As a private music teacher, it is of the upmost importance that I provide a safe space for students of any age, race, gender, sexuality, or disability to connect with music on a core level. Through learning songs, etudes, and fundamentals, and by connecting them to broader philosophical life concepts, each one of my students will gain the background needed to succeed both on and off their respective instruments. After all, regardless of their age or skill level, I believe wholeheartedly that music helps an individual become connected to the human spirit, fulfilling an unseen and oft unacknowledged need for an introspective spiritual connection.

            For elementary school students, music helps engage fine motor skills, creativity, and individuality in an extremely formative period of time in the students’ lives. For teenage students, musical study can help the students forge life-long relationships, increase their proficiency in math, science, and literature due to the connection with written notation, and allow students to embrace their individuality. Undergraduate and graduate students learn music in advanced degrees so that they can pay it forward through teaching, performance, and composition, reaching broad audiences so that their connection with the human spirit can be shared across all language and cultural barriers. Musicians after graduation continue studying music for similar reasons, however the study of music is a journey, not a destination, so there will never be a point where one has said “I’ve learned enough.”

            In terms of my pedagogy, I believe that building a strong musical foundation is the most important aspect needed for the continual success of a student, so, to this end, I work with my students starting from day one on tone production (when applicable), music theory, and ear training. Every student has different goals they desire to reach during their musical journey, so by providing the necessary fundamentals, I can help my students reach their goal faster. In this way, I aim to be a mentor or guide for the student to realize their own dreams without being forced into any specific musical box.

            As a mentor in my student’s lives, it is paramount that I hold myself to the highest standards as both a musician and person. I need to show my students that it is okay to fail, but that one must always pick themselves up afterwards and keep moving forward. I will be vulnerable and understanding of their respective difficulties and musical struggles, relating to my students on a core human level instead of selfishly pushing them past their own limits. I will teach them that by preparing music through slow, methodical processes, nothing can stand in their way, relating this to larger struggles outside of music in general life issues as needed.

            My teaching style is extremely individualized, catering to each student to build a well-rounded person ready to take on whatever music or other task they might find interest in. While I may guide my students to work on specific repertoire that will advance their technique and musicality, I will work with them to make sure they connect with the pieces they work on, even letting them choose their own repertoire if they feel an especially strong desire or connection to the piece. After all, this connection to their music is what will make my students blossom as musicians.

            I will teach my students music, yes, but I will also teach them how to be better communicators and listeners. Music is a language that must be learned, so by learning and communicating through music, my students will gain an understanding of how to listen to and connect with other people. This can be accomplished through personalized ear training, improvisational call-and-response pedagogy, and musical self-analysis where I ask a student to explain their thought process behind their musical decisions.

            In summary, I aim to teach my students how to succeed both on and off of their instrument by acting as a trustworthy mentor and guide for each student’s respective musical journey.