My Philosophy of Piano Pedagogy

        The paramount maxim in my teaching is: Music is a joy.  Piano study isn't always going to be easy, but it always should be satisfying.  My primary goal is to teach students how to learn.  I believe that empowerment is the key to motivation.  Motivation is not something the teacher does to students; it is something students do to themselves.  The teacher's part is to introduce possibilities.  Therefore, I emphasize initiative and self-direction.  I also encourage exploration and creativity.  I will never be upset if my students make mistakes.  I will be upset only if they don't try.  If they won't try, I can't teach. 

        Another teaching philosophy I always uphold is that my students learn much more than just piano.  I use music as a means to set my students up for success. By getting them ready for performances, they develop sense of responsibility for making a success; and by learning success, they gain self-confidence which is the one attribute they will need to truly attain their dreams, whatever they may be.  In addition to preparing them to play well, I also prepare them to fail,  if it happens.  No performance is note perfect and any student can make mistakes.  I coach my students to face unexpected situations and get back on track without flinching.  All of these will carry into other facets of their lives.  Basically, I give them the tools with which they will draw on for success in life; and that tool is music education applied on the piano. 

        On the other hand, since there is much more going on than mere piano teaching, I attempt to help bringing cohesiveness to my students' piano experiences from every aspect of their lives that can be imagined.  With children, I aim to help them to see the piano as an oasis and steady rock throughout their growing up; or at least to nurture that inner space within themselves which can be explored at the piano.  The world may spin around them, but the piano is always there, no matter what.  And they will find themselves, over and over again, sitting there playing piano's wonderful tones.  With adults, it is a similar thing I wish for them to find; however, I also aim to help them to see how everything they have included within their lives prior to picking up the piano, has only added to their piano experiences.  Everything they have done, has led up to them learning the piano, and can be used in some way.