John, thanks for your thoughtful reply. I agree with all the points you made. I would count your students as fortunate to have had a very effective teacher; obviously you have had a long-term impact on their musical lives. I applaud any teaching protocol that is successful and rewarding for the student and meets the musical goals that they have for themselves. Bravo to you!

Laurie

And their students? Do they get a look in?

KBK - How's everything across the Channel this morning? Pollen count too high? Too much sunshine? A bit too warm for this early in summer?

Birthday celebrations too much for you? Still here? Or or you emigrating? Your students must be pining away.

We lived in Germany almost 20 years - it's our second home. My students might be satisfied (pining away might be too strong a word) - they did very well in Auditions this year. The Nationals and above I've pictured on the website: http://www.klavier.ms/Auditions.html

How nice. What, by the way, is 'social music'?

Well, the way it's used in this case isn't what is traditionally meant - music used in social situations, like folk songs, pop tunes, etc., but rather a less intensive program, but technically at the same level as the regular high school diploma.

She had to memorize 7 pieces, rather than 10, and perform 3 technical phases (scales all keys, 4 octaves, mm=132, contrary, all minor forms, etc., chords, and arpeggios) rather than 5 (which include transposition, sight reading, improvising, etc.).

Don't have my RCM guide in front of me, so I cannot tell you where it fits on your scale, but it includes memorized performances of a Mozart Sonata (not the easy ones), Brahms Rhapsody, an advanced work by an American composer, an advanced Bach piece, such as the Italian Concerto, etc.

Clever girl. Congratulations.

Laurie,
i am 33 and just started the simply music program 2 months ago - we have completed the 1st level. I also experienced my 1st concert whereby i was able to listen to students at more advanced levels.

Positives I have found thus far:
- group environment (more fun)
- ability to play without reading
- easy to learn
Negatives (my view anyway)
- Fur Elise and Ode to Joy arrangements (as all pieces thus far) are extremely basic.
- the more advanced students (1-3yrs of this method) were not that impressive - the pieces chosen and technique (as noted by my wife and brother in law who both play instruments).

I understand that this is only Level 1.

My goal is to learn how to play classical music (eg Nocturne, Etude, Raindrops etc) in their original form.

Is the Simply Music Programme tailored to play these pieces in their original form?

Also, more difficult pieces such as Hungarian Raphsodies?

thanks

Geoff