How much practice is required? I don't want to force my child to practise. I am a busy adult and worry that sometimes I won't be able to practise enough. I am retired and I sometimes travel.
After momentum is built, practice for 15-20 minutes on most days will bring you an ideal result. Some weeks you will manage to do more and on other weeks much less. Samali will happily support you or your child however much or little has been done in between lessons at your keyboard at home! It is like going to the physio - it is always beneficial if you've done the prescribed exercises during the week; however, if you haven't, you will still benefit and improve from attending a weekly session.
Nagging a child to practice is never recommended. Asking a child to play because you want to hear their piano playing or asking about how a piece is progressing is always a better tactic. Maintaining regular practice routines are challenging for all of us. Ups and downs are to be expected. Samali is well accustomed to navigating and assisting in this process.
Do I need a piano?
No. A keyboard is quite sufficient. Piano's can be hired or hired on a hire to buy arrangement. Some people prefer to learn on an acoustic instrument. If this is your preference you can find great second hand instruments as well as brand new instruments.
A smaller keyboard of only 66 keys is sufficient at the very beginning, but will be quickly outgrown, as progress is made. A digital piano or keyboard must have :
weighted keys
a quality sustain pedal (NOT sustain button)
ideally your keyboard should have 88 keys (a full sized keyboard).
Is it possible to make as much progress in online lessons as in person lessons?
The online line environment is perfectly adequate and very effective for many students. I know of students that has thrived in online lessons for years. If you have a greater peace of mind or prefer learning online for whatever reason then go for it!
Do I need to attend my child's lessons?
Younger children can progress very well in online lessons with parental support. As children age, it is often best for them to attend lessons independently. Please discuss in more detail with Samali
Am I too old to learn?
A short answer to this one! NO!
I am unmusical. I cannot dance in time or sing in tune. Can I be successful?
YES! Simply Music is based on the premise that ALL human beings are innately musical. You effortlessly walk and breathe to a smooth, even rhythm. By tapping into your innate musicality with a simple learning by doing approach your inner pianist will emerge! Samali has never taught ANYONE that was unable to learn and play piano. Samali has even managed to get self-professed 'non-singers' accompanying themselves and singing their favourite show tunes.
What is the best place to position our instrument at home?
Placing your piano or keyboard in a central location in your home is best with good lighting over the keyboard and music stand. A place where you can hear your child, share music with them and assist them with anything they might need is ideal. Placing an instrument in a child's bedroom and encouraging practice with the door closed is not a good idea. Regular practise with headphones is not recommended.
Do I need support materials?
Samali will give you specific details once you enrol. Online access to Simply Music resources from the Simply Music website is required. These materials include well recorded videos providing a step by step breakdown of the Simply Music pieces you learn in your piano lessons and can be used as a secondary resource of review at home. Access to a tablet is ideal to watch the online videos which can be placed on the music stand of your instrument at home making learning and access easy. The student home materials also include audio tracks and come with the option of additional physical materials as well.
In addition to the above there will be printed music you will need to purchase for reading.