Educational Philosophy

I have always firmly believed that music is a constructive outlet that should be accessible and available to everyone. Likewise, I am a firm believer in the idea that criticism must be constructive and positive; furthermore, my students are people before they are performers. The mental and physical well-being of the performer ensures the success of that performer, ergo making it important to nurture both. I think it is important for students to feel comfortable. Trust and good rapport are built when all parties are comfortable and can approach each other. I want my students to know that they can approach me and that I trust them. We are people before we are musicians. 

Materials that are being practiced should be challenging, but not impossible. They should be engaging, meet the difficulty that aligns with the student's ability, and be beneficial to the student's learning. I want to expand my students' technical skills and musical vocabulary, as well as their repertoire. 

I believe that students should engage with a diverse repertoire. This means performing music made by local composers, women composers, queer composers, and composers of color. Not only this, but the repertoire should also challenge the students' current ability and push them just outside of their comfort zone. Improvement is always the goal, not perfection. Though I do not ask or require perfection, accuracy is encouraged and accomplished through consistent practice. Whether it be fifteen minutes on the horn or an hour, just getting the opportunity to play is enough. 

To be successful, students must reflect a sense of effort as well as accurate and engaging performance. This can be accomplished with consistent and intentional practice. To encourage and motivate students, it is important to demonstrate all the hard work put into the materials that have been practiced. Concerts, chamber music performances/participation, solo works, recording, and other opportunities for demonstration are what we engage in as musicians to reflect our art. I endeavor to push my students to put their best foot forward and to give them the platform in which they feel heard.