Simpedia

Cindy B., Illinois

For those of you who may be in a simialr position to me, here is a copy of a personal letter I sent to my existing students:

“True to the policy of _______ Studio, I am always thinking about how I can best help my students become Musicmakers. I have recently come upon a new piano teaching method that I believe will more thoroughly and effectively enable my students to make music throughout the rest of their lives. I have enclosed materials and web addresses for you to research, and ask you to look into this method with seriousness, for I believe that Simply Music will unlock all the musical potential of my students, no matter what their age.

“At this time, because I am so convinced that this is the direction I want to take for the sake of my students, I would like to encourage all of my students to switch over to Simply Music. All new students who sign up for lessons will automatically be starting in Simply Music, but I want to give my current students and their parents time to learn more about it.

“My fees will remain at $_______ for the remainder of the current school year. Starting next September, I will be charging $______. At that time, I plan on teaching Simply Music exclusively, because I am convinced that this method is the way to go. I’m enclosing information for you to begin learning about Simply Music on your own. I will be happy to talk to you about this change, and answer any of your questions.

“For now, please call me if you are interested in switching. No matter what level you are currently studying, it is necessary to begin at Level One in order to learn the “way” of Simply Music. It approaches music from a ‘learn by doing’ rather than a ‘learn by reading’ standpoint, and even the first songs (very nice, and with two hands together from the very beginning) are necessary to gain the skill necessary to continue in this method. If you are able to go to the Simply Music website, you will find several helpful video and audio files. I am very impressed with the quality of music presented in this program.”

In my studio, we have four Open Stages a year, which have replaced the traditional annual or bi-annual recital. Our first one of the school year is tomorrow night (talk about perfect timing!) I will be giving my students a packet containing the above documents.  It’s a very good time of the year for me to begin the changeover, because there are so many vacation weeks due to the holidays, so I will be able to keep up with the training while simultaneously beginning some students with SM.

I have also printed up 50 flyers, and I plan on making an announcement at Open Stage about the change. About 20% of the audience will consist of non-parental relatives and even neighbors and students from other studios. I will have my students hand the flyers out at the door.