Teaching Philosophy
My vision is to nurture each student’s talents in music through empathy, discipline, courage, and by example, empowering students to become lifelong learners and to develop skills that can be transferred to all disciplines. I try to find the “spark” that kindles desire in each student to pursue their passions. A caring learning environment helps promote a strong teacher/mentor relationship to assist students now and in the future which established this type of environment as well as a broad base musical education that will enable a modern musician to be successful in today’s music industry.
My goal for every student is to develop independent learning skills through practice, study techniques and performance. A firm technical foundation is required in all disciplines and music is no exception. By giving my students a solid basis of pedagogical necessities through scales, arpeggios, etudes, music history and theory, my students become musical and expressive players with solid technique. To help them remember the instruction, mnemonic devices can be used to help imbed the information imparted. Individual interpretation, improvisation, music comprehension and composition also provide a strong platform for their musical careers. We study a wide variety of music genres, studio music skills, composing, staging live concerts or any number of other aspects within the music world. I promote the study of solo, chamber, studio and orchestral playing by devising attainable goals, celebrating achievements and having fun in the learning process. Guest clinicians, outreach concerts and side by side events are created to inspire musical growth. In addition to performance and teaching skills, students must develop business skills needed to promote, finance, organize, and execute events and sustain a livelihood in the music industry. The development of music technology skills is also encouraged. I promote careful planning and thought to help students develop and fulfill short-term and long-term goals as they embark on their own musical journey.
A vital part of a student’s education is the knowledge that service to the community and the world is fundamental. As I facilitate and encourage volunteer performance opportunities at nursing homes, schools, church events and services, as well as formal concerts and recitals, students gain confidence, experience and ease as professionals. Through this type of outreach, students learn to share their art with others and give back to the world in a genuine and generous way.
My favorite moments in teaching are when students come to an understanding of a concept, an “Aha!” moment. One particular student could not perform vibrato successfully. She went home one weekend after an extensive lesson on vibrato and came back the next week with the most controlled, perfect vibrato! I was so impressed I was speechless. As joyful as these moments are, I love the entire teaching process, especially my own continued education from my own students. Seeing my current and former students perform, or better yet, performing with them is one of the most satisfying parts of my career. My teaching has made a difference when my students have learned to love music and become life-long learners.
My goal for every student is to develop independent learning skills through practice, study techniques and performance. A firm technical foundation is required in all disciplines and music is no exception. By giving my students a solid basis of pedagogical necessities through scales, arpeggios, etudes, music history and theory, my students become musical and expressive players with solid technique. To help them remember the instruction, mnemonic devices can be used to help imbed the information imparted. Individual interpretation, improvisation, music comprehension and composition also provide a strong platform for their musical careers. We study a wide variety of music genres, studio music skills, composing, staging live concerts or any number of other aspects within the music world. I promote the study of solo, chamber, studio and orchestral playing by devising attainable goals, celebrating achievements and having fun in the learning process. Guest clinicians, outreach concerts and side by side events are created to inspire musical growth. In addition to performance and teaching skills, students must develop business skills needed to promote, finance, organize, and execute events and sustain a livelihood in the music industry. The development of music technology skills is also encouraged. I promote careful planning and thought to help students develop and fulfill short-term and long-term goals as they embark on their own musical journey.
A vital part of a student’s education is the knowledge that service to the community and the world is fundamental. As I facilitate and encourage volunteer performance opportunities at nursing homes, schools, church events and services, as well as formal concerts and recitals, students gain confidence, experience and ease as professionals. Through this type of outreach, students learn to share their art with others and give back to the world in a genuine and generous way.
My favorite moments in teaching are when students come to an understanding of a concept, an “Aha!” moment. One particular student could not perform vibrato successfully. She went home one weekend after an extensive lesson on vibrato and came back the next week with the most controlled, perfect vibrato! I was so impressed I was speechless. As joyful as these moments are, I love the entire teaching process, especially my own continued education from my own students. Seeing my current and former students perform, or better yet, performing with them is one of the most satisfying parts of my career. My teaching has made a difference when my students have learned to love music and become life-long learners.