Teaching Philosophy

My teaching philosophy is not much different from my life philosophy; balance. Balance in all things. Music, and particularly piano teaching are very important, but if we as teachers only focus on one aspect of our students’ learning, we have certainly missed the boat.

Obviously there must be a balance between each part of musical education; ear training, theory, technique, performance, and teaching. In addition, there must also be balance in expectations and demands placed on a student. And, of course, there must always be the fine balance between discipline and love.

If a teacher has the desire to be the best that he/she can be, then of course she must know the importance of balancing the many important concepts that ultimately need to be taught or discussed. When looked at more fundamentally, a teacher must never stop learning for him or herself. If a teacher thinks that he/she has all the answers then surely he/she does not truly understand what teaching is all about. Yes, teachers teach, but the best teachers also learn. They learn from their students, from colleagues, from studying, and from continuing their own education. This is a critical balance that I believe every teacher must find.

Of course, balance also can refer to demands and expectations placed on a student. There is a fine line between being hard nosed and being fair. I believe as a teacher it is important to find the balance. A teacher must be approachable and kind yet consistent with their expectations. If there is no sympathy or compassion, then certainly few students will want to work under his/her direction. Yet, if a teacher is too lenient and easily swayed, then certainly he/she will be taken advantage of by students, who will walk away with a skewed perspective on the “realities” that they will soon face in the “real world”. Teachers prepare students for reality, while still being compassionate.

On the same token, teachers give the students an opportunity to creatively work through problems and challenges they face both in life and at the keyboard. A truly great teacher will show a student the parallel between life and mastering an instrument. Although neither is easy, when a student can learn to overcome challenges at the keyboard, certainly their challenges in life will seem more manageable.

Although discipline and love seem to be almost opposite to each other, I believe a truly great teacher finds the perfect balance between the two, and in effect combines them together. A teacher who loves but doesn’t discipline loses respect. A teacher who disciplines and doesn’t love also loses respect. But, a teacher who disciplines and loves is one who gains respect.

I love to teach because it is a way for me to make a small difference in the world. I love music because it is such a powerful form of communication. I am so grateful I have the opportunity to combine my two great loves in one profession: Piano Teaching.