing. So I was intrigued to learn about an all-natural toothpaste developed by a biologic, holistic dentist to effectively clean and protect teeth and strengthen enamel without fluoride or the many chemicals that are ubiquitous in the commercial toothpastes that I’ve always used without a second thought. What really caught my attention was that one of these dentist’s products was specially formulated for sensitive teeth, which I have thanks to gum recession. I was a little skeptical that an all-natural product would provide adequate sensitivity protection, but after trying it for several months, I am a fan. What clinched the deal was going to my 6-month dental cleaning and having my hygienist rave about the whiteness of my teeth. To learn more about the Living Well Sensitive Tooth Powder and other products – and get 10% off your order – check out the link in the show notes (or use Coupon Code: musicenhances10 at livingwellwithdrmichelle.com). (Or buy on Amazon.)
Coda
Barbie says: “Music is a lifelong gift. It’s a companion that can accompany us throughout our lives and it can have meaningful impact on others.” She shares a story about her grandmother and when she was dying in Taiwan. She had Alzheimer’s and was not very coherent, but music provided a touchstone between her and Barbie during that time.
Closing Words
Thank you so much to Barbie for sharing that story, for joining us today, and for all she does to enhance lives with music through her work with music students and the adults who guide them.
If you know of someone who would enjoy this episode – perhaps a music teacher or parent with kids in lessons – please share it with them! It’s easy to do right in your podcast app. Just tap the Share feature for options to share by text, email, or social media.
You can always connect with me on email (mindy@mpetersonmusic.com), Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or LinkedIn.
Thank you so much for joining me today. Until next time, may your life be enhanced with music.
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