About The Method
Improving teaching over time
One thing I love about starting a new group is a chance for me to “do it better”. To put more emphasis on things I might have glossed over previously. I have a couple of adult beginning classes and I am using keypads more than…
Reference to number of unused pianos – Neil Moore
One of our educators in the UK had a question that he posted in the Intranet Forum: “I’m starting up a Simply Music studio in the UK and am about to do my first introductory Session next week. There is a reference to a study…
Rejuvenated by teaching
Just grateful! Something stressful was going on earlier today (unrelated to SM) and after teaching I realized all the stress was gone and I was just rejuvenated, not to mention the progress my students had made. Being refreshed in the process of teaching has been…
Value of local teacher gatherings
Just wanted to share a little about our local teacher gathering we had over the weekend. There were 10 of us who met in Omaha, NE. We didn’t have an agenda this time, just reconnected, addressed questions, shared ideas and tips, and had a great…
Webinar Series: 06/20/017 – Piano – Presenting Introductory Sessions
In this webinar you will learn how the Introductory Sessions came about, how to get people to attend them, and tips for presenting successful FISs. Topics include: Genesis of Introductory Sessions (00:08) Format of Introductory Sessions (06:07) Discussing Parent Roles & Requirements at FIS (10:13)…
Webinar Series: 06/13/2017 – Piano – Fitting in All the Streams
In this webinar Neil talks about structuring lessons to include all required components of the Core Curriculum. Topics include: Importance of Following the Core Curriculum (00:08) Methodological or Behavioral Basis? (04:45) Circle-in-Square Concept (07:57) Timing of Streams (11:25) Introducing Comp & Improv, Arrangements and Accompaniment…
“Trying it out”
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…
Student who only wants to read
I got an inquiry from a 25-year-old lady who made it clear she just wants to learn to read music. On the phone when I described all I’ve gained from SM, her attitude seemed to be “I don’t need all that–I just want to play…
Learning songs playing-based and reading-based concurrently
What would you say to a parent asking “Why aren’t they learning new songs from the music notes now that they’ve learned how to read?” And if they ask “Why do we need to get ‘Time for More Music’ to practice more reading instead of…
Fragmenting and Positioning
Can somebody tell me where I can read more on “fragmenting and positioning”. I tell my students it’s dividing the piece in small sections and that the position of the fingers help remember the sequence. But the fact that it is written in big letters…