Laurie Richards
Panther Digital Materials Different
I’m working on learning Panther in Level 9. Is there a reason that the final chord in the printed music is not played in the demo or taught in the teacher or student videos? Cool chord–assuming it’s a reference to “Pink Panther”. Ha, even I…
Mock Online Shared Lesson
As you all know, I’ve been sending out updates on an array of things related to Online Lessons. We have had several requests to demonstrate what an Online Shared Lesson (OSL) would look like. . Recently, one of our Master Simply Music Teachers, Laurie Richards,…
Key Signature Flat Not Played
Having trouble wording an answer for a student. He’s perceptive and quick, and he asked me today why there’s a flat in the key signature for First Signs of Winter when there is never actually a B played in the song. How would you explain…
Playing-Based Benefits
What are some top reasons that you think playing based is a useful approach? One for me: It helps the student see the piece holistically – understanding through patterns the form of a piece. (The ‘puzzle pieces’ as it were.) My favorite is just that…
Remembering Compositions
Below is an email from a parent. Any advice on strategies I could suggest? This student has been with me for about 6 months. He is in first grade and is moving through Foundation pieces at a just-under-average pace. I have noticed memory is an…
Roman Numerals for Amazing Grace Variation 2
I have a question about the Amazing Grace Variation from book two. How would you write the last line in I IV V format – from the vi, then F/D, F/G, and Fm. You wouldn’t write IV/2nd would you? Is it IV/6th? I have a…
Blues Infusion vs. B&I
I would love some feedback please… as I really love the Blues Infusion Program (what I have seen so far of it) but also the Blues & Improvisation Program… My F6 student (who has also just completed TFMM and is working through the second part…
What Problem Do We Solve for Clients?
Often when doing business training, the first thing we are asked to find out is ‘What is the Problem we are solving for your clients?’ This stumps me every time. Of course I know all the benefits. However, I was wondering if any of you…
Collaborative Teacher Training
Here is the collaborative teacher training created and facilitated by Ian Belloso that Neil mentioned in his latest update. Really great information here, divided into three separate videos. Enjoy! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiSe3VmXxhjX02EXPEgfIoRFhh95dChbe I added time stamps to all the videos for easy reference. If you’re wondering “what’s…
Anxiety About Teaching
Does anyone get nervous or anxious giving a piano lesson? If so, has it been worse or better online vs in-person? My experiences… Fear of Playing in Front of People https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifNDugEc1Iw&list=PL3o0aF_9qHn4F2sy8QRuPb_jf_r4D9823&index=16 I definitely get nervous playing for people at the FIS. Sometimes I do when…