Teaching Philosophy
Playing
the viola is an art of communication above all - in my teaching, I
strive to give my students the technical tools that will allow them to
play music with creativity, expression, and freedom from tension. Each
student is an individual, with unique strengths and challenges - my job
is to help you find your strengths, develop your technique, and
overcome any problems in your playing so that you can feel free to
express the music -- which is what drew you to the viola in the first
place!
I encourage creativity - in lessons, through approaching problems with a spirit of curiosity and exploration, asking
directed questions, experimenting with new ideas and repertoire, and
finding out what kind of teaching best helps the student to learn; in
individual practice, through encouraging students to be self-directed learners, and in developing
individual, comprehensive practice goals and strategies for each student; and in performance,
through providing plenty of opportunities for performance, giving
constructive feedback, and encouraging individuality and
self-expression.
I encourage students to find a natural, relaxed physical and psychological approach to playing the viola. I have studied Alexander Technique, and this
knowledge helps me to work with my students on physical awareness and
healthy playing habits. I emphasize fluid, relaxed motion and careful
attention to posture and positioning of the instrument for optimal
efficiency and ease of motion. I help students address issues of performance anxiety through approaching performance as an experience that is grounded in sharing one's love of music with others, and fostering a sense of supportive community in my studio.
I encourage students to explore a
wide repertoire of music, from Baroque to contemporary, and work to
help students understand historical performance practice, stylistic
differences, and schools of playing. I also encourage students to
listen to a wide variety of recordings, historical to modern, to
understand the context and rich history of viola playing.
And
finally, I feel it is my responsibility as a teacher to prepare my
students for successful careers in music. I am very proud that my
students go on to have productive careers teaching in the public
schools and/or private studios, performing as orchestral and chamber
musicians, and working as professionals in performing arts
organizations. I enjoy guiding students in their career choices, from
preparing for graduate school auditions to negotiating the job
application/audition process.