What is the method you teach?
Simply Music, developed by Neil Moore. Learn more at https://simplymusic.com/
How often should a student play between lessons?
15-20 minutes per day, five days per week. Frequency is more important than duration. Always play the same day as your lesson to retain what was taught.
What if I don’t play between lessons?
You will be frustrated. Your fingers will not get strong or work properly, and you will work on the same lesson over and over with little progress.
Why is parent involvement important?
It demonstrates that learning music is important. Parents who oversee the lesson and understand what’s expected between lessons can best help their children develop good study habits.
What age is the best for starting lessons?
The Simply Music program is best suited for students age 6+. I have taught students as young as 5.
Do you teach private lessons or groups?
I teach both shared and private lessons. Learning with others offers valuable benefits of peer mentoring, accountability and support, observatory learning, and the chance to see different learning perspectives.
What books do I need and how do I obtain them?
Home materials are available for every level at students.simplymusic.com with range in cost from $8 to $35 . Create a login and password and connect to your teacher. My teacher number is 168. Home materials include music book and diagram book PDFs, audio files and streaming video featuring Simply Music’s founder, Neil Moore, teaching each lesson step by step.
What do I do with the PDFs of the books?
Print them out and make a binder. Be mindful of songs that contain more than one page. A two-page song should be printed so that the pages face each other.
Do you teach adult students?
Yes, all students begin at Level 1 of the Simply Music program. I ask students to keep an open mind, be coachable, and set aside prior expectations of experiences of traditional (reading-based) piano lessons.
How many levels of Simply Music are there?
There are 18 levels including 9 Foundation + 9 Development levels. In addition, supplemental programs including Reading, Blues, Jazz and Accompaniment are covered alongside Foundation levels (just like various subjects in school are studied concurrently)
When does music note reading begin?
Generally we begin in level 3. Note reading begins with learning to read rhythm (how long a note is held down) followed by reading notes (which note to hit).
How do online lessons compare to in-person lessons?
The goal of a lesson is to provide a new project and the tools to complete it and this can be delivered online just as in person. We learn to play piano between lessons by playing at home! Online lessons work best when the environment is free of distractions and when the parent is present.
What if I, as a parent, know nothing about piano?
No problem! As you attend lessons alongside your child, you will learn some basics that will allow you to enjoy music yourself, understand the learning process first-hand, and become more confident as your child’s home life coach.
What do I do about absences?
Absences from regular lessons due to family vacations, sports, illness, etc cannot be credited, refunded or made up. Regular monthly fees will still apply and will not be reduced by anticipated absences. This is in line with other extracurricular activities such as swimming, sports, karate, etc – fees are paid in advance without expectation of refunds for weeks missed. I am happy to extend the length of a lesson prior to or after a planned absence, to make up for it, if
logistically possible. You may attend another appropriate group lesson at no extra charge as a makeup session. for missed lessons.
What instrument should I have at home?
A piano or 88-key weighted keyboard (full size keys) work best and are optimal to start on. I love Yamaha! Smaller keyboards are less expensive, and fine as an entry point. In the long run, they are less satisfying for the student and so at some point, there will be benefits to upgrading.
What kind of relationship do you foster with students?
Kind, respectful, encouraging, fun, truthful, and positive. If a student is unhappy or disinterested, we discuss it. I make every effort to engage and inspire them.
What do you expect from your students?
Respect and the willingness to be coachable. Adhere to the Simply Music program expectations. Do what I ask. Play most days of the week.
Is there a Simply Music “learn at home” program?
Yes. Learn more at https://pianoonline.com/
Whom do you recommend as a piano tuner?
Louise McGroarty
tuneitlouise@rogers.com