Curriculum
Ode to Joy original rhythm vs long notes
In Ode to Joy, does anyone ever teach the original rhythm rather than holding the long notes? Several of my children have already learned to play it the original way and we all listen to the original song quite frequently. I’m trying to figure out…
Squidgies Boogie chord order
I need some advice on where I can find the altered order of the chords in the 12-bar blues for Squidgies Boogie (Foundation 4). In the teacher training video, Neil said the altered chord order is found in the teacher notes, but I cannot find…
Continuing RR projects after starting RN
Once a student has started Reading Notes, should they continue to do rhythm projects every week (transcribing) or do they switch over to Reading Notes projects? It seems like a lot to have a weekly Rhythm project in addition to a weekly Notes project, but…
Hand placement on RN streams
When doing the Streams projects in Reading Notes, how do you explain how to start each line? In the Streams up to 3rds, the first line starts on finger 1 and is easy to figure out on the piano. But the rest of the line…
Key signature question about August (TFMM) – Neil Moore
I really encourage my students to ask questions. Tonight while learning August she wanted to know about flats as accidentals turning up in a # key signature, such as in measure 15. “Why is it not written as a D#?” she said. Does anyone know…
Accompaniment Variations pieces
As I begin to go deeper into the Accompaniment Variations, I wonder if you have recommendations for which songs to use for each generally, either within the SM program or outside. Have you found anything that works better than others? I have nearly finished Accompaniment…
Teaching tip: Preparatory Learning
Teach a very small portion of something without revealing what it’s leading to. This works great with Arrangements, e.g. Soapy Dreams (Dreams #2): I teach just the LH chord shape and ask students to try it in different locations on the piano. Once everyone’s got…
Student has no desire to read
What to do if a student, end of Level 5, has no desire whatsoever to read music? We made it through Reading Rhythm and he hated it. He’s 8, a terrific student, with a huge repertoire. He plays piano while on vacation and makes money.…
Webinar Series: 04/19/2018 – Piano – Ask Neil Anything
This webinar is driven by teacher questions. Topics range from the rationale behind some of the curriculum to supporting coaches to the future of Simply Music. Enjoy! Topics include: Intro: Funny Story About Neil (00:05) Helping Parents be ‘Requirement-Based’ (2:06) How Teachers Can Improve Their…
Explaining ratios to parent
Ratio question: I’m going to give my most basic explanation for a long-term excellent mum who told me the other day she doesn’t get ratios. I promised I’d get back to her. “This is an accompaniment BH strategy that ensures the basic time signature for…