Playing-Based Methodology

Some time back, one of our colleagues put together the attached list of simply music Tools and Strategies. It has become one of my most important tools as a simply music teacher.  The list has been introduced to all of my current students and will…

• Last updated 12 years ago
• learning a new way of learning, single thought process, tools and strategies

I have read the posting “Joanne Jones Tools and Strategies List” in Simpedia  “About Teaching and Learning” and appreciate the overall listing of the “Lego pieces” that can be pulled out of our” arsenal”. However, I am still curious if anyone has ever compiled a…

• Last updated 12 years ago
• learning strategies, learning tools, Learning tools form

I, too, would appreciate guidance here and a chat re: advanced students in general. When are people “done” with SM? When the foundation levels have been completed and students have done Jazz and both Accompaniment Programs, Reading and Time for Music (Reading and Playing Level…

• Last updated 12 years ago
• length of curriculum, simply music program time frame

I just had to share this nice moment from one of my lessons. I recently showed the CAGE chord to one of my students, a young boy. I had him hold his hand on the chord (the one chord) and encouraged him to find a…

• Last updated 12 years ago
• chords, description of chord shapes

When describing finger positions, is the octave below middle c described as low c, low d, etc? Is the next octave bass c, bass d, etc? Or do I have that backwards? I believe the octave below middle C is bass C, and then further…

• Last updated 12 years ago
• C position on piano, finger positions

I have a question on how to explain depth vs. breadth to my students. I want to encourage them to practice all of the streams every week, even if I don’t necessarily have time to cover it in class, but I want to explain why…

• Last updated 12 years ago
• analogies, depth vs. breadth in knowledge

I’m still grappling with how to define thoughtlessness to the student. To my way of thinking, and I’m not sure I’m right, if you can play a song without thinking about the elements in it, but can’t start in the middle or remember what the…

• Last updated 11 years ago
• cross pollination, Gordon Harvey, Laurie Richards, learning tools, memorizing, strategies, thoughtlessness

As a means of helping my students remember where to put their hands, for the start of each song, I play a game that works really well. With their printed keyboards on their laps, I say a particular song and they put their hands on…

• Last updated 12 years ago
• practice pad, starting positions

We all know that Simply Music can be taught to blind and deaf students, but I recently found out that it can also be taught by a teacher who can’t speak! Let me explain. Two weeks ago, I underwent a surgery on my vocal chords,…

• Last updated 12 years ago
• Teaching Without a Voice

I am just covering my bases/honesty here – I just had a student inform me via email that she only enjoys learning the video-supported material and wonders if I can teach her only this or if I know a teacher who teaches only the SHM…

• Last updated 11 years ago
• adult students, arrangements, claiming territory, complete curriculum, foundation, Laurie Richards