Teaching Philosophy and Experience
I have enjoyed diverse teaching experiences over the past fourteen years, including teaching individual private lessons, group lessons, sectionals, and larger groups in a classroom setting. My students have ranged from young beginners through advanced high school students, college undergraduates, and adults.
I have a passion for music education and I especially love working with students at the middle school and high school leveIs. My high school students have made all-state and all-distirct bands in Georgia and have been named winners in competitions, such as the American Protege International Woodwinds and Brass Compeititon and the New York Flute Club Young Musician’s Contest.
My teaching philosophy is to develop a curriculum tailored to the individual needs of each student, with a focus on fundamentals such as a beautiful sound and solid technique in addition to learning important standards of the repertoire. I have found that each student I work with has a unique style of learning. I believe it is my job as a teacher to discover which methods work the best for each student (whether it be aural cues, verbal, logical, show rather than tell, etc.) and plan our lessons accordingly.
When lessons begin, I like to take some time to discuss the student's short-term and long-term goals. This can range from improving specific areas of playing (like tone quality, technique, use of air, fingerings, articulation, etc.) to preparing for auditions for school ensembles, chair placement, All-State band and orchestra, All-County bands, competitions, and Solo & Ensemble contest. We can work on a range of repertoire, including the music your child needs to learn for school as well as fun and challenging solo pieces. As time progresses through lessons, we reassess our goals. Overall, I like to help each student become as well-rounded as possible in their playing.
Most importantly, I always aim to ensure that my students have fun in their lessons and love making music!
