Teaching Philosophy

Teaching, for me is, passing on knowledge, self-discipline, and effective work habits. It is imparting confidence in one's ability to pull together components of previous learning, to solve a present challenge. Example: run by the computer on your shoulders how you got the tone you liked in the study we just did, and how you could get the same tone in this passage, and then show me.

How do I teach?

I believe that I teach with love for the student and love of music.

I teach by showing an example of what I want the student to do, how to do a technique, how to shape a phrase, etc. In short, "I play, now you play."

I teach by breaking down the challenges into small more easily mastered pieces.

In short, I teach by the Suzuki method.

Whom do I teach?

I teach boys and girls beginning at age 4 or 5. I take on students all through grade and high school ages and I have taught adults. Some of course, are beginners, others range up through high school orchestra levels.

What do I teach?

Well, violin! And viola! But I hope that the student is also learning how to listen to him or herself and others appreciatively, so as to be able to learn from those around him or her. I also hope s/he develops the finer side of the human being, which is often displayed in the arts. I use the Suzuki method for teaching younger children.