
WHAT I BELIEVE AND HOW I TEACH...
Music has the ability to evoke moods and emotions in humans regardless of their language, culture, social status, and age. Many teachers believe that the piano is the most essential of all musical instruments and one of the best audio-visual ways to learn music. The importance of learning music through the study of piano cannot be underestimated and every day I reflect upon how lucky I am to be a piano teacher.
​
I teach any student regardless of background and ability. Students must be internally motivated to enroll in piano lessons. Beginning, intermediate, and advanced students all benefit from lessons and each bring unique challenges and goals. Having students with a variety of skill levels is important to maintain my well rounded teaching abilities, techniques, and methods. A diverse range of student ages including young children, teenagers, young adults, and adults, regardless of their respective skill level, is equally beneficial for many of the same reasons. Witnessing students of all ages and skill levels improve, understand, and grow in their studies is one of the most rewarding aspects of teaching.
​
Students will be expected to read music, study technique in preparation of repertoire, practice adequately daily, and perform in ensembles as well as solo. The ability to read music is essential for music literacy and long term success. Those who keep playing the piano later in life have strong abilities to read music. Technique studies allow students to play repertoire expressively and communicate music effectively without being hindered physically. Adequate daily practice allows improvement in all students regardless of skill level or age. Besides performing solo, ensemble and duet playing is critical to be a successful musician and encourages a steady pulse, balance, and, most importantly, is enjoyable for all participating.
​
I am a confidant for students as well as an instructor of piano. Many of my favorite memories from my childhood are moments spent at piano lessons with a teacher who was friendly and caring as well as knowledgeable. The student’s relationship with their teacher can be one factor that determines a student’s decision to pursue and value music for the rest of their life. Piano lessons are not only an opportunity to learn and perform music but as an opportunity to healthfully reflect and share life’s challenges, opportunities, and joys.
