LESSONS

TEACHING PHILOSOPHY

As a private piano teacher, I view my role as broader than simply teaching my students how to play the piano. I am responsible for training the next generation of well-rounded musicians. In light of this, I desire for all of my students to develop a solid foundation in music theory. This knowledge is indispensable for the maturing pianist, and will enable students to learn new music faster, memorize more solidly, and improve sight-reading skills. 

A basic knowledge of music history – including the stylistic traits, and the performance practices associated with different eras and composers – will prepare students to have historically accurate performances.  A central goal among educators is to teach students to become independent learners, and this training will empower them to make correct musical and stylistic decisions. I believe that by analyzing and discussing the repertoire being played in lessons, students can learn a great deal about theory and music history, and understand the value of such knowledge.

The majority of time spent at the piano will be in individual practice, opposed to a small percentage filled by weekly lessons. Therefore, I believe that it is crucial for me to teach my students how to practice correctly and efficiently. Good practice techniques should be demonstrated and utilized during lessons as a model for how to practice. I understand that as a teacher I must clearly communicate my desires and expectations of how practice time at home should be spent, and the practice techniques that should be applied to each piece.

In addition, I have a desire to teach my students to play with more than just proper style and technique.  My hope is to show them the joy of connecting with a piece, and sharing that same joy with an audience.  I want to guide them to know the music so intimately that they can begin to identify with it. I believe that these are integral parts of becoming a pianist of artistry and expression. It is my opinion that students should be exposed to quality performances – whether live or via recordings – by skilled pianists who breathe life into the music. Listening to various interpretations of the same piece will engage critical listening skills, and students will learn to recognize true and tasteful expression. In order to have expressive playing, a pianist must have something to share with the audience. As a teacher, I feel that it is my responsibility to help my students find something in the music to communicate to the audience – whether it is a mood to convey, a story to tell, or a character to portray. I have found that having a clear picture in your own mind of what the music is saying will lead to a more expressive performance. I believe that expressive playing does not come simply by mimicking a teacher or a recording, but grows out of guided experimentation and the freedom to learn from mistakes. The ability to make good interpretative decisions is a skill that is learned and perfected over many years of training and study.  It is never too early for a young pianist to begin incorporating expression into their playing. I believe that the true beauty and pleasure in music comes from the pursuit of artistry and expression.