I agree with Plutarch’s view
that “the mind is a fire to be kindled.” The minds of my students are that fire
and it is my job to stoke their intellects and motivate them to become
effective learners. My goal is for my students to have a desire to learn and
not be satisfied with resting on their laurels. They should be willing and
wanting to ask questions about the material and methods I use. I achieve this by showing my students my own passion for the field; I find that this
inspires them.
I strive to help my students
become effective learners; I supply them with the tools to be successful and
independent musicians. One way I accomplish this is through student
participation and contribution. I respect each student as an individual with
unique needs and allow them to discuss their goals and what they hope to
achieve from taking private lessons. This allows me to customize the lessons to best accomplish his or her goals. My students
decide which pieces they would like to perform, I find this helps them take
control of their learning in a much more personal way. I recommend several
pieces from which to choose, or in some cases, allow them to pick music more in
line with their desires.
Being a role
model for my students is important to me, both in and outside the classroom. I
try to divulge just enough personal information regarding my experiences as a
teacher and musician as to be helpful. Through this, I hope to create a bond
with my students, so that they can benefit from what I learned in similar
circumstances. I do my best to prepare for each lesson by contributing engaging,
informative, and creative experiences for my students. I believe in being
accountable to my students; through email and by phone I make myself
accessible to students in a professional and ethical manner.
I
have my students record themselves, using both audio and video, in their
private lessons to aid in reflecting critically on their
performance. I require my students to listen to their recordings and provide
feedback and constructive criticism about their playing. I also incorporate recordings
of professional musicians; listening to some of the best
musicians in my field has made me want to be a better musician and I feel this
inspires my students as well.
Every student brings a new set of abilities and skills, which makes them unique. I treat every student as an individual and do my best to relate to them on a personal level.
The best way to become a professional is to begin acting
and thinking like a professional early in one’s career.