"Jerald's motivational poetry, writing and music education books are a true expression of Jerald's winning personality and innovation. He is a Utah treasure."
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David Burger, Music critic, arts reporter, Salt Lake Tribune
"If everyone would live by the themes expressed in Jerald's poetry, the world would be a much better place."
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David Burger, Music critic, arts reporter, Salt Lake Tribune
"Jerald's unique motivation techniques make learning the piano seem less like a chore, and more like an adventure."
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David Burger, Music critic, arts reporter, Salt Lake Tribune
"Jerald's hymn arrangements are as beautiful as they are musically interesting. I'm sure people are going to love hearing them in church meetings or wherever they are played."
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Jon Schmidt
“Jerald Simon's music motivation program is brilliant and should inspire and encourage any piano student to stick with it.”
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Paul Cardall, New Age artist, composer, and founder of Stone Angel Music
“I just received your book (Sea Fever) this week, and I absolutely fell in love with it...it is an amazing collection of pieces. I must admit, the first day I opened the book to the middle and just played and played. It was only after going through most of the pieces that I pulled myself in and read your introduction - I thought it was really beautiful how you drew inspiration from the poem, and it really added to the cohesiveness of the work. The next day, I went through the pieces in order, front to back. However, when I stepped away from the piano, I literally had sea-legs (I'm not exaggerating!), and quite quickly had to sit down again. I've never had that experience before after playing music, but it is a tribute to how much movement and sound-painting you have woven into your pieces. This is a fantastic book, and I will be recommending it to students and colleagues alike. I will also be posting a review on my studio blog, if that's alright with you.”
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Tanya Frank - Piano Teacher, Tanya Frank Blog
“I recommend the CD Hymns of Exaltation for everyone of all ages and you can count on the fact that Hymns of Exaltation will be my number one gift that I give this year to my family and friends.
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James E. Biorge, CEO LibertySmart
“Here is the reaction from students when I introduce a song from one of your books. "That is SO COOL!" I especially love the reactions from my elementary age boys,... because they just can't wait to sound that "cool". I've heard the same response from teens and just about anyone I've had play your pieces. I figure if they are ready to handle them technically, even before their reading and theory knowledge are quite there, they will push themselves to learn the pieces anyway. Anytime a student wants to push themselves, I'm all for that! Hooray!All the best,”
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Diane Moon - Piano Teacher
“For those who have not had the opportunity to listen to Hymns of Exaltation do not miss this opportunity. Business often requires that I spend hours at the computer writing and communicating. It can be easy to get tired, lose your focus and waste time. In the past to combat these tendencies I have listened to Handel's water music which has helped immensely and proved why students listening to similar music will do 17% better than those listening to rock music while they study. Recently I played Jerald's Hymns of Exaltation and instantly I was hooked. Now it is a must in our home and when I am at my computer. Not only does it provide an excellent background music with enough variety to keep your mind alert like the Water music but I found my mind magically rehearsing the inspirational words. This music lifts the soul and inspires the listener to reach into eternity with an inner quest to settle for nothing less than exaltation.”
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James E. Biorge, CEO LibertySmart
“Jerald's Hymns of Exaltation CD is both uplifting and empowering. After listening to the music I am always reassured of God's love for me and that I'm never alone. It is music for my soul. Many thanks.”
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Michelle Smith
“Thank you so much for Hymns of Exaltation! I have had quite a hard time for quite a while and wondering why I'm still here, then I got this CD. I put it on one night while trying to fall asleep, and it immediately calmed all my fears and worries, and was such a blessing to have to help me. It has absolutely beautiful music compositions and I think that everyone can benefit from this music. Especially in this day and age with everything going wrong!”
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Natalie Staheli
“The hymn arrangements in Jerald's 'Hymns of Exaltation' are not only an enjoyment to hear but are also very exciting to play. I particularly enjoy listening to the arrangements on the CD as I am learning to play the music.”
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Lynn Forsberg - adult piano student
“Several months ago I heard Jerald play one of the songs from Hymns of Exaltation, Nearer my God to Thee. Tears came to my eyes as I listened to the beautiful arrangement of that hymn. We immediately purchased the book and CD. The music has been played and listened to in our home nearly every day since. The music has inspired those who have listened to and played it. An element of depth is added to the inspiring messages that come to mind while listening to Hymns of Exaltation. These feelings are renewed each time we listen.”
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Betty J. Hill
“Jerald’s session on improvisation and composition was an eye opener for my students! Using a wealth of creative techniques, enhancing basic theory with jazz elements...his workshop left my students excited and anxious to get home to their pianos. What more can you want?”
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Geri Gibbs, NCTM (Past President, UMTA, Past Board of Director, MTNA)
“He relates well to the students, and they find him fun, and very knowledgeable about music of interest to them, as well as ways to enhance the music, and personalize it to their own styles.”
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Coila Robinson, Coila's Music Studio, Bountiful, UT (UMTA President)
“Great for summer camps and group lessons.”
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Alisa Hardy - Director over the UMTA AIM Program, Ogden Chapter
“We've used the Variations on Mary had a Little Lamb book, and had a lot of fun with that book, and look forward to using others.”
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Coila Robinson, Coila's Music Studio, Bountiful, Utah
“This is what I have been looking for, for a long time. I can hardly contain my excitement for my students to grasp these patterns
and to have so much fun with improvisation. Thank you for sharing these great ideas for motivating our students.”
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Marilyn Hilton - Utah Music Teachers Association, Ogden Chapter President
“The 'Mary Had a Little Lamb’ workshop and book are phenomenal! Students love the fun of Mary and her lamb experiencing so many different styles of music. I love it!”
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Marci Knight - Teacher
Comments
Hi Jerald, Conviction is a great composition, very nice playing, all the best, Peace, Neil
Beautiful and great music Jerald all I can say is Bravo!!!
really interesting collection of music would be wonderful live B/W's42011Trajan
Amazing, awesome and quite beautiful. You are such a talented and gifted musician, congratulations. Greetings and friendship from England, keep up the great work. I wish yo...
Beautiful. I love your music!
You play so beautifully!