My Teaching Philosophy:
I believe that every student can learn. Regardless of background, resources, intelligence, physical capabilities or limitations, talent, and predispositions to the subject, every student, in the hands of a patient, relentless, and inventive teacher, has the capacity to reach deeper levels of understanding. This applies in every setting. It does not matter whether a teacher is in front of a college classroom, a middle school orchestra, a group of beginners, or adult amateurs. Students can always gauge genuine excitement, concern, and investment. Students at every level and age need to feel appreciated, listened to, and challenged.
I believe that learning is often the result of teamwork at many levels. Effective teachers are those who are able to approach their colleagues as resources and learn from them. The camaraderie that develops among teachers who respect each other’s ideas is reflected in the relationships that the teachers are able to build with their students. Students, in turn, are more likely to actively participate in the learning process if they feel that their ideas and perspectives are being heard. The teacher becomes the guide, but both the teacher and the student are on the same journey together.
I believe teachers can and should hold the highest expectations for their students. Students want to give 100% of themselves to a teacher who not only notices when they are not doing their best, but also expresses true, genuine excitement when they are. These “highest expectations” can change depending upon the day, the student, and the circumstance. On any given day, for any given student, the greatest victory to be achieved may be getting him or her in the door.
I believe that music teachers have a unique role which extends beyond the studio. At some point during their learning process, students are bound to feel lost, alone, or resigned. Music teachers have the opportunity to get to know students in an individual environment and are often the first to spot signs that a student is struggling. In such a situation, the teacher can offer support as both mentor and advisor to facilitate students’ growth. Learning is a creative process during which students must experiment and take risks. One of the greatest joys of teaching is giving students the perspective and confidence they need in order to discover new alternatives in their approach.
I believe that music is the vessel through which we can learn the most important skills as a society. Through ensemble playing students learn teamwork, through chamber music they learn diplomacy, and through practice they learn diligence and artistry. Through their teachers, students learn how to share themselves and their art with the world around them; that is to say, they learn how to be musicians.
I believe that the art of teaching music has the power to change individual lives and regularly changes the world. Music teachers are encouraging students on a path of creativity, diligence, and self-discovery. As students continue on their own life journey, they are doing so forever altered by teachers who believed in them, pushed them, and shared with them their love of an exquisite art form.
I believe that learning is often the result of teamwork at many levels. Effective teachers are those who are able to approach their colleagues as resources and learn from them. The camaraderie that develops among teachers who respect each other’s ideas is reflected in the relationships that the teachers are able to build with their students. Students, in turn, are more likely to actively participate in the learning process if they feel that their ideas and perspectives are being heard. The teacher becomes the guide, but both the teacher and the student are on the same journey together.
I believe teachers can and should hold the highest expectations for their students. Students want to give 100% of themselves to a teacher who not only notices when they are not doing their best, but also expresses true, genuine excitement when they are. These “highest expectations” can change depending upon the day, the student, and the circumstance. On any given day, for any given student, the greatest victory to be achieved may be getting him or her in the door.
I believe that music teachers have a unique role which extends beyond the studio. At some point during their learning process, students are bound to feel lost, alone, or resigned. Music teachers have the opportunity to get to know students in an individual environment and are often the first to spot signs that a student is struggling. In such a situation, the teacher can offer support as both mentor and advisor to facilitate students’ growth. Learning is a creative process during which students must experiment and take risks. One of the greatest joys of teaching is giving students the perspective and confidence they need in order to discover new alternatives in their approach.
I believe that music is the vessel through which we can learn the most important skills as a society. Through ensemble playing students learn teamwork, through chamber music they learn diplomacy, and through practice they learn diligence and artistry. Through their teachers, students learn how to share themselves and their art with the world around them; that is to say, they learn how to be musicians.
I believe that the art of teaching music has the power to change individual lives and regularly changes the world. Music teachers are encouraging students on a path of creativity, diligence, and self-discovery. As students continue on their own life journey, they are doing so forever altered by teachers who believed in them, pushed them, and shared with them their love of an exquisite art form.