We are often asked if we teach the "chord method".   While we do teach chords and accompaniment, Simply Music is much more than that.  Students not only learn to play blues, jazz, classical and contemporary styles, they also learn about arrangements, composition, improvisation and transcription.  Accompaniment is only one aspect of Simply Music instruction and this article will broaden your understanding of just what accompaniment is.

Accompaniment is the use of bass and harmony to provide a foundation of support for the melody which is commonly provided by vocalists and/or instruments.  If the accompaniment is played alone it would sound like a collection of pleasant chords but it would be difficult to actually identify what song is being played.  

Accompaniment without the melody is like a framed canvas on a museum wall without the painting.  The melody is the "tune" of the song that you would hum or whistle.  It makes the accompaniment come alive just as the painting brings life to the canvas.

The Simply Music accompaniment program provides students with the components required to play all chords, transpose pieces into any key, and much more.  It's something like a "musical Lego kit"!

Even without the ability to read notes, those who learn accompaniment can play from a "fake book", "real book" or any song-book or sheet music that includes chords above the lyrics and/or music staff.  This can be a first step in learning to read music or a new skill for those who already read music.