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Quote of the Day

Because of their courage, their lack of fear, they (creative people) are willing to make silly mistakes. The truly creative person is one who can think crazy; such a person knows full well that many of his great ideas will prove to be worthless. The creative person is flexible; he is able to change as the situation changes, to break habits, to face indecision and changes in conditions without undue stress. He is not threatened by the unexpected as rigid, inflexible people are.
– Frank Goble

Jerald Simon

Bio:

First and foremost, Jerald is a husband to his beautiful wife, Zanny, and a father to his wonderful children. Jerald Simon is the founder and president of Music Motivation® (musicmotivation.com). He is a composer, author, poet, and Music Mentor™/piano teacher (primarily focusing his piano teaching on music theory, improvisation, composition, and arranging). Jerald loves music, teaching, speaking, performing, playing sports, exercising, reading, writing poetry and self help books, and spending time with his wife, Zanny, and their children.

Jerald created musicmotivation.com as a resource for piano teachers, piano students, and parents of piano students. He is the author/poet of “The As If Principle” (222 motivational poems), and the book “Perceptions, Parables, and Pointers.” He is also the author of 20 music books from the Music Motivation® Series™ (over 200 original piano solos between the books) including the popular series: Cool Songs for Cool Kids™ (pre-primer, primer level, and volumes 1, 2, and 3) and Cool Songs that Rock™ (books 1 and 2) which all feature original piano music Jerald has composed primarily with teenage boys in mind. He has also recorded and produced several albums and singles of original music as well as hymn arrangements. In 2014, Jerald started a “Cool Songs” annual subscription on his website where he produces and releases one new “Cool Song” for the piano every week with minus tracks (accompaniment parts), the PDF download, MP3 downloads, and a video tutorial where he teaches the “Cool Song” and music theory the fun way.

Jerald also presents to various music schools, groups, and associations throughout the country doing workshops, music camps, master classes, concerts and firesides to inspire and motivate teens, adults, music students and teachers. He enjoys teaching piano students about music theory, improvisation, and composition. He refers to himself as a Music Mentor™ and encourages music students to get motivated by music and to motivate others through music of their own. CLICK HERE for a message from Jerald Simon to piano students (something all piano teachers, parents of piano students, and piano students should read)!

Key Take Aways:

It’s so important that students learn theory the fun/practical way
Involve students in as many aspects of music-making as possible
Involve technology as much as you can, because students are comfortable with it, and it actually makes music come alive more for them
Help students take ownership of their music, through teaching improv, composition, etc
At the end of the day, it’s not about us or our studios, it’s about the students, and them connecting with music
We need to work on bridging the gap between repertoire/songs and theory
It’s important to discuss goals with students, so that you both understand where they’re heading, and you can do anything you can to help them get there

Special Offer!

Jerald has been gracious enough to put together an offer, special for listeners of The Modern Musician Show! Just enter the coupon code modernmusician at checkout to receive 15% off of any purchase at MusicMotivation.com!

Recommended Books:

“The Savvy Musician” by David Cutler

“The Indy Band Survival Guide” by Randy Chertkow

“The Greatest Salesman in the World” by Og Mandino

Learn more about Jerald Simon:

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If you would like to be considered for featured artist, email music submissions artist@modernmusician.co

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The post 048: Teaching Improv and How to Play “Cool” Music with Jerald Simon of Music Motivation appeared first on The Modern Musician.