There is no doubt that learning an instrument for the first time is a challenge. Returning to an instrument after many years can pose even more hurdles. My constant underlying duty as a teacher is to give my students the perspective that these challenges are what drive us and that the pathways to deep understanding in music, creativity and self can be fun and even easy.
Human beings portray so many variables in personality and learning styles that I would never approach teaching two students by the same means. I get to know every one of my students specifically in order to understand their interests, personalities and learning styles, in turn finding what is best to teach and how best to teach it. My mentorship reflects my educational background, which is a mixture of self taught, academic, and experiential. A balance of traditional and unconventional.
I want to make sure you thoroughly understand what you are learning and how to play it. It is my goal that you enjoy what you are learning so that you will look forward to practicing. The material we cover is based on your interests. There are many traditional and unconventional ways to communicate music. I will find our best working method.
I keep careful track of what each of my students is working on in order to maintain a trajectory of progress. However, my first question at the beginning of every lesson is, "What are we working on today?" I always want to make sure we are exploring your interests.