My Teaching Philosophy
Unlocking the art of expressing emotions is a profound pleasure in human existence. Music serves as a universal medium for conveying these emotions. My role extends beyond instrument mastery as I aim to educate students about music creation and theory intricacies. As an educator, I nurture a genuine love and passion for music, fostering discipline, creative thinking, and unique musical expression. Aligning personal interests with my teaching methods creates an enjoyable, meaningful musical journey for long-term growth.
My teaching resources extend beyond traditional course books and encompass a wide range of engaging activities tailored for children under the age of 5. For beginners, I rely on John Thompson’s Easiest Piano Course method books which has been a favorite for decades, appreciated for its effectiveness. It not only imparts the rudiments but also establishes a solid foundation through an enjoyable process suitable for both children and adults. After laying this foundation, the students gain the knowledge to choose their preferred path of exploration. I also firmly believe that classical piano repertoire, when complemented by a solid foundation in music theory, forms a sturdy base for learning. Recognizing the importance of diversity, I encourage students to explore genres beyond classical music—Jazz, Latin, or Popular Music—providing opportunities to savor each genre’s distinct flavors. This enriches their playing experience, ensuring lasting personal enjoyment. Enrolling them in certified examinations like RCM can not only serve as a valuable tool for students to evaluate their progress but also help foster a goal-oriented and focused approach to training, ultimately leading them to consistent progress.
Though I value recitals for showcasing talent, I believe competitive piano performances may limit creative expression. Music is a personal journey, and the focus should be on constant improvement. Instead, I advocate for collaborative opportunities like joining a band, fostering creative expression, and teaching the valuable skill of harmonious teamwork with other musicians.
No specific age group is preferred for music learning; anyone above 4 can begin their musical journey. Dispelling the myth that adults are too old to learn an instrument, I emphasize that a strong passion for learning transcends age. Tailoring my methods to children of different ages, I consider their unique goals and interests.
The essence of learning piano lies in the artistry and expression of music in creative ways. Therefore, I emphasize establishing a strong connection with music through child-friendly courses, providing a pathway for expressing their musical creativity. Teaching children early on brings me immense joy as I foster a lifelong love for music. The primary goal is to ignite a strong passion and establish a deep connection with music. Hence their courses involve playful activities, such as drawing clefs and coloring staff lines, introducing fundamental musical elements.
I’m highly enthusiastic about Music Literacy, and I’m eager to integrate Music Theory & History into repertoire lessons, wherever possible. This combination not only facilitates a deeper analysis of musical pieces but also cultivates a heightened appreciation for the music itself.
Sight reading and playing by ear, crucial aspects of musicianship, can be overlooked, particularly when a student excels in one but struggles with the other. Having encountered such challenges in my own learning journey, I ensure my students achieve a balanced and well-rounded development in all aspects of musicianship. This includes incorporating a strong technique, allowing them to enjoy playing the piano physically without fatigue from improper techniques.
Achieving long-term success in piano education requires commitment from both teachers and parents. My focus is on instilling a deep passion for piano and music, while I ask parents to understand the importance of consistent discipline and regular practice for progress. Encouragement and continuous motivation are crucial, especially during challenges. Your trust in the learning process and commitment to regular practice will yield significant results over time. While our weekly meetings are valuable, the majority of progress comes from consistent practice and exploring music beyond our classes, with my guidance and support.
In conclusion, I am confident that my approach not only aids in learning an instrument but also establishes a solid foundation in various facets of musicianship that will continue to benefit the student long after our lessons.