I believe that music is a language, and to master any language requires a mastery of multiple related skills:  Listening (ear training/comprehension), reading (being able to sight read sheet music), “speaking,” (performing music with fluency), and writing (written theory/composition).  I teach my students to engage in music with a well-rounded approach that includes important elements from each of these skill areas.

Learning an instrument involves equal parts mind and body.  Coordinating this mental/physical “dance” of playing an instrument activates the student’s brain - creating new neural pathways, then refining them.  Understanding the individual mental and physical elements that playing an instrument requires, and how they function in tandem, is an integral element in my teaching.

I teach from a western classical tradition, where a Franco-Belgian technique and setup is at the core of the students’ approach to the instrument.  Most of the repertoire and literature used is within this classical tradition, but I also incorporate other musical styles and genres, such as folk, blues, pop, and film music, which can be tailored to the students’ interests and desires.

My teaching style is patient and kind, with an obvious excitement about the learning process and an emphasis on tangible results.  I believe students learn best when they feel comfortable, secure, and encouraged, yet challenged by the repertoire and exercises presented, as well as the level of achievement expected.  Learning an instrument requires a student’s best effort, both in lessons and their home practice.  I prefer to work with students’ strengths to maximize their potential, while making sure to bolster their weaknesses and fill in any gaps in their musical education.  Clear expectations and goals are presented in the short term (lesson to lesson), medium term (semester to semester), and long term (year to year, middle to high school, etc.)