Simpedia

Barbara G., Massachusetts

Last night the students I teach for a church music program had their recital. The students ranged from 4 to 17 years old, and one adult. Everyone played 1, 2 or 3 pieces. What fun! I started teaching Simply Music in February of 2003. I now have students in Levels 1 – 3. Last year the songs were only in level 1 and no singers. This year I had several singers (meaning playing & singing along) and 3 students playing duets. Many of my students are students I have turned over to SM after starting with traditional piano lessons. Some of my most advanced traditional students are still only traditional. As I learn more about SM, I am looking for ways to bring them aboard SM as well.

The recital was a little unnerving for me. The church which sponsors this music program is also home to a local classical music summer series in our area. Classically trained musicians perform there during the summer. So some of these same people accustomed to the classically trained, high level performance were in the recital audience.

I explained about the SM method in my opening remarks using the beginning conversation as my basis. I made special note of the difference between playing based vs. reading based learning. From there, away we went into the recital.

The students played well, with much feeling, expression, joy, bounce and musicality, depending on the piece.

Afterwards, during refreshments, some of the audience members quizzed me more about playing-based learning. It was noted the amount of expression and feeling with which the students played.

A year ago, if I had asked some of these same children to play & sing &/or play duets, it would have been overwhelming to them. This year they only had to have their options shown once and they were volunteering to sing and play with each other.

Thanks to everyone for sharing their experiences and knowledge, esp. Neil.

I do not know if any of you are in similar situations (a formal recital setting with traditional-music-experience audience), but if you are, be bold! The SM students play beautifully and musically. This method makes sense. And I found the “traditional” audience open and curious about SM. They are very supportive of the students.