The Playground
The Simply Music blog
Simple Things Done Well – Pt2
Previously, I talked about the benefit of making the most of simple activities and valuing the journey as much as the goal. But how? As a Simply Music student, your teacher will be regularly on your case about keeping your Playlist alive. Of course, you…
DJ Sasha – From the Booth to the Barbican
Sasha is one of the most successful and respected DJs and electronic music producers in the world. A multiple award winner and Grammy nominee, he has performed worldwide to huge audiences and remixed artists like Madonna, Seal and Hot Chip. So what does this have…
Make Practice Perfect
Can you think of any activity in your life that you were perfect at the very first time you did it? Here are a few things that that applies to for me: Contactless credit card payments Using velcro Wearing shoes (especially if secured with velcro)…
Creative Coaching – Performance
We’re excited to launch the Creative Coaching Series, programs designed for both students and teachers to deepen and broaden the music learning experience. The first title, from our Director of Programs Gordon Harvey, looks at the sometimes scary prospect of performing for others. In this…
Giving Yourself Permission & Not Judging the Result – Per Bristow
Per Bristow has built a worldwide following with an online program that helps people discover their voice. For him, singing is a pathway to self-discovery. Through his work, Per addresses deeper issues, like the connection between fear of performance and fear in our relationships, and…
Keep your piano close and this collection of helpful posts closer
The holidays are fast approaching! This may mean quite a long break for both teachers and students. Whether that’s a scary thought for you or a time you use to spread your creative wings, this group of helpful posts from our archives is sure to keep…
The 5 P’s of Performing
Performing is at the heart of the musical experience for most budding musicians. There are few better feelings than the joy of sharing a favorite song with an audience, especially when you hear that applause! Even if you don’t want to become the next superstar,…
Teamwork – Playing with Others
“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,…
Playing with Others
My first memory of playing the piano with others is sharing the bench with my two older siblings. Since I was the youngest in the family, I would get to sit on the end of the bench during trios with my brother and sister…
Are You a Musician?
I spend a lot of time investigating online articles about music and its role, and which examine our musicality. In many cases they may be discussing research, which usually serves to confirm that we are innately musical, but I often find the comments left by…