Teaching
Philosophy
The success of a student depends on the following
criteria:
- a teacher’s ability to adapt to
each student’s needs
- reasonable expectations of the
lessons from both student and teacher
- the ability for student and
teacher to adapt to new ideas
- technique standards that avoid
injury
It should be the goal of every teacher to not
only teach relevant material, but to keep the student’s interest. Relevant teaching material does not
have to be boring; it can be fun and engaging if presented properly, and there
will always be an available explanation as to what each piece of study has to
offer a student.
Teachers and students ought to agree to what
purpose the lessons will serve from the onset.
Students should know their schedules and recognize that learning an
instrument takes time and commitment.
The expectations of both student and teacher should take any time
constraints and other obligations into account when considering the goals to be
achieved and the time it will take to achieve them.
Students should be ready to learn anew! Whether as a novice or an advanced
player, no one knows everything – not even the teacher. Students are welcome to their
opinions; however, it is the purpose of lessons to open up the possibilities of
new techniques that may help improve technical and musical abilities. Lessons are also the opportunity to
share information as a two-way exchange; a good teacher is also a good student
willing to take in new approaches to the instrument. After all, studying an instrument is
an ongoing quest.
Playing a musical instrument is a physical
activity. It is important for a
student to learn how to play without the potential for future injury. Accordingly, a student must recognize
the inherent worth of good playing habits that help keep muscles, tendons, and
joints relatively free from tension.
A player with a relaxed technique plays with more energy and endurance and will
enjoy playing for many years to come.
It’ll be more fun for you, too!
Nervousness makes us tense, too, so there will also be some discussion of
how to alleviate things like “stage fright” and other anxieties that are common
to musicians and performers.
For more specific questions, or anything I may
not have covered, please ask!
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