My Teaching Philosophy
The foundations of my teaching philosophy are:
1. My primary goal is to teach students how to learn and how to teach themselves.
2. Music is more than just reading the notes on the page. I emphasize the musicality of a song, ear training, music theory and analysis.
3. Teaching must be matched to the student's learning style, not learning matched to the teacher's teaching style. Therefore, teaching style, curriculum, and approach must be flexible, varied, and individual.
These maxims guide my interaction with students:
1. I'll never be angry if you ask a question.
2. I'll never be angry if you make a mistake.
3. I'll be upset only if you don't try. If you won't try, I can't teach you.
4. If you don't understand, it's my fault, not yours. It's my job to teach you in a way you understand.
These other ideas are also paramount in my teaching:
1. Music is a joy.
2. Music lessons should be fun. They are a privilege, not a punishment or a requirement.
3. Piano study isn't always going to be easy, but it always should be satisfying.
4. I emphasize initiative and self-direction.
5. I encourage exploration and creativity.
6. I show the student respect and affection, teaching with patience and enthusiasm.
7. I have high expectations, but allow my students to make mistakes during the learning process.
1. My primary goal is to teach students how to learn and how to teach themselves.
2. Music is more than just reading the notes on the page. I emphasize the musicality of a song, ear training, music theory and analysis.
3. Teaching must be matched to the student's learning style, not learning matched to the teacher's teaching style. Therefore, teaching style, curriculum, and approach must be flexible, varied, and individual.
These maxims guide my interaction with students:
1. I'll never be angry if you ask a question.
2. I'll never be angry if you make a mistake.
3. I'll be upset only if you don't try. If you won't try, I can't teach you.
4. If you don't understand, it's my fault, not yours. It's my job to teach you in a way you understand.
These other ideas are also paramount in my teaching:
1. Music is a joy.
2. Music lessons should be fun. They are a privilege, not a punishment or a requirement.
3. Piano study isn't always going to be easy, but it always should be satisfying.
4. I emphasize initiative and self-direction.
5. I encourage exploration and creativity.
6. I show the student respect and affection, teaching with patience and enthusiasm.
7. I have high expectations, but allow my students to make mistakes during the learning process.