What Keeps Me on The Cutting-Edge of Instructing Music?

I have been on an interesting journey, improving my teaching methods and, subsequently, my student’s playing abilities.

One of the biggest causes for my inspiration is motivating players who lack the confidence or encouragement to continue practicing. When students come to me, sometimes they start out uninterested or lazy about practicing, because they view practice as a chore. I have seen students fall in love with their music, making them practice daily, simply because they want to.

I’ve seen students light up at the idea of composing their own music, something we do from the very first lesson! Recently, I realized that Simply Music is anything but “simple.”

I asked myself, why go through all the training and have students and parents keep track of so many materials in order to make this work? Traditionally, I would have students buy one book and the parents could go get coffee during the lesson. I was intrigued and wanted to answer my own questions: why did we name it “Simply Music?” Is it really easier than traditional methods after all?

The answer is “yes”, and here is why!

Typically, when parents or adult students demonstrate interest in learning Simply Music, the novel and potentially successful way of expressing themselves attracts them to our unique teaching style. Guests immediately realize that our sessions are quite different from traditional piano lessons.

Simply music understands that students want to be aware of what teachers expect from them, and what the learning process entails. We assure students and parents a quiet mind by offering a foundation that adequately prepares students for reading and comprehending music in a natural way.

We work with both students and their parents to create strict practicing schedules and studying methods. While our techniques seem more demanding than traditional lessons, we make parents and students aware of why they SHOULD adhere to these policies.

I’ve found that there is quite a bit of psychology involved in teaching/learning the Simply Music way, and even more amazing is that it teaches every teacher to teach in the manner! Just because a piano player is highly skilled does not make them a great teacher. Neil Moore has put together a program that provides the kind of expertise, which famous teachers have learned through decades of experience. They unfortunately charge far more than the average piano teacher does. With Simply Music piano lessons, students can benefit from that higher education without paying hundreds of dollars per month!

I describe traditional and Simply Music lessons as two mountains. They will both bring you to the same destination, but one is very steep right from the beginning, which tends to discourage both young and old. Simply Music on the other hand, has a much gentler slope, which makes learning the piano accessible to EVERYONE.

The great thing about Simply Music is that everyone can go at his or her own pace and rest as necessary; traditional lessons are not that way at all.

From the beginning, Simply Music students get to play great sounding music with both hands, learning to improvise and compose their own songs, play variations and arrangements on all the foundation songs, and learn a number of styles such as jazz, blues, classical, and pop without having to achieve an advanced level of playing first.

New Simply Music students who have taken 5, even 10 years of traditional lessons have found themselves reaching much higher altitudes which were not achievable through the steepness of the traditional learning curve demonstrated by a steep mountain. These experienced traditional students do not feel like they are starting over due to the variety of songs and possibilities, which Simply Music provides.

Does this mean it will be easy? 

Physics tells us that it takes the same amount of energy to move something one foot up in the air whether it’s moving vertically straight up, or a longer distance up a steep slope, or an even longer distance up a gradual slope. The work must be done, but it’s easier to do it on a gradual slope.

Students who follow the program to the letter find tremendous success and satisfaction in Simply Music lessons. I’ve seen it repeatedly since I began teaching Simply Music in August.

Thanks to Mark S. Meritt for contributing to this blog via his own blog, which you can find here.

Post by David Lebel

You’ve probably heard about the studies that show the many benefits of music education for youngsters. Music seems to help with language comprehension (lyrics), math concepts (rhythm and beats), motor skills (moving hands, arms and feet to the music), and confidence for young and old alike.

When, then, is “the best time” to start music lessons for your kids? At Musicians in Motion in Charlotte, we’d say you’re never too young to start.

One of the main ways little kids gain exposure to music is through their parents singing to them, rocking them back and forth to the beat, and showing them different instruments in person. When your child is in their first year of life, it’s a great time to initially expose them to music.

Since children develop at different speeds, you’ll generally have an idea when your child is ready for lessons. Does little Bobby bang pots and pans all the time? Does little Suzie sit at your piano and play with the keys? When you play an instrument, are your child’s eyes transfixed on it? If so, chances are your child will gravitate to a lifetime of music appreciation.

Ideally, if your child shows interest in music, you can start them in music lessons when they’re 3-years-old. Typically, at that age, they can handle about a half hour of “instruction.”

Most parents seem to start their children’s music lessons between ages 5 and 12. They can have one-on-one instruction or group lessons, and oftentimes teachers make “a game of it,” to hold their attention. Some songs little kids can master singing or playing (on an instrument) include “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” and “Mary Had a Little Lamb.” The older they get, the more apt they are to expand their musical repertoire, and before long they’ll be in high school marching bands, musicals, and rock bands.

If you think your child seems destined to play a certain musical instrument, it’s a good idea to start them with lessons for that instrument at age 7 or 8. That is “prime learning time,” when kids pick up new skills quickly.

While elementary schools often teach basic music education, it’s a good idea to supplement their learning with individual lessons. At Musicians in Motion, our teachers give lessons in the comfort of your own home. Children look forward to their teacher coming over and showing them new songs to sing and play.

Sometimes kids try learning an instrument only to discover they hate it. That’s fine and normal. They usually discover a different instrument soon after, and attempt to play that one. By the time high school comes around, your child will be somewhat set on what they want to accomplish musically.

One of the best things about music lessons at an early age is this: your child will have a lifetime of enjoyment, being able to join music groups and bands when they’re older. We even have a local popular band that performs solely at Senior Homes. Playing music can be the highlight of your child’s life for years to come.

While it’s great to “start ‘em young,” any age is a good age to take music lessons. If you live in the Charlotte area, contact Musicians in Motion to see what we offer.

Post by David Lebel

When your child is prepared and accustomed to the pressure of auditions, he or she is more likely to move forward with the passion. When you practice with your child, and encourage them to continue- they are more likely to strive for bigger roles and gigs. The contestants on big television shows, like American Idol and The Voice, do not wake up as finalists; they practice and work hard to get there. There is no greater reward, than when your child achieves his or her dream… and besides, who wouldn’t want the pleasure of stating “My Kid Won American Idol”?

So, how can you help your child prepare for an audition- even if Simon Cowell isn’t behind the door? You can encourage your son or daughter, by assisting in training in various ways. Doing this shows your support as well as your appreciation for your child’s hard work. Consider joining in to help your son or daughter rehearse. When you practice with your kid, you instill the values of hard work!

Another way to help is to talk to your child about “slate”. This phrase refers to the first few seconds of the audition. This is the time in which your child makes his or her first impression on the judges. We all know that first impressions are crucial, so remind your child to make eye contact and to speak clearly. Moreover, go with a royal blue look for added luck. Statistically, directors and producers commonly cast those wearing blue.

Finally, and most importantly, you must learn all specific details of the audition, so you know what to expect. You don’t want to get lost, show up late, or worse. Reduce stress by leaving early and ensuring that you are familiar with the venue.

These are just a few tips to help increase your little stars chances.  Even if there are not big auditions small scale contests can be rewarding as well.  School talent or local competitions are great ways to encourage your child to show off their skills and can bring them a great sense of achievement and pride.  The best contestants are those who practice until its perfect, so make sure they get all their lessons in!

Post by David Lebel

I started teaching Simply Music in August 2012, and have so far seen 100% success in approximately 40 students I have taught thus far. This program has impressed me over and over again on a weekly basis. I have students who have only had a few dozen lessons composing and improvising their own songs with lyrics and all! This is something that blows my mind because traditionally, you need to learn all kinds of theory in order to compose music and improvise. How is it that by turning everything I learned traditionally upside down that a revolutionary method can be produced that develops musicians so quickly? It’s hard to explain in one blog entry or even an hour long conversation. You just have to experience it to understand! In a nut shell, students learn to play 30-50 songs before reading. They learn to compose and improvise almost from the first lesson. Students learn to play all chords in every key enabling them to pull out songs books of their choosing and sing along while they play, accompany someone and/or play in a band.

So many other things come to mind, but the startling thing to a traditional teacher like myself is that you learn this BEFORE reading, BEFORE learning all about music theory (although you are learning theory unintentionally). And guess what…it works! For more information, click here or the link above. You can also contact me directly with questions or to set up a FREE introductory session. I LOVE discussing this ground breaking method, so don’t hesitate to call or write!

My program is successful and inspiring, and I have much more to share with you. Please check back soon for part-two of “An Alternative Method of Teaching Music”.

Post by David Lebel

Stimulating a child’s creativity has become one of the most effective ways to enhance brain growth.  Whether you’re teaching him/her to color or introducing him/her to music, the benefits can be tremendous.  According to an article from pbs, learning music facilitates learning other subjects and enhances skills that children inevitably use in other areas including language development and problem solving skills.  Aside from the mental advantages, music also helps with social skills as well as confidence building, improved memory and teaching discipline according to SheKnows.

Aside from all the development benefits, music’s greatest advantage can be teaching children to express themselves. Whether you plan on teaching them and instrument or having them sing, music in children’s life has numerous benefits that will stay with them as they continue to learn and grow.

Post by David Lebel