blues
Blues Scale Fingering
Is there anywhere in the program that explains how to count and play triplets? (of quarter, eighth or 16th notes)? When doing the blues improv in some keys, like Eb, the blues scale notes don’t seem to fit with I, IV, V. In other keys…
Struggles with Alma Mater Blues
I need suggestions about an 11-year-old girl in a shared lesson with another 11-year-old. They both benefit from the shared setting (both were private until 2 months ago). She practices more since being in the shared situation, and the other student (a boy) is learning…
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…
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…
Improv duet ideas
Improv duet ideas (student/teacher): 3-note improv with any blues song (G-A-Bb, G-Bb-C, C-Eb-F). Choose any of these combinations for the student to improv on while you play a blues song. 5/5, 1 on A with Night Storm Accompaniment arrangement 5/5, 1 on C with Dreams…
Squidgies Boogie order
Please help with Squidgies Boogie (Foundation 4). In the training videos, Neil Moore refers to the altered 12 bar blues in the teacher notes, but I don’t see the 12 bars listed in my teacher notes page. He says the second measure stays as I.…
Recital ideas for student with broken arm
I have a very big recital party coming up and a very enthusiastic early level two student that really wants to participate, but she broke her right arm. She is in a shoulder cast so it will need to be left hand only. Anyone have…
CAGE chord question
I have a student who is asking regarding the CAGE chord: why is it called a IV and V chord when it’s not really in the position of IV and V? Maybe say they’re extensions of IV and V., Different shapes for the RH, but…
Jackson Blues LH
I have a class of students who have had 5 lessons. Today we were reviewing Jackson Blues and I was demonstrating something. One student stopped me and asked a question I’ve never been asked before. She said “Do your middle 3 fingers (left hand) give…
Hand position on blues chords
A student asked me if it is okay for her to pull her hand back a bit when switching between chords. She’s learning Alma Mater Blues. Is this a technique no-no, or is it okay? This is on CAGE chords and also on the shift…
