Mission Statement
To provide each student with an individual and carefully sequenced plan of instruction that emphasizes long range technical and musical skill development while nurturing their love of music.
Teaching Philosophy
I believe that good teaching is eclectic, borrowing from a variety of approaches (i.e.: Suzuki and Traditional methods). Lessons should be well-rounded and consist of scales, etudes, and solo repertoire. Lessons should be carefully planned, sequenced, and monitored to allow for the correct development of proper fundamentals including: a flexible stance, relaxed body posture, instrument position, left arm, hand, and finger placement, bow hand and bowing motion development, tone production, and aural skills. A soft and flexible bow hand that leads to the development of relaxed bow changes and off the string strokes needs to be carefully taught at each lesson. A relaxed left hand and arm leading to proper shifting and vibrato technique also needs to be carefully taught and monitored. Additionally, it is so important to help each child discover relaxed and balanced body movements through which music making can naturally flow. As one plays, the muscles should be free from tension and breathing natural so as to contribute to fluid motions.
The art of music making can be explored at any time, but is most successful when proper fundamentals have been established. Students need to be able to demonstrate mastery on a piece, within reason, before moving on. Correct notes, rhythms, and bowings only provide a place to begin. Students should be able to play in tune, play in the correct part of the bow with proper bowing technique, demonstrate proper rubato, tone, dynamics, style, phrasing, and breathing in order to demonstrate mastery.
Teaching is a journey; not a destination. I believe the best teachers are lifelong learners, continuing to attend workshops and learn from other master teachers. I believe the best teachers constantly evaluate and re-evaluate their teaching in terms of what is/is not working for the student. I believe the best teachers keep up their playing skills and play in some type of ensemble. Most of all, I believe a good teacher is caring, patient, empathetic, kind, positive, and encouraging, knowing when to push a student and when to back off.
My passion is teaching and working with the individual student. When I get a new student or continue to work with an existing student, I always ask myself, "What does this student need the most right now?" What is going to be the best path for them going forward, the best studies for them, and the best repertoire that is going to be of interest to them, and that they will enjoy; repertoire that will challenge, but not frustrate them; repertoire that will "stretch" them and help them grow technically and musically . The development of a personal, caring relationship between teacher and student is key. The ability to laugh, smile, and be human is so important! I am thankful and blessed to have worked with many great students; they, too, teach me new things everyday and help me continue to grow as a teacher!
The art of music making can be explored at any time, but is most successful when proper fundamentals have been established. Students need to be able to demonstrate mastery on a piece, within reason, before moving on. Correct notes, rhythms, and bowings only provide a place to begin. Students should be able to play in tune, play in the correct part of the bow with proper bowing technique, demonstrate proper rubato, tone, dynamics, style, phrasing, and breathing in order to demonstrate mastery.
Teaching is a journey; not a destination. I believe the best teachers are lifelong learners, continuing to attend workshops and learn from other master teachers. I believe the best teachers constantly evaluate and re-evaluate their teaching in terms of what is/is not working for the student. I believe the best teachers keep up their playing skills and play in some type of ensemble. Most of all, I believe a good teacher is caring, patient, empathetic, kind, positive, and encouraging, knowing when to push a student and when to back off.
My passion is teaching and working with the individual student. When I get a new student or continue to work with an existing student, I always ask myself, "What does this student need the most right now?" What is going to be the best path for them going forward, the best studies for them, and the best repertoire that is going to be of interest to them, and that they will enjoy; repertoire that will challenge, but not frustrate them; repertoire that will "stretch" them and help them grow technically and musically . The development of a personal, caring relationship between teacher and student is key. The ability to laugh, smile, and be human is so important! I am thankful and blessed to have worked with many great students; they, too, teach me new things everyday and help me continue to grow as a teacher!