Teaching Philosophy

The study of music rewards us with the language of emotions, and the piano is a magnificent instrument for that language. It is my firm belief that every individual has the capacity to understand and speak this language, and that the journey to engage in the art is open to all. Through exploration of the many facets of piano playing students of all ages can engage in music making.

In my teaching I aim for a methodical approach; one that was passed down to me from the Russian school of piano pedagogy. I place strong emphasis on classical repertoire, ranging from the Baroque era to the 21st centuries to familiarize students with the varying styles. I hone technique by working on scales and arpeggios as well as etudes and smaller studies. I stress the importance of reading from an early age, and devote time to music theory so that even the youngest of students can discern musical patterns and gain independence from the teacher. Lastly, I work on performance artistry and etiquette, so that every student, young and old, feels confident presenting their work.

I believe that each component - reading, technique, and mastery of various styles of music - is instrumental in shaping a strong musician. By weaving these elements together I wish to enable my students to relate to their music, and to have the ability to communicate their own interpretation through performance.

Because music is a performing art I focus on teaching my students the skill of public expression. A single performance teaches more about one’s interpretation of a piece, one’s strengths and weaknesses, then many hours with a teacher. I show students the way to present themselves with grace, and teach them the techniques necessary to stay calm and focused during performances. Being a performing musician myself, I push my students to showcase their achievements by performing in both casual and formal settings, as well as competitions and assessments throughout the academic year.

In my experience I have learned that to raise curious musicians requires empathy and understanding from the teacher. I celebrate the differences of my students, and accept that the struggles and triumphs of young musicians differ as they learn to play the piano. I hope to empower my students with confidence in their ability to achieve a high level of proficiency, and confidence in their ability to overcome the obstacles on their path.

Teaching piano is a rewarding experience and I am grateful to my students for entrusting their education to me. I continue to learn, to adjust, and to experiment in my teaching, and much like playing and performing, it is a practice in which I find great satisfaction. I take delight in the enthusiasm, creativity, and curiosity that my students bring to the lessons, and hope to preserve these qualities in them as they grow as individuals and as musicians. Most importantly, I strive to give my students their own voice, to enrich their world, and try to help them derive value and enjoyment from playing the piano.