Approach to Teaching
"You and I know how great music can open the windows of heaven; and you must realize that, to the majority of your pupils the only possibility of ever getting a glimpse into paradise depends on you.”
Percy Buck, Royal College of Music, London
This is a quote that I taped into my teaching binder so that I can look at frequently. My definition of success flows from it. If a student of mine continues to play the piano after high school either professionally or as a hobby, or enthusiastically supports any musical activities in his/her own family and community, I would consider that student a success.
This definition reflects the fact that I take the long view with every student. I want to cultivate in the student a deep, life-long love for playing the piano, and for music in general. To do so, I’m very mindful of three things in my teaching approach.
Motivating Repertoire
The first is to provide motivating repertoire. Music which connects with the student or piques the interest of the student usually engages the student well. I make a special effort to find out what kind of music has those qualities for each student, and strive to provide that without sacrificing the quality of the teaching material. For that, I often draw upon my knowledge of both classical and jazz, and explore possibilities from both sources and beyond, with consideration for pedagogical value. This approach provides students with access to a very wide selection of high quality study material that is musically motivating.
Firm Foundation
The second is to help students build a firm foundation. A firm foundation is the secret to sustained progress and ever increasing passion for playing. Students are trained to play with good posture, touch and tone early on. Students also receive Kodaly-based ear training during their first year to open up their ears. As they progress, they learn the language of music through theoretical and artistic knowledge from every piece they play. Along the way, exercises for strengthening their physical control and endurance will be introduced, enabling them to eventually play artistically with power and effortlessness. Scales and chord exercises, etudes, sight-reading exercises, music theory and ear-training are all tools that I use in abundance, but carefully chosen and sequenced for each student. In this way, students will build their skills, knowledge and confidence methodically and solidly.
Caring Mentor and Coach
The third is to be a caring mentor and coach for the student. Piano study is transformative because it challenges the whole person. It not only requires one to develop good physical coordination and mental problem-solving skills, it also often requires one to make adjustments in one’s attitudes, habits and work ethics. It is a journey of growth, self-discovery and self-mastery that requires much patience, perseverance, and thus much loving and encouraging guidance. For this reason, I often remind myself that I’m not only teaching piano playing but nurturing a tender shoot to grow into a giant tree. This is where I must hold myself to the strictest standards as a teacher. If I can do this well, then my student and I will grow and win together.