Playing-Based Methodology

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

I love very advanced students and seem to be acquiring more of them as I go along. They are fun because of the pace we move and how many extra projects can be explored and accomplished. This type of student, however, will typically fly through…

• Last updated 12 years ago
• accompaniment, advanced students, arrangements, comp and improv, Laurie Richards, learning a way of learning, student home material, students moving quickly, tools and strategies

Recently I was looking for a copy of Für Elise online when I can across “Asturias (Leyenda) by Isaac Albeniz. It is the Prelude to his Cantos de Espana Op. 232 No.1. (Spanish Songs) I was totally unfamiliar with this piece before seeing it online.…

• Last updated 1 year ago
• classical music, controlling the events, learning clues, learning tools, strategies

Bernie (USA)  Welcome to this chat session entitled “Getting Off to a Good Start.” We’ll go ahead and get started. There may be others who will join us. What I’d like to do is leave questions for the end and take some time to share…

• Last updated 8 years ago
• business, chat, claiming territory, groups, managing your studio, methods, shared lessons

I am excited to write this post because I’ve got this idea that I’d like your feedback on. I loved Gordon’s post and have been following and summarizing the Simpedia entry headed ‘Reading/Playlist’ since. I loved Gordon’s post because I too am concerned and have been…

• Last updated 8 years ago
• different facets of musicianship, musicality, musicianship, reading, well rounded musician

I have just come on board. I have taught private piano lessons for 25 years. I found out about Simply Music through an article in the paper about a new teacher in Des Moines. I got on the web site, gave her a call, sat…

• Last updated 12 years ago
• Free Introductory Sessions, prior experience, traditional students, transitioning students

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 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