My Teaching Philosophy: Patience Is Key
“Practice patience with yourself and you will progress in whatever you practice.”
As an adult teacher I often think back to my experiences as a student growing up: in the classroom, in private lessons, in orchestra classes and summer camps. And I think about the many different teachers I had and why or why not I may have felt a connection with them. This awareness is what inspires my teaching philosophy and my approach to working with children and adults each and every day.
I am constantly striving to figure out how I can help my students better connect with their instrument, better connect with music, and most importantly better connect with themselves. Without this connection their is no trust or progress. How can you build anything without trust?
My focus from the start is to help my students build a strong foundation for technique, music theory, and practice habits. Through dedicated practice and body awareness, I believe proper technique shapes an individual’s musical style and musicianship. Once established, I also give my students the opportunity to guide their own learning and education by choosing genres, different styles, and songs they want to learn. After all, music has no boundaries. And at the end of the day, why play music if you’re not enjoying it?
At the heart of my teaching philosophy is that music changes lives and enables individuals to develop into well-rounded, disciplined, empathetic individuals. At any age! And patience is key! Patience really is a guiding principle for me and a virtue I attempt to share and instill in my students.
When it comes to music you can’t miss the bus. It is never too late to discover its power! Everyone deserves the opportunity to explore music at some point in their life.