About The Method

I’m a new teacher here and I’ve already started one class of young kids who are excited to learn, and I’m excited to teach them. This is great, I’m having fun and feel totally good about this for them. However, I’m having an issue with…

• Last updated 11 years ago
• accompaniment, music as a lifelong companion, musicality, traditional to Simply Music

I shared this story with Neil a few months ago, but wanted to wait awhile before passing it on, so I could share with you how the situation worked itself out. I have had a (traditional) student, Erin, for several years that I recently transitioned…

• Last updated 12 years ago
• patterns, traditional student update, transitioning students

I find I have to remind myself to breathe as my first lesson looms ever nearer. With more information from the dad about my very first 2 students, I am getting more nervous by the minute. He has told me that he has had Traditional…

• Last updated 12 years ago
• accompaniment, arrangements, coaches, comp and improv, Dreams Come True, learning a new way of learning, prior experience, private lessons, traditional experience

I have two students who play very well (at about grade 5 AMEB level) and can read music reasonably well whom I have recently converted to Simply Music. They have had about 5 years experience with traditional lessons. I am currently taking them through foundation…

• Last updated 9 years ago
• accompaniment, arrangements, beginning SM project ideas, free introductory session, generative, Gordon Harvey, lead sheets, learning tools and strategies, previous experience, reading, self generative, students who play well, traditional experience

I know this is an old thread, but I too have struggled with the student with prior experience. While I agree with introducing C& I, Arrangements, and Accomp, and boning up with the Reading rhythm and notes, my question is this: Do you still have…

• Last updated 12 years ago
• accompaniment, arrangements, claiming territory, comp and improv, prior experience, reading, students that already read music, traditional students

I have an adult student who had her first lesson today. She has traditional background. She was wondering if it was OK to still play her traditional music while learning SM. I suggested she not play them at least the first 2 or 3 weeks,…

• Last updated 12 years ago
• adult student, learning a new way of learning, notation, playing at home, traditional music

This is an edited outline of an email posted on the Forum by one of our teachers. She was a relatively new student herself at the time she began her Teacher Training. Her experience, as outlined below, is not uncommon. I have also included responses…

• Last updated 12 years ago
• learning as a student, staying ahead of students, teacher training

Hello, I am a new S/M teacher and learner. I have learned through level 3, although I have just ordered level 4 and rhythm. I am having difficulty in the following way: I have a new student, an old student, and a middle aged student.…

• Last updated 12 years ago
• claiming territory, confidence as a coach, group lessons, Kevin Meyer, previous experience, reading, Robin Keehn, student background, traditionally trained, watching videos

Recently, a trainee teacher wrote to me expressing concern about a prospective student who had a pre-existing ability to play at a level that was, in some respects, beyond their own. The teacher was also concerned about the fact that were the student to progress…

• Last updated 12 years ago
• communicating where you are at, Neil Moore, students with experience, teacher abilities

I have a student who will be starting with 8 years experience, not a great reader, usually reads just enough to figure out a piece and then just plays it from memory. I need to know how to excel an advanced student. Does one still…

• Last updated 12 years ago
• arrangements, group lessons, lesson ideas, lesson planning, prior experience