"30 years ago, I learned piano the wrong way and ended up losing interest. Now all I can play are scales. But my boys love piano, and play more widely and beautifully than I could have ever dreamed. What's more, we have an amazing and inspirational teacher and friend in Elizabeth. She is simply unique. The boys love her, and Mum and Dad do too!"
James (Father of Avi 9 and Leo 7)
James (Father of Avi 9 and Leo 7)
"My son Josh has been learning piano from Elizabeth for a year. He enjoys Elizabeth's lesson immensely and so do I.
Elizabeth is a wonderful piano teacher. She is skillful, knowledgeable, witty and very encouraging. She took real interest in Josh and he absolutely adores her. What makes her special is the love of music so naturally and powerfully flows out of her and moves those around her. This was what Josh said about Elizabeth, "She is amazing. She filled my heart with music." Josh is very fortunate to have Elizabeth accompany him on his music journey."
Jing, Joshs' Mum
Elizabeth is a wonderful piano teacher. She is skillful, knowledgeable, witty and very encouraging. She took real interest in Josh and he absolutely adores her. What makes her special is the love of music so naturally and powerfully flows out of her and moves those around her. This was what Josh said about Elizabeth, "She is amazing. She filled my heart with music." Josh is very fortunate to have Elizabeth accompany him on his music journey."
Jing, Joshs' Mum
“Learning the piano with Elizabeth and using the Simply Music techniques has bought a whole new love of music back into my life. Years ago as a teenager I learnt by traditional methods and grew to love the piano, however, I was always consumed by having to have sheet music in front of me. I could never sit down at someone else’s piano and “just play”. I am now free to do just that, learning by patterns etc. Building a repertoire has been very rewarding and I have been quite surprised at how much I can retain. I am now writing my own pieces – which is something I never thought I would do. Over the last 5 years when I have had times of stress at work, the piano and music was my saving grace. Thanks Elizabeth for your amazing inspiration and creativity, you’re a gem!”
Sonia Earp, Drummoyne
Sonia Earp, Drummoyne
"Hi, I am Valentina, I am almost 11 years of age, and I started Simply Music around four years ago. I have learnt over 30 songs, e.g. Fur Elise, Lullaby, Summertime, and many more. The main reason I like Simply Music is because they don't spend hours trying to teach you how to read music at the start, they break it up into individual notes and chords which is WAY easier! Ms Elizabeth is a great teacher because she is kind, funny and doesn't shout at me if I get a note wrong. I love my teacher and Simply Music and I'm sure you will, too."
Valentina S., Burwood
Valentina S., Burwood
"I have never learned piano before in my past 22 years, and Elizabeth is my first piano teacher.
This almost two years' learning for me is really amazing and full of joy. She took me to a wonderful and magical musical journey. Every lesson , I always can get some inspiration. Her free spirit of music touches me and inspires me, I really hope that one day I could play so beautiful and freely as her.
I really thank her for taking me to this beautiful music journey and keeping inspiring me, making me know my potential and beauty inside my heart:)
Thanks my very first and most amazing music teacher and also dear friend:)"
Esther Li 24 years old
This almost two years' learning for me is really amazing and full of joy. She took me to a wonderful and magical musical journey. Every lesson , I always can get some inspiration. Her free spirit of music touches me and inspires me, I really hope that one day I could play so beautiful and freely as her.
I really thank her for taking me to this beautiful music journey and keeping inspiring me, making me know my potential and beauty inside my heart:)
Thanks my very first and most amazing music teacher and also dear friend:)"
Esther Li 24 years old
"I always wanted to play the piano since I was a child, but my parents couldn't afford it. Ten years after arriving in Australia, I decided to buy a piano and had lessons for one year.
During that year, I learnt three songs and some general knowledge, as well as practicing scales.
The teacher made me sit for the Grade 2 exam, but I did not get the grade that I wanted. This discouraged me and I no longer enjoyed playing the piano.
Now 30 years later, and I am learning again! I have been learning the piano for 4 years now, and really enjoy it. I can play all different types of music, and 'Blues' is one of my favourite.
My teacher Elizabeth is a very good teacher, and is very patient. She is always teaching me new techniques, and continually gets the best out of me!
I have also learnt the accompaniment program, and really enjoy this because I like to sing. Every time I want to learn to play a song, Elizabeth helps me with the chords. She also sings along with me, and gives me confidence to play and sing at her annual concert! I would recommend her to everyone. Thank you Elizabeth!"
Lettie, Croydon Park
During that year, I learnt three songs and some general knowledge, as well as practicing scales.
The teacher made me sit for the Grade 2 exam, but I did not get the grade that I wanted. This discouraged me and I no longer enjoyed playing the piano.
Now 30 years later, and I am learning again! I have been learning the piano for 4 years now, and really enjoy it. I can play all different types of music, and 'Blues' is one of my favourite.
My teacher Elizabeth is a very good teacher, and is very patient. She is always teaching me new techniques, and continually gets the best out of me!
I have also learnt the accompaniment program, and really enjoy this because I like to sing. Every time I want to learn to play a song, Elizabeth helps me with the chords. She also sings along with me, and gives me confidence to play and sing at her annual concert! I would recommend her to everyone. Thank you Elizabeth!"
Lettie, Croydon Park
"I've been learning Simply Music since I was young. All my life I've been so fond of music whether it's listening to it or even playing it. Music expresses feelings & sentiments words can't absolutely assert. This is why they say "music is the shorthand of emotion" and by this I believe Simply Music is an inspirational learning & teaching method."
Juan, 18 learning since 2005
Juan, 18 learning since 2005
"Simply Music is a really effective way of learning the Piano, I really love that you can start playing really great pieces straight away. I've been able to use it at school for assignments and performances, and I like to play music with my friends...they are amazed that I can play all different styles of music classical, blues and accompaniment."
Edvardo aged 16, learning since 2005
Edvardo aged 16, learning since 2005
"Can you learn piano at age 60? That was the first question I asked Elizabeth when I started lessons in 2007?, said David Richardson, who has lived in Strathfield for 30 years. Well, 2 years later I can definitely say the answer is YES. Elizabeth's expert and friendly teaching style makes it easy to learn a variety of classical, blues and traditional pieces. Professionally presented course materials support the program and assist with home practice."
David, Strathfield.
"After a 23 year gap in playing the piano I was thrilled to meet Elizabeth and the Simply Music method. Within weeks I had accomplished several pieces. (and no metronome or scales!) 4 years later I can play over 30 pieces and look forward to lessons every Monday-it is truly the highlight of my week.
I have since introduced friends and recently my 6 year old son to Elizabeth’s teaching. Her wonderful warm engaging nature has evoked a love of piano and music in all of my family.
Elizabeth is a gifted musician. She is a patient, talented teacher with a unique understanding and love of music and people. I would thoroughly recommend Elizabeth as a piano teacher to everyone from beginners to seasoned players and everyone in between! The results are amazing."
Jackie & Christian Laurens
"I really enjoy learning from Elizabeth...we have a lot of fun in the lessons, she often plays Duets with me, and it really helps me to enjoy the music more. With the Simply Music method I can review the DVD at home of my lesson so I know I am playing the right way! Also I like learning all the different arrangements of the pieces we learn. This year I am studying for my HSC, and having music as part of my life it gives me great relief from the hard studying, and I play the piano to help me relax!"
Celia, 18, Strathfield
"I have wanted to learn the piano since childhood and now that I am retired, I have the opportunity! I love learning with Elizabeth. Her knowledge of music is so thorough and her enjoyment of music so inspiring, I float out of my lessons and rush home to practise whatever we have covered that day. Simply Music has taught me to look for patterns, which makes learning so much easier. Elizabeth always knows just how to explain the next concept and demonstrate the next skill that I need. With the CD and the DVD as backup, the program is really satisfying."
Diane, Retired
Diane, Retired
"In my “mature” years I have taken up learning the piano, something my circumstances did not allow when I was younger. Simply Music has been a great start, and with a teacher like Elizabeth, I could not have asked for more. I always look forward to our lessons each week. She is always happy and smiling, a joy to work with, flexible, patient, encouraging and great for my self esteem. Thank you Elizabeth."
Christine, Retired
Christine, Retired
"I feel very confident, inspired and creative as I try to make my way along the upward spiralling path of learning piano, because I have Elizabeth by my side. She is an absolute treasure to Sydney piano and music students. I love her supportive way of bringing out the best in you, but in measured and focused steps. I have no doubt she will continue to be that critical bridge that helps me express myself through music and be able to share that with others. "
Dee, Strathfield
Dee, Strathfield
"Elizabeth is a most gifted piano teacher. I have learnt so much about music, its history including origins of master pieces and learning to play the piano in a relaxed and fun way. Elizabeth is very encouraging and I feel privileged to have such an amazing and inspiring teacher"
Isabelle
6 yrs Sydney
Isabelle
6 yrs Sydney
"I like my son to enjoy playing music as I do, Elizabeth is a very good teacher that communicates well with Oscar and organizes the lessons well. Within few months, Oscar loves playing chords and singing along with all sorts of songs.The pattern ideas of introducing blues led him understand and create music very easily. He also loves the wide variety of songs from classic to different styles including nursery rhymes they sing in the school. I am so glad he is confident with playing music now."
Oscar,Michelle, Homebush.
Oscar,Michelle, Homebush.
"As a mature student I appreciate the knowledge and the skills that Elizabeth brings to teaching the Simply Music program.
I have learnt so much over the last two years and all students will appreciate the enthusiasm and the encouragement that Elizabeth brings to teaching piano. I look forward to having my lesson every week and playing real music."
Charles, Mature Age Student
I have learnt so much over the last two years and all students will appreciate the enthusiasm and the encouragement that Elizabeth brings to teaching piano. I look forward to having my lesson every week and playing real music."
Charles, Mature Age Student
"After many years of wanting to learn how to play the piano, I have finally found the way - thanks to Elizabeth and the Simply Music system. Elizabeth has been so helpful, and a very patient teacher. As a result, my playing has progressed well beyond anything I was previously able to do. I am most grateful to Elizabeth for what she has enabled me to accomplish."
Carol, Strathfield
Carol, Strathfield
"I met the piano when I was 4 years old. My family where visiting a relative and there standing in the lounge room was this huge black box. I enquired what it was and my aunty picked me up and sat me on the stool in front on this thing called; a piano. She opened the lid and there before me all these black and white things she called keys. Aunty reached out and started to press the keys and suddenly the room was filled with wonderful sounds.
Despite my pleading, I was not to get a piano till I was 24. I arranged to go to a piano teacher and off I went, to ‘learn the piano’. Weeks turned into months and all I could really do were to play scales, C major, G major, A minor and so on. The pieces where challenging, hard actually and slowly the fires of passion that burnt within me to ‘learn the piano’ went out. The piano sat silently in the corner serving no better service than to catch the dust before it landed on the floor.
Several years later, the desire to ‘learn the piano’ burnt within me again. More determined this time, I girded my loins to face the expected and never ending task of scales, finger exercises and music that I am sure was written with the sole purpose in mind of bleeding from me any desire to ‘learn the piano’. It was not long before the piano resumed its job of stopping the dust from falling on the floor.
Nearly 40 years later, at the age of 64 the flames of desire to ‘learn the piano’ ignited again. This time I was determined not to let the dreaded scales and finger exercises beat me, this time, I would prevail. My wife that told me of a piano teacher close by. I made contact with the teacher and we meet. I was told that I would not be learning the ‘traditional’ method. I would be learning the SIMPLY MUSIC METHOD developed by Neil Moore some years before. The teacher said I would ‘play’ the piano before I left that day. With the guidance of the teacher I learnt to play Ode to Joy with both hands and, WITHOUT a music book in sight, I was hooked!
That was in July 2013 now, 9 months later I have over 40 songs under my belt. I have learnt more music theory than I realise because it is introduced with the music. Every week I return to my teacher able to play what was given to me the week before and I leave refreshed and eager to get home and work on what I was just shown. I am, ‘playing the piano’, not playing with the piano! I am transposing music from one key to another, playing ballads, blues and other popular songs! Practice is still a chore but it a joyful and rewarding one. I can not recommend the SIMPLY MUSIC METHOD more highly. I can only wish that I had known of this method years earlier."
Greg Bain
Sydney Australia.
Despite my pleading, I was not to get a piano till I was 24. I arranged to go to a piano teacher and off I went, to ‘learn the piano’. Weeks turned into months and all I could really do were to play scales, C major, G major, A minor and so on. The pieces where challenging, hard actually and slowly the fires of passion that burnt within me to ‘learn the piano’ went out. The piano sat silently in the corner serving no better service than to catch the dust before it landed on the floor.
Several years later, the desire to ‘learn the piano’ burnt within me again. More determined this time, I girded my loins to face the expected and never ending task of scales, finger exercises and music that I am sure was written with the sole purpose in mind of bleeding from me any desire to ‘learn the piano’. It was not long before the piano resumed its job of stopping the dust from falling on the floor.
Nearly 40 years later, at the age of 64 the flames of desire to ‘learn the piano’ ignited again. This time I was determined not to let the dreaded scales and finger exercises beat me, this time, I would prevail. My wife that told me of a piano teacher close by. I made contact with the teacher and we meet. I was told that I would not be learning the ‘traditional’ method. I would be learning the SIMPLY MUSIC METHOD developed by Neil Moore some years before. The teacher said I would ‘play’ the piano before I left that day. With the guidance of the teacher I learnt to play Ode to Joy with both hands and, WITHOUT a music book in sight, I was hooked!
That was in July 2013 now, 9 months later I have over 40 songs under my belt. I have learnt more music theory than I realise because it is introduced with the music. Every week I return to my teacher able to play what was given to me the week before and I leave refreshed and eager to get home and work on what I was just shown. I am, ‘playing the piano’, not playing with the piano! I am transposing music from one key to another, playing ballads, blues and other popular songs! Practice is still a chore but it a joyful and rewarding one. I can not recommend the SIMPLY MUSIC METHOD more highly. I can only wish that I had known of this method years earlier."
Greg Bain
Sydney Australia.
"As a young country bumpkin I occasionally had the opportunity to observe piano players at country dances etc.and would marvel at their ability to put each of their fingers or thumbs on the right keys at the right mini second with the correct pressure for long periods of time whilst I had problems using my sisters typewriter with one finger.
The first time there was a piano in my house was when we bought a magnificent 125 year old German upright for my daughter to take lessons with. After a few months she switched to the flute and became an accomplished flautist.
About this time I stumbled upon a simple songbook put out by the ABC I started playing the printed singing notes on that booming piano and singing along. Before very long I was hooked and played for hours every week. Later, I learnt to play from more complex music sheets but still only one handed. I was now about 50 years old.
After many months of this I woke up one morning deaf in one ear and half deaf in the other! The piano, allied with my medical condition called tinnitus, was almost certainly to blame. To me it now sounded tinny and wooden.
I bought hearing aids but could not play the piano with them because my hearing would go backwards.
Some years later, I bought a second hand Yamaha electric organ. Providing I kept the volume low and did not use the strings lever, tinnitus was not a problem. After about 10 years, I was told about Elizabeth and the Simply Music system. Even though I was then 77 years old she accepted me as a student.
I bought a new Kawaii piano and found that if I turned the volume well down on the hearing aids the piano still sounded really great. However in order to learn two handed it was necessary to de-programme a great deal of what I had been practicing for years. Elizabeth accepted this challenge and with much patience on both sides I could soon play heaps of songs/tunes two handed and was enjoying it immensely.
Elizabeth is a great teacher in so many aspects and also a wonderful person.
I wish her and the Simply Music system increasing success."
Charles O'Brien, Strathfield
The first time there was a piano in my house was when we bought a magnificent 125 year old German upright for my daughter to take lessons with. After a few months she switched to the flute and became an accomplished flautist.
About this time I stumbled upon a simple songbook put out by the ABC I started playing the printed singing notes on that booming piano and singing along. Before very long I was hooked and played for hours every week. Later, I learnt to play from more complex music sheets but still only one handed. I was now about 50 years old.
After many months of this I woke up one morning deaf in one ear and half deaf in the other! The piano, allied with my medical condition called tinnitus, was almost certainly to blame. To me it now sounded tinny and wooden.
I bought hearing aids but could not play the piano with them because my hearing would go backwards.
Some years later, I bought a second hand Yamaha electric organ. Providing I kept the volume low and did not use the strings lever, tinnitus was not a problem. After about 10 years, I was told about Elizabeth and the Simply Music system. Even though I was then 77 years old she accepted me as a student.
I bought a new Kawaii piano and found that if I turned the volume well down on the hearing aids the piano still sounded really great. However in order to learn two handed it was necessary to de-programme a great deal of what I had been practicing for years. Elizabeth accepted this challenge and with much patience on both sides I could soon play heaps of songs/tunes two handed and was enjoying it immensely.
Elizabeth is a great teacher in so many aspects and also a wonderful person.
I wish her and the Simply Music system increasing success."
Charles O'Brien, Strathfield