Playing-Based Methodology

I recently had a conversation with all my students, no matter what level they were in, that I think they all found very valuable for their future learning. This is long but I think you might find it as valuable as my studio has. And…

• Last updated 12 years ago
• analogies, controlling the events, external speaker, keypad, learning tools and strategies, lesson conversation, mastery of tools, multi-sensory, practice pad

I have a question re: the Keypad (KP) skill and how it relates to multi-sensory learning. It seems that multi-sensory learning would mean using all your senses. The keypad separates out the senses and excludes sound. I believe it works, but It seems counter-intuitive. Therefore…

• Last updated 12 years ago
• Gordon Harvey, keypad, multi-sensory learning, Ode to Joy, practice pad, single thought process

I had a huge reminder this week that we can’t always see where we are going to end up with students. Remember the story that Einstein failed math?? People are different and the overview is just a suggestion. What brought this home to me: I…

• Last updated 12 years ago
• learning slowly, pacing, practice

This is a great topic, and applying the SM strategies is a skill that does take lots of practice.  Below is what I have called a ‘decoding sheet’ which I put together to help remember the steps to take while developing the skill to take…

• Last updated 12 years ago
• air piano, cross pollinating, external speaker, generative learning, how to play, mapping, strategies, Time for More Music, what to play

With regard to the recent discussions about Practice Pads, I wish to add a word of caution. Please be careful to make sure that only a small or modest percentage of your class time is spent with individual students processing content on their individual Practice…

• Last updated 12 years ago
• group lessons, Neil Moore, observatory learning, patterns, practice pads, shared lessons, special needs, use of class time

Kerry V (Aus)  When I started with SM I found that I had to go through a lot of sorting out such as, how to teach clearly, how to have conversations, how to study, etc.  Sometimes Neil would have some advice as to how to…

• Last updated 9 years ago
• chat, communication, following the program, requirements, sticking to the program, writing extra notes

Got a call from someone who has a masters in Composition, knows how to read sheet music, knows chords, and is looking especially for improvisational freedom in playing. She feels she composes in her head, not her hands, and she wants to get more “in…

• Last updated 12 years ago
• adult students, composition, experienced players, foundation 1, improvisation, playing-based tools, students with prior experience

Just wanted to share an experience I had with my daughter. She was going through her Playlist and had trouble recalling a small section of Dog?. She tried to figure it out but no luck. Later on that day (whilst I was driving and she…

• Last updated 12 years ago
• Dog, patterns, practice pads, processing

So, I just recently signed up a 6 year old soon-to-be seven year old.  She has had one lesson… and I got a phone call from her mom today stating that, her daughter had been getting frustrated. Putting her head down on the keyboard, and…

• Last updated 11 years ago
• claiming territory, dosage, Dreams Come True, frustrated student, Laurie Richards, Long Term Relationship, new student, relationship conversation, slowing down

I need some help in responding to some concerns from a couple of student’s parents (who have been talking to each other, by the way)! These 2 students have had approximately 145 lessons. One student is right on target according to the curriculum overview, and…

• Last updated 12 years ago
• accompaniment, generative learning, improvisation, musicianship, pace, Playlist, reading program, shared lessons, sight reading, Time for More Music, traditional lessons