MY TEACHING PHILOSOPHY

Today’s young pianists face a number of challenges to achieve

excellence as musicians, performers, and, potentially, future

teachers. These include memorization of musical text,

the unity of technique and interpretation, and the ability to

maintain a focused, well-balanced stage presence

with an artistic self-esteem.

 

I enjoy working with students of all levels and ages. The first priority is comprehension: understanding how music works, and why we do things in a particular way. This leads to confidence, an essential part of students’ development as well as an appreciation of fundamentals of the language of music. The method I have put together over the years includes good sight reading skills along with theory and rhythm training while working on performance skills. This type of in-depth work helps students understand the elements of music and explore their own ways of expression.  Students receive genuine praise for their growth and improvements. 

 

Later stages of learning include a wider range of musical explorations such as studying elements of form, harmony, voice leading, among others.  Along with discussions of style,

historical background, and performance practice, this learning approach helps students to better understand musical concepts and build solid grounds for their own unique interpretations. 

 

I also encourage students to both attend concerts as well as

perform frequently so that they can be granted an opportunity to better 

internalize and test all tools and facilities they’ve gained during their

lessons. 

 

Every student is unique. By respecting these special

qualities, I work diligently towards activating their learning.  By genuinely encouraging each individual student, I have, for many years, been able to

inspire them reach an enjoyable learning experience, build self-assurance as well as achieve high levels of joyous performances.