My teaching philosophy
Music has always been a fundamental and positive part of my life and I want to pass on my love and joy of music to my pupils. I aim to make every lesson a creative process, a true collaboration between pupil and teacher; and for my pupils to sing or play on any occasion - creatively, confidently and joyfully. Above all, I want to open up a world of music to my pupils to enrich their lives, far beyond the confines of our lessons.
'Some people think it is too late to learn to play the piano because they feel they will never "get good" at it. But that is based on the misconception that art is primarily about accomplishing something and gaining skill. Actually, art is about exploring and creating. For that, it is never too late.' Forrest Kinney, Pattern Play 1.
How often have you heard an adult say ‘I wish I hadn’t given up the piano/violin/flute when I was a kid’? For so many people a heavy emphasis on exams and quantifiable achievement has drained the fun out of lessons and practice. So the more we concentrate on the playing (in every sense) of an instrument, the more incentive there is to carry on with it, in whatever direction you may wish to go.
My teaching focuses on creating a well-rounded musician and facilitating the pupils' individual aims. For me this includes general musicianship, both reading formal notation and playing by ear, improvisation, composition, theory, using chords and chord progressions as well as being able to sit down at the piano and play ‘Happy Birthday’ for any family occasion!
'Some people think it is too late to learn to play the piano because they feel they will never "get good" at it. But that is based on the misconception that art is primarily about accomplishing something and gaining skill. Actually, art is about exploring and creating. For that, it is never too late.' Forrest Kinney, Pattern Play 1.
How often have you heard an adult say ‘I wish I hadn’t given up the piano/violin/flute when I was a kid’? For so many people a heavy emphasis on exams and quantifiable achievement has drained the fun out of lessons and practice. So the more we concentrate on the playing (in every sense) of an instrument, the more incentive there is to carry on with it, in whatever direction you may wish to go.
My teaching focuses on creating a well-rounded musician and facilitating the pupils' individual aims. For me this includes general musicianship, both reading formal notation and playing by ear, improvisation, composition, theory, using chords and chord progressions as well as being able to sit down at the piano and play ‘Happy Birthday’ for any family occasion!
