Gordon Harvey
Discontinuing lessons with non-progressing student
I have to have “that” conversation to discontinue lessons. I currently teach a lovely little boy (8 years old) who is just not progressing. It has a lot to do with lack of coaching at home but also low muscle tone I think. He has…
Students want to move faster
I’m having some issues with some students that want to move ‘faster’. There’s a lot we’re trying to fit in during a lesson, but for some students it doesn’t feel like enough, at least according to them. Usually with these students, the playlist suffers. Just…
Starting Tune Toolkit
Would you recommend starting Tune Toolkit 1 with these students? Brother/sister, identified gifted ages 11 and 12. Both had traditional lessons prior, and are very switched on. They seem to enjoy composing, and have used arrangement ideas to create pieces. Yet I’m at a point…
Garage Band (or equivalent)
I’ve seen Laurie mention Garage Band a few times, and there are probably others who use it or similar programs. I’ve looked into the programs a little and can see that they’re very powerful, but I’m a traditionally trained teacher and also a brand new…
Arrangements and Variations Level 2
Is there a suggested teaching order that is published anywhere for when to present the arrangements and variations within the Level 2 Foundation Songs? Hi Kristi No I don’t believe it is. At this stage, it has been left up to our judgment. I agree,…
Teaching creativity – the role of teachers in the future
I’ve been batting around an idea that occurred to me since watching the SMD video announcements earlier this week. Neil says this at one point near the end (thanks to Sue Lopez for the transcription!): “We have the opportunity to play a contributing role…
Chat – Student Concerts
The following is an edited transcript of a Chatroom Session with Gordon Harvey, Simply Music’s Australian Manager. Gordon is one of our Senior Associate Teachers, and here he is discussing aspects of holding concerts for your students. Gordon H (AUS) Kerry, you asked about doing…
Time for More Music – Doses
I have a question about the reading process. One of my groups is in Time for More Music and has just begun to source from their own material for reading. I understand we’re supposed to give correct doses. But let’s say that the dose for…
Time for More Music Audio Use
Could someone address the use of the audio with TFMM? I know the students’ initial instructions for the song are supposed to come from the page, and that training is so well presented in the TTM. However, I can’t seem to find where to fit…
Teaching Ties and Dotted Notes
Can anyone give me some tips on teaching dotted notes? I felt like I tried to teach them like Neil does as equal to the notes tied together- and although the concept made sense to them- they didn’t get it very well. Especially the younger…