Teaching Philosophy Statement

A student is a person who is willing to open their mind, soul and heart to new ideas regardless

of race, gender or sexual orientation and as a teacher, it is my job to put all students first to give

them the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.  Upon first assessment, I suggest various

technical studies, repertoire and start recognizing short term and long-term goals for each student.

I believe students do not fit into a particular mold when it comes to learning so I enjoy approaching

each student with an open mind and figuring out the best way to communicate with them and to

address their needs. As a teacher, it is goal to equip my students with the tools needed to be a musician in the real world.

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In addition to tone, technique and articulation development, my clarinet students learn about solo, chamber and orchestral repertoire. I educate my students not only on the standard repertoire, but also on repertoire that is not well known and contemporary works and techniques. I educate them on music theory and history so that they are all well versed with the academic knowledge behind their musical training.

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An instrumental studio is a small family. I create a warm, supportive and creative environment for my students. My students will meet once a week to go over topics that are troubling, work on clarinet section work and have experience teaching one another in front of the class. It is important for students to play for each other and work together because this mentality helps develop a supportive environment that can carry on past their time in my studio and into the real world.

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Lastly, it is my goal to discuss “the business of the business” with all my students. Whether it’s on an individual level or it’s in a studio class, I educate my students on what you need to do to become successful. We will prepare resumes, cover letters, grant proposals, media packets and more. As a student, this was one of the greatest assets to me when I helped establish some new music groups in Boston and this is essential to prepare the students of this generation.

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Kelly Pollock says, “The true purpose of arts education is not necessarily to create more professional dancers or artists. [It’s] to create more complete human beings who are critical thinkers, who have curious minds, who can lead productive lives.” This is my mission as a teacher and through clarinet pedagogy, life experiences, research, and an open mind, I am putting students first and giving them what they need as human beings and musicians in the twenty-first century.