Students
Early childhood music & movement – Neil Moore
Is there a SM encouraged/endorsed Early Childhood Music & Movement program? If not, what are some favorites as lead-ins to SM? Music Rhapsody is our endorsed program. It beautifully integrates pieces from Simply Music throughout to lead seamlessly to Simply Music. It was designed by…
Combining private students into a group
I am considering putting two (currently private) adult students into one small group of two. They are at the same level (almost finished F1) and progressing at around the same rate but have very different strengths. One loves to improvise but also tends to rush…
The emotional impact of music
I wanted to share a teaching experience I had a few weeks ago. One of my adult students, Julie, is a delightful person and so excited about learning piano and LOVES Simply Music. A few weeks ago her classmates couldn’t make it to class so…
“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…
“Trying out” Simply Music
Just curious how you handle inquiries from people who are interested in “trying it out” vs being committed to a long-term relationship with piano. I’m looking for students and families who place a high priority on music, although I’m well aware that without being exposed,…
Keeping upper level students
I have quite a few higher level students leaving for different reasons. Some of them are very hard to teach. Somehow group lessons don’t hold well for me lately. Students keep telling me they are too busy to practice and many of them are not…
Workshop for students with prior experience
I have just completed my initial training and am very excited about teaching students using this fantastic method! I have had an introductory session and the foundation session talk with two girls (12 and 10) and their mother which went really well. The girls have…
Teaching and marketing to adult students
I wanted to share my experience in teaching Simply Music to adults. When I began about five and a half years ago, the majority of my students were children. For various reasons – over time – many of those children left. I realized that my…
Recognizing exceptional students
I’m highly considering an “Honors Track” with my students this year as we set goals, dream a little, etc. The point of this would be to celebrate our regular commitments in the SM student journey but especially those that go over and above. Things like…
Adapting to weak fingers
I have an adult who will come to a FIS and he is very excited, but three of his RH fingers (fingers 3, 4, and 5) are very weak/sensitive due to some previous injury (doubtful that practicing will fix that). Any suggestions? What I am…