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My primary goal is to
guide students through the learning process which will lead them to
self-confidence. |
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Teaching must be matched to the student's learning
style; therefore, teaching style, curriculum, and approach must
be flexible, varied, and individualized. |
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Empowerment is the key to motivation. Motivation is not something the teacher does to a student; it is something the student does to himself. The teacher's part is to
introduce possibilities.
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Maxims for my interaction with students:
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I'll never be angry if you ask a question. |
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I'll never be angry if you make a mistake. |
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I'll be upset only if you don't try. If you won't try, I can't teach
you. |
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If you don't understand, it's my fault, not yours. It's my job to teach you in a way you understand. |
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Attempting is often more important than succeeding.
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Ideas also paramount in my teaching:
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Music is a joy. |
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Music lessons
are a privilege, not a punishment or a requirement. |
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Piano study isn't always going to be easy, but it
should always be satisfying. |
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I
praise initiative and self-direction. |
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I show the student respect and affection.
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[Many thanks to Martha Beth Lewis, Ph.D. who guided me
in the process of writing a teaching philosophy]

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