The Playground

I’m just learning to take baby steps into improvisation. And I have a secret to tell you. But first, let me tell you where I’m coming from and what my personal experience with music has been. I’m a classically trained musician, fortunate enough to have…

• Written by Guest Contributor on Mar 31, 2016
• classical music, composition, Eastman, ensemble, improvisation, Julliard, literature, musician, Oberlin, patti phears, Peabody Conservatory, piano, playing, simply music, technique, the playground

It was interesting to read a recent article by educator Robbie Gennet suggesting that sheet music may not be necessary in music education. Just as enlightening, if not more so, was the reaction in the comments section, a lot of it quite hostile, which prompted…

• Written by Gordon Harvey on Oct 11, 2015
• classical, composer, culture, ensemble, learn piano, music education, music lessons, musicians, notation, piano lessons, play, reading music, robbie gennet, sheet music, simply music, solo, teach piano, the playground, tradition

  “Teamwork, Teamwork, how ‘bout it?” Being a musician promotes versatility as it teaches many musical and real-life skills, such as cooperation in playing as a team, traditionally called ensemble playing. Ensemble playing in Simply Music lessons can be quite simple. Starting in Level One,…

• Written by Guest Contributor on Dec 4, 2012
• coaching, ensemble, janita pavelka, music, performance, piano, playing, simply music, teamwork, the playground