Strong Foundation
Playing a musical instrument involves doing many things at the same time with ease and joy. In order for a violinist to play with ease, it is essential that the student build a strong foundation layer by layer. Each student moves at their own pace, and it is important that everyone involved honors the work with patience and confidence in the process.
Shin’ichi Suzuki was a masterful pedagogue who inspired thousands of teachers to think deeply about how children learn best: break things down to the smallest possible component, repeat each skill many times, and do this in a way that the student enjoys.
Whether we are using the Suzuki repertoire or not, the concept of ease through mastery infuses every lesson.
Community
Everyone learning music needs to be part of a community for inspiration, motivation, goal-setting, and joy.
Young students find this through weekly group classes, recitals, by playing for peers on the playground and at the library, and for elders at assisted living and community centers.
Parents find essential community support through these events as well.
Improvise
Catherine Price gave a wonderful TED talk defining “Fun”. Her research showed that playfulness, flow and connection are the key to enjoying life.
Flow and connection are core experiences in music - and playfulness is a core aspect of improvising.
Just like we would never criticize a child’s crayon drawing, it is imperative that we do not criticize someone’s efforts at creative expression.
It’s vital that all musicians have an opportunity to experiment and explore music making in a non-judgmental forum, and I strive to provide that space for all of my students.
Support
Every student needs a support system in place, and the sense of unwavering faith in their innate ability to succeed through thick and thin.
For young students, a primary caregiver is the ideal person to do this. On a practical level, this means they ensure daily listening, they practice alongside the child each day, and they bring the child to classes each week and take notes.
It is important that the primary caregiver deeply understands what is being asked of the child. Learning an instrument is no small endeavor! I offer parent classes for beginning students so that primary caregivers are able to fully support their child along this journey.
For teenagers who are spreading their wings, their primary caregiver is still needed, even while the responsibilities of practicing, taking notes, and arriving to the lesson are handed off. Partnership and communication between teacher and parent is essential to ensure that the handoff of responsibilities is gradual and supportive.
Character & Ethics
In my studio, I strive to act with and to impart strong character and ethics.
I strive to create a space where all feel welcome, embraced and safe. I invite open conversations and offer the same.
I strive for representation of all identities in the composers and types of music we learn, and to embrace different learning styles and types of learners.
I value empathy and compassion, honesty and transparency.
