Foundation Session

A parent asked me tonight “when will my daughter be able to hear a song, and just know how to play it with all the chords and in the right key?” I was unsure how to answer this, so of course I told the truth,…

• Last updated 5 years ago
• Accompaniment‏, chord, chord structure, chord theory, chords, communication, different facets of musicianship, ear training, expectation, expectations, FIS, four goals, free introductory session, goals, Gordon Harvey, Laurie Richards, managing expectations, matching pitch, musicianship, parent expectation, parental expectations, perfect pitch, pitch, play-by-ear, playing by ear, playing by ear method, playing chords, relative pitch, SM goals, standard of musicianship, talking about expectations

In my initial lesson with adult students, I often will introduce the Basics followed by Dreams Come True. It has become a common theme that people really don’t understand that diagram; I am considering starting with the right hand of Ode to Joy. Sadly I…

• Last updated 7 years ago
• 5 steps of sound, 5SS, basics, Dreams Come True, first lesson, five steps of sound, foundation session, Laurie Richards, learning a new way of learning, understanding diagrams

In this webinar Neil talks about one of the three critical foundational conversations – Claiming Territory, and answers some common questions from teachers about establishing and regaining territory in lessons. Topics include: Where Most Studio Issues Originate (00:08) Understanding ‘Claiming Territory’ & Boundaries (05:22) Allowing…

• Last updated 6 years ago
• boundaries, expectations, persistent problems, reclaiming territory, requirements, student consequences, studio parent friend of teacher, where issues originate

I have an FIS tonight for a potential adult student. As a long-time traditional teacher, I have struggled with these a bit, realizing that in the past I was selling my own skill as a performer and teacher, and nearly always had students start with…

• Last updated 7 years ago
• FIS, foundation session, information session, introductory session, module 3, teacher training

What is your take on parents who say “We’re just going to try this for a year and see if it works”? Do you take on the student and think of it as an opportunity to impact the parents’ viewpoint since this is the way…

• Last updated 7 years ago
• commitment, communication, Laurie Richards, long-term relationship conversation, trying it out

I did an Intro Session last night and I notice they seem to be a little long (an hour to an hour and a half). This may be due to discussing specifics of my policy, practicing, etc. Maybe most or all of this should wait…

• Last updated 8 years ago
• communication, FIS, foundation session, information session, intro session, Ode to Joy, policies, SIS, studio policies, testimonial video

My daughter had been doodling on the piano for years, and at some point she expressed interest in the traditional lesson materials I’d been using prior to teaching SM. When I started SM, she seemed interested, and so she started taking lessons along with a…

• Last updated 1 week ago
• long-term relationship conversation, should piano be mandatory, teaching family members, teaching your own children

It seems that I am in a very low class area and I’m finding it truly difficult to find students that are committed to lessons. What are some things that you all have done to find your students and keep them. I need consistency and…

• Last updated 10 years ago
• advertising ideas, core conversations

Hello Teachers, A few months back at the Symposium in San Diego, I talked about the importance of educating parents, coaches and students about the benefits of music education. When I first started teaching early childhood music and movement nearly 18 years ago, there was…

• Last updated 10 years ago
• music education, Robin Keehn

When Neil introduced the company-wide change on how to conduct the initial lesson with any individual or group, he asked for feedback along the way. I want to say that I love it! I introduce it beforehand, as the most important of all the Simply…

• Last updated 10 years ago
• foundation session