FAQs
I purchased an online (Living Social, Yollar) deal. What do I do now?
Please contact the studio location of your choice to schedule your lessons.
Allen 214-499-4046
Frisco 214-705-7510
Combine 972 474 9195
Terrell 972-551-0303
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.
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 our teacher in Frisco started learning the Simply Music Method, she already held a Master's degree in music. And she found the change wonderfully refreshing.
Why do you encourage 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. See the bottom of this FAQ page for more advantages of shared lessons.
Where are lessons held?
There are three locations, in Allen, Frisco and Combine/Seagoville. You can choose the location that works best for you.
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.
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 keys.
More Questions? Feel free to give us a call.
Allen 214-499-4046
Frisco 214-705-7510
Combine 972 474 9195
Terrell 972-551-0303
Dallas/Plano 214-803-4761
The Advantages of Shared Lessons
Musical
The dynamic group environment accelerates musical learning.
- Multiple types of learning through observation and experience.
- Variety, physicality and group dynamics are energizing and fun for students and teacher, dramatically increasing students’ attention and engagement.
- Questions and comments not all students would think of on their own.
- Interactive discussion can deepen learning.
- Pairings and mentor groups increase in-lesson educational support.
- Classmates provide opportunity for out-of-lesson educational support.
- Presence of others facilitates singing along, providing more holistic musical learning.
- Playing and singing together gives ensemble performance experience.
- Playing in front of others provides public performance experience.
- Constructive peer pressure – groups increases students’ sense of accountability and can speed up those who would have been slower.
Social
Music becomes a natural, joyful and cooperative activity.
- Students develop social skills and engage in teamwork.
- Group dynamics create room for each unique personality.
- Appreciation for multiple perspectives – everyone learns from everyone, not only from the teacher.
- Community, camaraderie, friendship – within piano learning and potentially beyond as well.
- No student is on the spot with the teacher for the entire lesson – opportunity to hide when needed based on personality, mood, etc.
- Students learn to teach others – faster students in particular can take on a leadership role.
- Parent/coach gains support from other students and parents/coaches.
- Many of the musical advantages are social ones as well.
Economic
The return on investment increases dramatically.
- Significantly lower financial cost per lesson.
- Greater opportunity to exchange classes to avoid missing a lesson.
- Classmates can help students catch up when a lesson is missed.
- All the musical and social benefits would be missed in private lessons.
