reading outside Simply Music
Hymns Arranged for SATB Singing
I have several students who are reading music and want to learn to play hymns from their church’s hymnal that is arranged for SATB singing (see photo for example). I’ve been reading a few related conversations in Simpedia about the process of teaching hymns (most…
Reading Rhythm and Previous Knowledge
If a student already knows the names of the rhythm ingredients (whole through sixteenths) can we use those or should we actively use the informal terminology anyway before the note naming process? This comes up from time to time with students with prior experience! Personally,…
Students Describe Reading
Wanted to share something that’s been working well for me. I have one group of boys in level 7 that moves very quickly. To help them keep at their pace, I gave them an assignment to make a video of them describing the patterns, time…
When to Introduce Outside Pieces
When Neil says, “. . . once a student has ventured far enough into the syllabus, we routinely begin dealing with the full array of pieces from any typical classical repertoire, Moonlight Sonata included”, does “far enough into the syllabus” mean once students are somewhat…
Outside Music from School
I have a class of 5 middle-schoolers who love music, and are trying to do every musical activity available to them. They are in Level 3. A couple of them are in the school band (actually an orchestra), and a couple of them are joining…
Reading from a Hymn Book
I have a very motivated adult student who has nearly finished Time for More Music. She is able to figure out what most any piece of music says given enough time. She has a good grasp of intervals and knows what many of the notes…
When Students Want to Learn Other Music
What is the best way to handle when students request or bring in other music? I think this might have been a topic a while back! A girl brought in a pop song the other day and asked if she could learn it! I’ve never…
Need Duet Ideas for Readers
I have an adult husband and wife team who are in upper SM levels and reading fairly well. I would love to find a book of duets of pieces that might be familiar to them. They love classical music and are in their early 70’s.…
Portions of Outside Pieces
Just curious if anyone ever hands your students a portion of a song as a reading project (rather than a whole piece). I’m wondering if it would be a good way to expose them to a song (and be able to hit different genres and…
Lending Library
Does anyone offer their students a “lending library” to allow them to check out and borrow pieces of your music? What are your policies? Are there any problems with copyright in doing this? No copies are being made, there is no copyright infringement. Other things…