Day 2 Schedule and Information
Schedule, descriptions, links & handouts for your Day 2 Sessions - Jul 18, 2025
10:00 - 11:00 | BONUS Session
The 5-Finger Tech Punch: 5 Tools Every Online Teacher Should Know
with Ian Belloso
● The 5 tools that make up the Tech+5 Toolkit™
● Using pro features like multi-camera, overlays, and MIDI displays
● How to build your own studio — one tool at a time
... and more
⭐️ BONUS: Access to a beautifully-designed Studio Setup Starter Map (PDF) and preview of the new Techier+Teacher Community platform
12:00 - 12:20 | General Session
12:20 - 12:50 | General Session
The Power of Staying Aligned: Are You Teaching the Method, or Just the Material? (Laurie & Robin)
In this session, we’ll explore the theme of this Retreat - how alignment with Simply Music's core principles strengthens student outcomes and reinvigorates your teaching. You’ll feel inspired to reflect on how staying rooted in the core philosophy of Simply Music can elevate the impact of your teaching.
12:50 - 1:40 | Breakout Sessions
Designing Integrative Projects in Upper Levels (Laurie)
Learn how to combine skills from Comp & Improv, Accompaniment, Scale & Key, Reading and more into single projects to keep students challenged and musically connected. We'll also create a project together during the session which incorporates several SM programs.
Handout - Designing Integrative Projects
Hands-on Improv in the Moment (Robin)
Join Robin as she shares practical ideas and real-life examples for teaching improvisation in the moment. You’ll learn how to recognize natural opportunities in your lessons where improvisation can shine—making it an effortless, fun, and enriching part of your students’ musical journey.
Handout - Hands-on Improv in the Moment
1:40 - 1:50 | Break
1:50- 2:35 | General Session
Exploring the New Development Program (Neil)
This session will give you a firsthand look at the brand-new Teacher Training Program videos and additional resources, as well as the revamped structure designed to support the growth of both teachers and students.
2:35 - 3:25 | General Session
Open Q&A Forum (Neil, Laurie & Robin)
Have a question that didn’t quite fit into the other sessions? This is your space to ask anything on your mind. Bring your questions - big or small - about teaching, curriculum, student challenges, or anything Simply Music-related.
3:25 - 4:15 | Breakout Sessions
Mining Gold from Piano-Vocal-Guitar Books (Robin)
Learn how to use PVG arrangements to spark improvisation, develop accompaniment skills, improve reading, and create custom arrangements that keep students engaged and growing. Whether you’re working with beginners or advanced students, this session will show you how to turn PVG books into one of your most versatile teaching tools.
Handout - Mining Gold from PVG Books
Jazz Clues 3 & 4 Hands-on Workshop (Laurie)
Laurie will start with an overview of the key concepts in Jazz Clues 3 & 4, then open the floor for deeper exploration based on your interests and questions. This is a hands-on session - make sure you're at the piano for hands-on implementation as we unpack these robust Jazz Clues.
4:15 - 4:40 | Break
4:40 - 5:20 | General Session
Using Ballads, Songs & Vignettes (BSV)
The Ballads, Songs & Vignettes (BSV) project is an often-overlooked treasure in the Simply Music curriculum. In this session, Neil will show you how to weave these pieces into your teaching and elevate your students' experience.
5:20 - 6:10 | Breakout Sessions
Teaching Accompaniment 2 (Laurie)
In this session, Laurie will provide a clear overview of the material, share strategies for reinforcing key concepts through regular application, and offer creative project ideas to help students truly internalize what they’ve learned.
Handout - Teaching Accompaniment 2
Source Material for Reading Projects (Robin)
Robin will share creative ideas for next steps, including music selections and effective strategies to support both private and group students as they continue developing their reading skills. Come explore how to keep the momentum going.
Handout - Source Material for Reading
6:10 - 6:30 | General Session
Share some takeaways, and maybe win one of several giveaways!