TTTV009: Paul Harris on Simultaneous Learning

Have you ever wondered how you can possibly fit everything you need to into a 30 minute lesson? There's just so much ground to cover with scales, pieces, sight-reading, theory, improvisation, composing...the list just seems to go on, and on. Paul Harris has a fantastic way of looking at lesson structure. His simultaneous learning method flips traditional piano teaching on its head, getting students understanding all the elements of a new piece before they ever look at the music. With simultaneous learning, all the elements of piano playing can be integrated and relevant to a piece the student is working on. Take a listen to today's podcast episode and learn how you can enrich the piano lesson experience for both you and your students!

In this episode, you’ll learn:

How to start teaching a new piece without even opening the score...and why you should
How to get students to improvise on just one note
Tips for preparing students to play in foreign keys with more flats/sharps than they're used to
How to split a piece into manageable "ingredients"
Whether getting students to write music is valuable
How to get students to gain a really secure sense of pulse
How to introduce listening assignments

Items mentioned in this podcast:

What do you think about Simultaneous Learning?

Do you like the idea of this approach to teaching piano? Do you think it would help your students to learn this way? Have you already been trying out these ideas? Leave your thoughts below and if you have any questions for Paul, please ask away!