About The Method

I have read through the teachers’ library on the topic of “Transitioning Traditional Students.” I have a parent who still wants to know more details on the note reading aspect of the SM program. I am only through Foundation Level one and do not have…

• Last updated 8 years ago
• parent pushing reading, prior reading experience, reading notes, traditional students, transitioning traditional students

I’d like to get some feedback regarding when students might be in a “valley” or even worse when they are on the verge of quitting. I lost another student today, sadly. His mom said he lost interest and didn’t want to play anymore. He had…

• Last updated 12 years ago
• free introductory session, Long Term Relationship, music as a lifelong companion, quitting lessons, relationship conversation, Robin Keehn, something is wrong, value

Just received this letter from a mom of twin 8 year olds: “Dear Sheri, I am seeing a tremendous improvement in (my children). I think your program is great, however, they have an interest in Violin. They asked to do Violin instead of Piano and…

• Last updated 8 years ago
• character building, claiming territory, coaching parents, communication, Laurie Richards, Long Term Relationship, LTR, relationship conversation, students quitting

I have taken a few students through the Reading process, and I believe it has been very successful. I am currently working through Time For More Music and Jazz 1 with some of those students. Other students, having achieved “reading”, and having a huge repertoire,…

• Last updated 12 years ago
• claiming territory, generative, jazz, leaving after learning to read, method, Neil Moore, reading, relationship conversation, Robin Keehn, Time for More Music

How do you respond to a student/and coach who decides after 5 lessons that Simply Music isn’t for them because they don’t get enough teacher time and playing time in a group environment?  At this point private lessons are not an option for me to…

• Last updated 8 years ago
• communication, dealing with losing a student, foundation session, group lessons, Laurie Richards, losing student, retention

I have had the great pleasure of taking 3 students through Level 1 and 8 others through the first 4 songs in Level 1. I love the curriculum, and I am so glad I switched from the traditional method, but I’m really beginning to get…

• Last updated 8 years ago
• Accompaniment‏, level 1, losing students, note reading, requirement based studio, requirements, traditional students, trust the method

I have some students who have started because the parents wanted them to and the result has been, as you may expect, a failure. Other students are a booming success.  As I have only been teaching for the past six months, can anyone tell me what is the average…

• Last updated 1 year ago
• big picture, drop out rates, Laurie Richards, Long Term Relationship, relationship conversation

What tangible practices have you instigated to ensure the success of students staying long term with you? I have students in level 3 with me now but I want more to stay with me longer. I have allowed parents to ‘have-a-go’ at lessons but I…

• Last updated 8 years ago
• commitment, generative students, Long Term Relationship, LTR, LTR graph, playing with expression, relationship conversation, relationship graph, retention, stories

I’m curious to know how many teachers require a 30 day notice in their policies if a student (parent) decides to stop lessons and also how many teachers require the last month’s payment up front before starting lessons?  I’m thinking maybe I should begin doing…

• Last updated 12 years ago
• Laurie Richards, notice, semesters, studio policies, summer sessions

Hi all, I want to share a few thoughts on the practice pad. I really love it. I can’t tell you how many of my students have benefited from using the pad as a learning tool. Especially if they’re unable to have their video  set…

• Last updated 12 years ago
• benefits, practice pad