My teaching is fundamentally informed by my Christian worldview and the belief that every person has a purpose and mission in life. For many, music is an integral part of that mission, and I want to help each student achieve their greatest potential.
My most treasured teachers and mentors were proficient at setting high and excellent standards while maintaining reasonable expectations and achievable goals. An accomplished teacher knows this balance and is not afraid to ask it of their students.
Quality education is not only beneficial to the student, but is also valuable to professional artists. I am passionate about education because it is an exchange that enlightens the pupil while strengthening the specialist. There is a common misconception among students that they are the only ones being interviewed; the student should also be interviewing the teacher for a fruitful, cohesive relationship.
I strive to develop relationships with my students by establishing rapport, stability, and trust. Effective learning is a fine balance between discipline, mutual respect, and thoughtfulness. I have found that if you show your pupils respect, they will strive to maintain and bolster that respect. When encountering a challenging teaching situation, I believe in demonstrating kindness and patience while upholding a constructive, anchored work environment. In tough moments, it is also the teacher’s role to remind the student of the rewarding, lasting aspects of his or her craft.
Whether in a classroom or private setting, a successful teacher is able to recognize and address each student’s difficulties and capabilities. There are no two students who learn the same way, so it is important to acknowledge each student’s strengths while simultaneously transforming their weaknesses. I am always willing to be flexible and am aware of the differentiated learning styles and techniques used to address them.