Nathan's Piano Lab is now located in the historic Fine Arts Building in the Loop at 410 S. Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL, on the 5th floor in Studio 525.
A Breakthrough Approach in Learning to Play
Developed by Australian music educator Neil Moore, the Simply Music method offers a unique, break-through approach in learning to play piano or keyboard. This remarkable playing-based program has people of all ages playing great-sounding music immediately, from their very first lessons. We temporarily delay the reading process and immediately immerse students into the playing experience, building a repertoire of 30-50 pieces in the first year.
In contrast to traditional methods, Simply Music uses an entirely new and far more natural approach, and focuses on the sheer fun of playing music, while at the same time preparing students for our unique approach in learning to read music. We offer a dynamic, interactive, observatory learning environment, unique to the traditional piano experience.
Student Goals
When comparing Simply Music to other programs, it is important to understand that our stated goals are distinctly different from traditional methods. Our foundation for achieving results, and the thrust of our efforts, are directed towards the following goals for you as a student:
Having the ability to play a huge repertoire covering classical, contemporary, blues, jazz, and more.
Experiencing playing as a natural self-expression.
Having a highly positive, self-affirming experience with music learning.
Developing the ability to self-generate (the ability to progress independently). This includes developing a foundation of music reading, writing, composition, improvisation, arrangement, structure and theory, etc.
Program Curriculum
Although the entire Simply Music curriculum can unfold over a period of several years, there are variables that can directly affect a student’s rate of progress (age, practice habits, lesson attendance, utilization of program materials, prior experience, etc.). Students spend their first year acquiring the “base tools” that are at the core of the Simply Music program, all of which are “housed” within the repertoire. What follows is a broad outline of the first 3 years of the program:
Year One
35 - 50 pieces of various musical genres
Develop the basics of accompaniment performance
Establish a strong foundation of playing
Prepare for the introduction of music reading
Year Two
25 - 40 pieces of various musical genres
Develop accompaniment performance
Develop a music reading and writing foundation
Develop a foundation of classical and popular music
Develop a foundation of blues and jazz music
Year Three
15 - 30 pieces of various musical genres
Expand accompaniment performance
A more complex classical and popular foundation
A more complex blues and jazz foundation
Develop the basics of improvisation and arrangement
Expand knowledge of theory and its practical application
Special Notes
Ages 8 through adult & retired welcome
Children must be accompanied by a parent.
All participants must have access to a piano or keyboard for daily practice.
All students must have access to a DVD/CD player for reviewing of material covered in class.
Call Now!
Developed by Australian music educator Neil Moore, the Simply Music method offers a unique, break-through approach in learning to play piano or keyboard. This remarkable playing-based program has people of all ages playing great-sounding music immediately, from their very first lessons. We temporarily delay the reading process and immediately immerse students into the playing experience, building a repertoire of 30-50 pieces in the first year.
