TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
The twenty-first century is an extremely exciting time to be a musician. We have so many different tools and resources to access the musical world around us. These tools can help us to grow immensely at our instruments by giving us audio and video recordings of some of the world’s greatest performers instantly. New technology allows us to carry a metronome and tuner in our pockets on our portable cell phones. Technological inventions have also pushed the boundaries of what instruments like the violin and cello can do. It has even given us new electric versions of these traditionally acoustic instruments to match electric guitars and basses.
As a teacher, I aim to give any student the tools they need to play the cello well, as well as musical and personal fulfillment. The core of my teaching repertoire is the Suzuki system, which I use as a medium through which to teach the foundations of technique. The philosophy of this method founded by Dr. Suzuki is that anyone can learn to play a musical instrument. This system establishes a common language on how to solve some of the cello’s most challenging technical hurdles. Skills such as musicality, musicianship, critical problem solving, and more comprise the cornerstones of this system and can be applied to any student, no matter their age or skill level. Other materials I use in my teaching are the Cello Playing Is Easy series by Dr. Tanya Lesinsky Carey, as well as variations étude books by Rick Mooney, Sevcik, Schroeder, Popper, and more.
Healthy practice and performance habits are also paramount to being a successful musician. My goal is to give my students performance preparation techniques in order to feel secure and prepared for any performance or audition, and to have a positive experience while doing so. So often, we are taught how to play well, but ways to deal with the pressures of performing are often neglected. I hope to instill in my students not only technical confidence, but also ways to create a physically and mentally healthy performance and practice environment, and to have fun while doing it.
My hope as a teacher is for each of my students to be happy creating music and to have a sense of pride and confidence in whatever they do. By teaching how to be technically independent and comfortable, students are able to take the confidence and skills learned from studying cello to enrich their lives both inside and outside of music.