Musikmeister Philosophy of Teaching
- Our goal, quite simply, is to teach students how to learn. With these skills, they eventually no longer need me, or any other instructor. Yes, we are basically working ourselves out of a job, but that is the joy of it.
- Teaching must be matched to the student’s learning style, not learning adjusted to suit the teacher’s teaching style. Therefore teaching style, curriculum and approach must be flexible, varied and individual.
- Empowerment and success are the keys to motivation. Motivation is not something a teacher does to a student; it is something that arises through the interaction of student and teacher combined with the student’s diligence at home.
- We teach music, not just how to play the piano.
The following maxims are paramount to our teaching:
- Music is an integral part of life and culture.
- Piano study is not always easy, but it always should be satisfying.
- Attempting is often more important than succeeding. This applies to many things in life.
- Mistakes are a good thing: they point us closer to your misunderstanding & help me teach you better.
- If you do not understand, it is our responsibility, not yours. It is our job to teach you in a way that you do understand. (Your responsibility is to let me know when you do not understand.)
- We emphasize initiative and self-direction.
- We encourage exploration and creativity.
- We show the student respect and compassion.