Simply Music Teacher - Kerry Verdon

Simply Music Teacher – Kerry Verdon

“To me, everybody has a child within them, regardless of the age they are”.

Despite her limited musical background, the always positive Kerry Verdon has found a home in music teaching, and it’s a truly nurturing home in a huge variety of ways. As well as teaching Simply Music Piano, Play-a-Story and Simply Music Rhapsody herself, Kerry runs two studios that also include other instrumental teaching. She is also a great supporter of the Simply Music Teachers, organizing conferences and “playshops” and other events for our Teachers and generally being a central figure in the active Melbourne community. She also worked for Simply Music for nine years doing just about every task we could load her up with.

Her latest project is the especially exciting one of helping Jonathon Welch develop his wonderful School of Hard Knocks Institute, donating her time to teaching music to disadvantaged people under the banner Keys to Success. She speaks here with Unmani about what it’s like to make a difference in the lives of those who wouldn’t otherwise have this opportunity.

Listen to Unmani speak with Kerry Verdon

Trainee	A 'Trainee' Simply Music Teacher is the first level of teacher status. Trainees have begun their journey into the Simply Music Teacher Training Program however, they have yet to finalize their training and elevate to Licensed status.
Licensed Teacher	A 'Licensed' Simply Music Teacher is the second level of teacher status. Licensed Simply Music Teachers have fulfilled the requirements for completing their Initial Teacher Training Program. Inquire with them to find out when and if they are ready to teach.
Certified Teacher	A 'Certified' Simply Music Teacher is the third level of teacher status. Certified Simply Music Teachers have successfully completed the Simply Music Certification process as well as other requirements needed to become Certified. This includes having taught Foundation Levels 1, 2, and 3 as well as all applicable Special Programs (Composition & Improvisation, Arrangements, and Accompaniment 1). Certified Teachers present the Simply Music Programs exclusively to their beginning students, and they have shown that they follow our carefully-designed curriculum authentically.
Advanced Teacher	An 'Advanced' Simply Music Teacher is the fourth level of teacher status. Advanced status is only achieved after being a Certified Teacher for at least 4 years and teaching students through Foundation Level 9 plus all associated Special Programs (Composition & Improvisation, Arrangements, the Accompaniment Programs, the Reading Programs, Blues & Improvisation, and Jazz Clues). An Advanced Simply Music Teacher has demonstrated that they are an educator with a high degree of experience. Advanced Teachers present the Simply Music Programs exclusively to their beginning students, and they have shown that they follow our carefully-designed curriculum authentically.
Master Teacher	'Master' Simply Music Teacher is an honorary position and the highest status level that can be achieved. It is offered by Simply Music's founder, Neil Moore, to members of the organization who have demonstrated, over an extended period of time, that they are teachers who possess exemplary skills and qualities. They are mentors and a model to their fellow Simply Music Teachers and are considered leaders in our teaching community.

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