IS IT TRUE THAT YOU DON’T TEACH READING?
We certainly do teach reading, but we delay the process until the student has developed a confidence and breadth of experience of actually playing. If you think about the way we learned our first language, we began by learning to speak, developing a practical grasp of communication before the additional layers of complexity such as reading and writing were added. If you remove the complexity of deciphering the code on the page, you will be more free to establish a natural, musical relationship with the instrument, and will then be free to focus more fully on sourcing instructions from the page. We simply delay the reading process for a time.
DO YOU OFFER GROUP CLASSES?
At my studio I offer Simply Music Piano in either shared lesson (small group) or individual format if there are special circumstances.
IF I DON'T HAVE A PIANO OR KEYBOARD, WHAT SHOULD I PURCHASE?
The best option even for beginning students is to regularly practice on an acoustic piano that is well-tuned and well-maintained or on a high-quality true digital piano, rather than a less expensive keyboard. This helps students establish good habits and understand the real “feel” of piano playing from the very beginning. The Yamaha Arius YDP161 is one great example. Another is the Yamaha Clavinova CLP.
It is possible for beginning students to start on an inexpensive keyboard and then transition to a better instrument as they progress. The keyboard should have at least these features.
- at least 66 full-sized keys, preferably all 88 keys
- a sustain pedal (not a button), which means the keyboard would need to have legs or sit on a stand, so you could sit in front of it and push the pedal with your foot
- touch sensitive keys—it’s louder when you hit the key harder, softer when you hit softer
- weighted keys, not required but much preferred—these feel heavier on the bass notes, lighter on higher notes
For Simply Music lessons, the keyboard must meet at least the first three requirements. If it meets all the above requirements, your keyboard will feel more like a real piano, so it will serve longer as your child progresses.
AM I TOO OLD?
No! We have programs to suit all ages. It doesn't matter if you are 4 or 104.
CAN I REALLY PLAY THE PIANO THAT QUICKLY?
Yes!
I FELT DISCOURAGE USING OTHER PIANO METHODS. HOW WILL THIS PROGRAM BE DIFFERENT?
This program is light years away from any traditional method you may have tried and allows for a sense of exploration and creativity. It is not rigid and you will experience a sense of FREEDOM to play many different styles of music.
HOW WILL I KNOW IF THIS IS FOR ME?
You won't. Unless you come and give it a try. So why not click here to book your Free Introductory Session.