Philosophy/Values

Below is a summary of my values that I hold to direct my teaching. This should help give you an idea of what my teaching is like and if I would be a good fit. I welcome all students but generally do better with those wanting to play for the joy of music, with those seeking a hobby for betterment, or with those seeking a wholistic view of parenting and education.

Teaching Philosophy

Some parents value education and results above all else. I tend to find myself valuing the individual and their wellbeing and betterment first of all. To better understand where I come from it may be helpful to read through these 5 values:

Patience

Learning to listen and allow others to speak even when it is difficult is one of the most important things we can do as humans. It allows us to put off ourselves and allow God, (Love) to lead. With the ability to respond in love and not from your own anger or temper or desires (good or bad) but to speak for the betterment of the listener and for their wellbeing we can help others and give them space to be themselves and also to become better. I believe this is one of the great virtues, helping us be able to help people in their circumstances and difficulties. When we put off our desires and help others we begin to find something much closer to the purpose of life. When I’m teaching I’m certainly seeking to help players become joyful, proficient players, but I also want them to be loving, wise ones too and that is why I value patience and wisdom in my teaching more than any other attribute.

Learning

Being a lifelong learner along with learning to listen is one of the most important things you can learn in life. It allows or empowers you to become good at anything you do. It also helps you learn how to follow joy and learn what is paying you back dividends of results and harmony with your life experiences and interests. I try to instill the joy of learning as well as the discipline so both can thrive together.

Performance

Along with patience and lifelong learning I also believe players and teachers should be good at what they do. I try to give my students performance opportunities and also try to help teach performance ability in the ability to rise to the moment and play with great expression, capturing the spirit of the piece and moving the listener and the artist to greater heights. Pianists should be able to perform and help lead others to higher heights. 1 Corinthians 10:31 “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”

Knowledge

I believe it is important to have knowledge concerning your endeavors in life and that this directly impacts how well you do with your endeavors and pursuits and work. So I try to have the best quality information and motivating factors on the instrument, playing it, and on the history of music. I believe these things along with good assessment skills and technique help the artist excel and do well. Piano can be much more than music making. Though I do believe this is one of our highest joys on earth, making music. Making music can also help you learn how to do difficult things and how to get through difficulty.

Joy

When joy is leading, more gets done. When workers and students don’t want to do what they’re doing, they generally do a worse job and aren’t healthy overall. Joy in music is important because it helps us be better at our instruments, helps us learn the right things to do in life, and helps us help others.