"With Simply Music I have been able to realize my dream of playing the piano as an adult. It’s a very natural way to learn and being able to sit down and play beautiful songs has enriched my life in so many ways."
-Childlight Music Student
Frequently Asked Questions
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)
Is this a good program for adults? Yes. Simply Music is great for adults because students immediately play great-sounding music with two hands in all different styles. We skip over Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and other go straight to mature-sounding music that is fun to play at any age.
When is my child old enough to begin lessons? The Simply Music Foundation program is designed for students ages seven and up. If you are interested in piano lessons for your 3-6 year old, please contact Childlight Music regarding the Play A Story piano program, Simply Music's specially desinged program for younger children.
Why do you require parents to attend their children's lessons? The parent is a crucial component of the Simply Music program. And because of this we require the parents to attend the lessons. This allows the parent the opportunity to be directly involved in the student's musical education. The parent is also there to encourage and keep the student accountable. An added bonus is that by observing the lessons and participating with the child's learning at home, the parent can choose to learn piano right alongside the student, for free!
How does this method compare to traditional piano lessons? The Simply Music Method is based on the premise that everyone, without exception, is naturally musical. Traditional methods insist that beginners learn to read music as the means of learning to play. This removes the natural connection between student and instrument and, commonly, it removes all the fun too. In fact, expecting children to read music before they've learned to play is like expecting children to read and spell before they've learned to talk. In stark contrast, Simply Music temporarily delays reading and introduces a revolutionary, 'playing-based' approach - a body of unique concepts that unfold directly onto the keyboard, producing unprecedented results. With Simply Music, you experience the pleasure and satisfaction that comes from immediately playing a huge repertoire of great-sounding music.
I have already taken traditional piano lessons. Will this work for me? Yes. There is not problem making the transition from a traditional musical background to the Simply Music method. In fact, when I started learning the Simply Music Method, I already had a Master's degree in music. I found the change wonderfully refreshing. With Simply Music, you are learning a new way of learning.
Why do you offer shared, rather than private lessons? Simply Music uses a multi-sensory learning approach, meaning that we use a variety of techniques that appeal to all learning styles. One of the most important of these is observatory learning. This occurs when students are able to process information while watching and interacting with other students. In shared lessons we do a variety of activities that just aren't possible in a private lesson envronment including mentor groups, peer-to-peer teaching and ensemble playing. A shared lesson is more fun and more energetic than a private lesson. And often students progress through the program faster in a group environment than they do on their own. Traditionally, piano lessons have been a solitary experience, but because Simply Music utilizes a more natural learning process, group lessons actually increase the success of the method.
How are lessons scheduled? Lessons are scheduled according to the openings in the teacher's schedule, and the availability of the members of the group. When you call to schedule your lessons your teacher will find out your experience and availability and call you within a few days to tell you your lesson time.
Do I need to practice outside of my lessons? In order to receive the full benefit of the Simply Music program you will need to practice for 15 to 20 minutes, 5 or 6 days each week, most importantly, at the same time each day. We will discuss this in the Foundation Session (your first lesson).
Do I have to own a piano? You will need to practice outside of your lessons, but you don't have to go and buy an expensive piano. We do recommend that you have an instrument at your home. But an inexpensive keyboard will work fine. The question below offers guidelines on what to look for in a 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.
- 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 keys.
Is this a good program for adults? Yes. Simply Music is great for adults because students immediately play great-sounding music with two hands in all different styles. We skip over Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and other go straight to mature-sounding music that is fun to play at any age.
When is my child old enough to begin lessons? The Simply Music Foundation program is designed for students ages seven and up. If you are interested in piano lessons for your 3-6 year old, please contact Childlight Music regarding the Play A Story piano program, Simply Music's specially desinged program for younger children.
Why do you require parents to attend their children's lessons? The parent is a crucial component of the Simply Music program. And because of this we require the parents to attend the lessons. This allows the parent the opportunity to be directly involved in the student's musical education. The parent is also there to encourage and keep the student accountable. An added bonus is that by observing the lessons and participating with the child's learning at home, the parent can choose to learn piano right alongside the student, for free!
How does this method compare to traditional piano lessons? The Simply Music Method is based on the premise that everyone, without exception, is naturally musical. Traditional methods insist that beginners learn to read music as the means of learning to play. This removes the natural connection between student and instrument and, commonly, it removes all the fun too. In fact, expecting children to read music before they've learned to play is like expecting children to read and spell before they've learned to talk. In stark contrast, Simply Music temporarily delays reading and introduces a revolutionary, 'playing-based' approach - a body of unique concepts that unfold directly onto the keyboard, producing unprecedented results. With Simply Music, you experience the pleasure and satisfaction that comes from immediately playing a huge repertoire of great-sounding music.
I have already taken traditional piano lessons. Will this work for me? Yes. There is not problem making the transition from a traditional musical background to the Simply Music method. In fact, when I started learning the Simply Music Method, I already had a Master's degree in music. I found the change wonderfully refreshing. With Simply Music, you are learning a new way of learning.
Why do you offer shared, rather than private lessons? Simply Music uses a multi-sensory learning approach, meaning that we use a variety of techniques that appeal to all learning styles. One of the most important of these is observatory learning. This occurs when students are able to process information while watching and interacting with other students. In shared lessons we do a variety of activities that just aren't possible in a private lesson envronment including mentor groups, peer-to-peer teaching and ensemble playing. A shared lesson is more fun and more energetic than a private lesson. And often students progress through the program faster in a group environment than they do on their own. Traditionally, piano lessons have been a solitary experience, but because Simply Music utilizes a more natural learning process, group lessons actually increase the success of the method.
How are lessons scheduled? Lessons are scheduled according to the openings in the teacher's schedule, and the availability of the members of the group. When you call to schedule your lessons your teacher will find out your experience and availability and call you within a few days to tell you your lesson time.
Do I need to practice outside of my lessons? In order to receive the full benefit of the Simply Music program you will need to practice for 15 to 20 minutes, 5 or 6 days each week, most importantly, at the same time each day. We will discuss this in the Foundation Session (your first lesson).
Do I have to own a piano? You will need to practice outside of your lessons, but you don't have to go and buy an expensive piano. We do recommend that you have an instrument at your home. But an inexpensive keyboard will work fine. The question below offers guidelines on what to look for in a 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.