The traditional approach to piano generally limits students to reading music only, most often classical.
In Simply Music, students start playing blues, contemporary, and classical from the very first lessons. They also learn accompaniment, which includes learning how to play most contemporary chords: major, minor, 7th, major 7th, minor 7th, augmented, diminished, 2nd, 6th, 11th, 13th and split chords. This opens the door to being able to play virtually any song: pop, country, Christian, blues, etc.
In addition, students learn how to compose and improvise, becoming self-generating musicians, as opposed to the more receptive skill of purely reading. They learn strategies on how to see different patterns and shapes in music, and how to map those onto the keyboard. We don’t need a map to drive to school, or to church or to Wal-Mart. So why do we only rely on the page in front of us to play music? Instead, we treat music the same way: We map it onto the keyboard, much like we map out on the road when we’re driving. This results in a deeper, more thorough understanding of a song (as opposed to purely memorizing). Reading music is certainly a crucial part of becoming a musician as well, and Simply Music presents reading in an extremely natural way.
It is recommended that you have an instrument at your home. However a keyboard will work fine to start . The question below offers guidelines on what to look for in a keyboard. Eventually, we recommend that you invest in a piano or a professional weighted keyboard. If you do not have an instrument, and are unable to afford one, you may find that a friend, relative or neighbor who has an instrument, is often willing to allow you to practice on theirs.
What should I look for in choosing a piano or keyboard?
When choosing a piano or keyboard, budget is often an important factor. Almost all pianos have 88 keys, and have all of the preferred benefits and features. A local piano tuner can provide valuable advice, and can often assist when considering purchasing a used instrument.
When choosing an electronic keyboard, there are certain features to look for. The more features, the more the cost. Use the following guidelines (in order of importance)
- Minimum of 61 regular-sized keys
- If affordable, an 88-key digital piano or keyboard would be ideal
- A sustain pedal (not a sustain ‘button’)
- Touch sensitive keys
- Weighted key
If I refer someone, do I get something in return?
Yes, there is a referral program! You get ONE month FREE lessons after the student you referred to us stay for 2 months!
We love it when our students refer others. . .