A marker-on-the-keys piano method went viral on 60 Minutes this year, and it sparked this month's theme on playing-based teaching. Today, I'm joined by my first-ever TopCast co-host, Ian Belloso, and by returning guest Neil Moore, founder of the Simply Music Method. It's almost ten years since Neil first joined me on the show back in 2016. We revisit that original chat, unpack playing-based versus play-based learning, and dig into Neil's new book series.

  • Tim introduced this month's theme on playing-based teaching and his new co-host, Ian Belloso.
  • Ian explained how a viral 60 Minutes segment sparked this month's conversation.
  • Why the marketing behind that segment frustrated many piano teachers.
  • Tim explained how his own approach traces back to that 2016 interview with Neil.
  • Neil shared how his own struggle to read music shaped the Simply Music method.
  • How teaching a blind student became the turning point for Neil's approach.
  • Why Neil sees Simply Music as widening the door, not lowering the bar.
  • He explained the real distinction between playing-based and play-based learning.
  • Revisiting a 2016 clip on what reading music actually requires.
  • Why Neil delays reading until students build a strong playing foundation.
  • He shared why he wrote his new Simply Music Opus book series.
  • How music learning may help prepare our brains for rapid technological change.


Exclusive Offer to Podcast Listeners

  • Neil is offering teachers a free copy of two of his books:Music on Mars, and Music and The Art of Playing-Based Education. Feel free to send Neil an email directly,nmoore@simplymusic.com, and he will immediately reply with links for you to download both books.


Links Mentioned


Today’s Guest

Neil Moore is the Founder of the Simply Music Institute of Learning & Education. He is also the creator of the Simply Music Method. Neil was born in 1957 in Melbourne, Australia, and began studying piano at the age of 7. He has spent most of his life actively involved in ‘playing-based’ music learning.

Neil composes and arranges much of the music used throughout the Simply Music Program. In addition to curriculum development, Neil’s most extensive field of focus has been the training and coaching of piano teachers. Currently, Neil guides the direction of the organization and advises on its executive operations. Today’s Co-Host

Ian Belloso is a pianist, composer, music producer, and educator based in Bethlehem, PA. He's the founder of Piano Belloso Music, a playing-based piano studio serving students of all ages, and Techier Teacher, a coaching platform helping online music educators simplify their tech and build confident, connected virtual studios. His work lives at the intersection of structure and creativity — building systems that remove barriers so people can focus on what matters: expression, learning, and human connection.


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