Teaching Philosophy
In addition to my identity as a performing artist, education is of great importance to me. To teach, is a great responsibility that cannot be underestimated. My ultimate goal is to discover, nurture, and promote my students in ways that allow them to be artistically independent, imaginative, and knowledgeable.
There are four key qualities that I cultivate in my students:
An obligation to honor the music they play through educated and courageous performances infused with a person’s individual expression.
Having a technique that is always at the service of the music
A curiosity to explore the repertoire and all forms of inter-disciplinary art in order to appreciate the multitude of styles/cultures in addition to the traditional western canon.
An understanding of music technology and its part in recording, live streaming, creating multimedia presentations, and education.
In addition, a vital aspect of my teaching is health and wellness at the instrument and beyond. I speak to my students on the idea that musicians are fine-motor athletes. Performing at a high level requires stamina, endurance, and muscle control. Combined with these physical aspects, an artist must have great mental strength, since the brain is our greatest tool. Visualization is an exercise that allows the brain to be activated in extremely similar ways to actually participating in an activity. I want my students to build healthy and sustainable relationships with their instruments while also teaching them how to take care of their bodies from the rigors of instrumental playing.
Due to the pandemic, music technology has become more essential than ever in how we produce, view, and share content. My experience includes extensive familiarity with audio/video editing software, livestreaming software/hardware, video/audio equipment, virtual teaching tools, and video production. This is something I believe to be important for my students to have at least a rudimentary grasp on, so that they can develop even more freedom and confidence to create their own unique musical experiences wherever they are.
Another aspect of teaching that I find extraordinarily important is the interpersonal environment of a studio. Many pianists spend countless solitary hours alone, practicing, and I believe chamber music is necessary, not only with other instruments, but with each other. Some of the greatest neglected repertoire for the piano involves four-hand pieces, and this is a perfect opportunity for young pianists to learn from each other, creating a studio environment of encouragement, inspiration, and joy for music.
I believe in being an advocate of all types of music: traditional, unconventional, contemporary, and multi-stylistic. Continuing to share the tradition of classical music, opening my student’s eyes to new possibilities, and empowering them to become strong individuals with their own unique voice is my ultimate goal as a teaching - artist