My goal as a teacher is to nourish each student’s love of music and desire for learning by providing an engaging, step by step path to develop musical ability. I strive to honor the great beauty and communicative power of music that attracts people to the study of an instrument.

 

Because music is an expressive art, I begin by becoming acquainted with with each student’s individual motivation for study and I expose students to the expressive qualities of music from many different cultures and periods of history.

 

Because mastering a musical instrument calls for an integration of mind and body, I emphasize  physical awareness and ease as well as broad musical knowledge. In weekly lessons students study technique, music theory, ear training, improvisation, principles of learning, repertoire and performance.

 

Music allows us to better understand our inner life as well as the different perspectives of other people, cultures and historical periods. The study and performance of music makes the world a better place.

 

“The artist in ancient times inspired, entertained and educated fellow citizens. Modern artists have an additional responsibility - to encourage others to be artists. Each of us must in some way be a creator as well as a spectator or consumerism will destroy the soul. Make your own music!”

Yehudi Menuhin

 

“The man who hath no music in himself, nor is not moved with concord of sweet sounds, is fit for treasons, strategems, and spoils; the motions of his spirit are dull as night, and his affections dark as Erebus. Let no such man be trusted.”                         

William Shakespeare (1564-1616) in The Merchant of Venice

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