TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
As a violin teacher, it is my belief that musical skill and talent is something that is carefully crafted and developed. I believe that every human being possesses the ability to not only learn, but to excel and achieve musical greatness, when they are equipped with desire, careful and frequent practice, and correct teaching. It is my intent to provide my students with all of the instruction, tools, and experience necessary to become outstanding musicians who are readily equipped to make an impact on society with their music.
In order to develop excellent violinists and musicians, I seek to build for my students a solid foundation of essential skills and techniques. These skills include correct posture, careful listening, and efficient motion patterns that are free from injury causing stress and tension--all of which are essential in developing a solid technical foundation. When students possess secure technical control over their instrument, they are able to more fully focus on the music and its interpretation.
I also aim to tailor my teaching to fit the individual needs and learning style of each student, so that they can get the absolute most out of each lesson. I assign each of my students repertoire, exercises, etudes, and scales based on their performance level and degree requirements. These assignments are specifically tailored to meet the level and needs of each student. I also seek to provide a stimulating and safe learning environment for my students to develop and progress as musicians and artists.
As a teacher, it is also among my principal responsibilities to make sure my students know how to practice effectively and efficiently. This includes clear, specific assignments, and level-appropriate practice instructions. I also teach my students the invaluable skill of self-evaluation, and how to identify and solve problems on their own. The ultimate goal is for students to become their own greatest teacher.
In addition, I also believe it is important to develop intrinsically motivated students who have a genuine love and excitement for learning. I strive to accomplish this by placing an emphasis on the process and not the product, celebrating and making both the student and the parent aware of each accomplishment and progression made, avoiding bribes and rewards, and working with the student, and when appropriate the parent, to create a stimulating musical environment.
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I also devote time and effort to providing my students with frequent performance opportunities in a myriad of different settings. These include performances classes, recitals and concerts on and off campus, master classes, and local, national, and international music festivals. These opportunities are essential for students to develop artistically outside of their practice room. It also allows them to practice and perfect the art of performing in safe environments where they can learn and grow. In addition, it can give them important exposure as they are seeking to develop their professional career.
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Throughout my education and career, I have worked hard to develop skills as a teacher, artist, musician, and performer. These skills and experiences allow me to prepare each of my students to be the very best musician and artist they can be. Furthermore, I constantly endeavor to learn and grow with and from my students, as I believe that a great teacher is one that never stops learning themselves.
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In the end, I believe that the skills that my students acquire will not only serve to help them become superb violinists, but can bless other aspects of their lives as well. Through violin, they can learn not only how to accomplish, but excel at hard things, and how to work to achieve success in whatever they put their minds to. Teaching music is, for me, a great honor, as I am involved first hand in sculping the rising generation of musicians. In doing so, I help them to bring art, culture, humanity, and beauty to the world, and prepare them to be leaders, performers, teachers and entrepreneurs in the arts.