TEACHING PHILOSOPHY

As a piano teacher and performing musician my first desire is to instill a love of music that lasts a lifetime. Learning music is a life long endeavor, although a student may not take music lessons throughout their entire life,they can remain a music lover for life. I believe that every student is unique and has something special that he/she can bring to his/her music education. Like the development of any other skill, learning a musical instrument is a process that requires practice, patience and perseverance. These are qualities that go beyond music education and are helpful in many other areas in life. I see the relationship teacher-student as one of mutual respect. As a teacher I set clear expectations and design lessons that encourage students to reach their goals, while keeping in mind the individual needs of each student. The student’s efforts will eventually determine whether those goals are met. 

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My experience of over 25 years as a piano teacher has taught me that establishing a solid technique, knowledge of theory and basic history from the very beginning will create good musicianship and artistry in piano playing. As the student grows in these three components, it will allow me to teach through discovery based learning by asking questions, stimulating curiosity, self-expression and having the student think on his/her own rather than giving only instructions and corrections.  Since my goal as a teacher is to give the student a well-rounded music education, I firmly believe that getting acquainted with the classical repertoire is important since classical music has a well proven approach to understanding the fundamentals of music theory and the development of a vast technique that are necessary to become an accomplished and versatile musician.  I also encourage playing other styles of music to broaden one’s horizon, especially if this will help to keep the student motivated.  If desired I can help students prepare for participation in festivals such as Kiwanis and exams from the Royal Conservatory or Conservatory Canada.

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Finally, I would like to emphasize that the role of the parents is another key point  in the success of the student. The outcome of results can greatly be enhanced if the parents and student engage in appreciating and listening to classical and other music, visit concerts, show appreciation in the progress of the student and, last but not least help the student to provide a structured home environment for practice. I strive to have open communications with the parents and I certainly do welcome parents to observe the student’s lessons. This can  help create a positive effect on the student’s progress. My experience has been that in this case parents learn with their child and often have their own curiosity satisfied.