Will a keyboard be OK?

Definitely. Ideally full size (88 keys). It should have a floor pedal and be weighted so you can play with 'feel’. In the meantime you can start with a smaller keyboard temporarily. (See the Simply Music Student Curriculum for more details on requisites for a keyboard).

Do I have to attend piano parties and group events?

This is not a Yes/No thing. If you have issues from the past about public performance, your needs will be respected. You might begin by playing for a loved relative. First party - no obligation to play.

Social playing in some format or another, as you build confidence, is part of the studio expectation. Enjoyment vastly increases once students 'get' the fun involved in community music. Unmani is very experienced at gently helping people grow their courage.

I want my child to learn but I have to work and can't attend with my child and/or supervise practice at home.

Involvement by a key adult (the same person who attends lessons supervises at home) is a key ingredient to the success of the Simply Music method. The child gets to be supported, learns faster and more easily. The child, parent and teacher are three parts of a strong triangle. Working parents can come in their lunchtime. Progressive workplaces allow home/life balance these days. It's worth asking and making up time in another way in the workplace.

How experienced as a teacher is Unmani?

Unmani has taught the Simply Music method since 2009. Prior to that she worked in primary and secondary schools in music, drama and dance for 40 years. Teaching music has been her life!

What if my child loses interest?

Part of the ethos of the Simply Music program is its understanding of playing music as a skill being set up as a lifelong source of self expression.

To do that the key home person or coach is there to help the child through the inevitable ups and downs of a 'long term relationship' with piano. Children are too young to navigate this. They haven't had the life experience. That's where the adult comes in. A strong loving key adult is ultimately the decision maker about the child learning piano. See the 'Music and the Art of the Long Term Relationship' doc. in this website.

Adults are provided with coaching to help with the ups and downs at home. Working through this gives the child invaluable life skills and deeper maturity. They learn they can get through the doubtful, tough times and can now deepen music skills even more, now a little hump is over.

I want to learn online with Unmani but I don't like technology

No problem she can walk you through in a practice session with a laptop open and phone handy. A good internet connection is required. She also teaches on the phone!

When do I learn to read music as a simply music student?

After acquiring a strong repertoire that you can play anywhere anytime you then are introduced to the wonderful world of reading.

The Simply Music method enables facility across the 'field of action' the piano keys–playing 40 to 50 songs, improvisation, compositions and accompaniment so there is a strong playing basis already BEFORE the skill of interpreting the page (reading notes) is introduced. This is similar to the analogy of little children who always talk well before reading. It's the natural condition and a vital aspect of the method.

How is a piece taught if there’s no following music?

This and many other aspects of the method will be demonstrated at a Free Information session. The date for this session will be discussed after you have submitted your inquiry form.