Why Do I Teach?
Teaching to me is so much more than trying to produce virtuosos of my students. Dr. Kathleen Kastner instilled in me an innate desire create a community through music. While a studio needs to be a place of work, I also desire it to be a place a student looks forward to coming to. I approach practice and music knowing that it takes considerable effort, but it does not have be a harsh experience. I seek to build a community of artists who are invested in each other and their artistic endeavors, not just their own musical ability. I have been blessed to have had teachers who have cared about me as a musician AND a person, and from those lessons with those teachers, I have grown the most. In a world that is getting more and more competitive, I seek to create incredible musicians who are also incredible people, and despite the challenges that come alongside of being a musician, musicians who will not loose their love for it.
My Approach to Percussion Pedagogy
Percussion is still a fairly new instrument (only really coming to be a well respected solo and ensemble instrument in the 1920s). There has been massive amounts of growth, experimentation and change within this instrument in this time frame whether it be technically, musical, or pedagogical. Different grips, techniques, and approaches have be introduced, changed and, reintroduced for almost every instrument in this family. And it is still constantly changing and evolving, even as you read this now.
This affects both my life as a pedagogue and a performer. As a teacher, it becomes necessary for me to uniquely craft my personal pedagogical approach to percussion while also uniquely catering to every different student I have. No one player will come in with the same hands, ears, or musical ideas. Therefore, I make sure to uplift and make students confident in their own unique musical voices. While it’s imperative for me to teach students how to play with good technique so they may remain injury free, I do not teach one specific style or technique, but am well versed in multiple. If a student works better with a certain grip, then I find it crucial for them to use what feels best to them. Because percussion is evolving, so are students, and I must evolve with them in their musical journey.
As a performer, because percussion is ever changing, it is my responsibility as a musician to keep up with how it is changing. I constantly follow the newest newsletters, pedagogical ideas, and instruments, and developments as it pertains to my musicianship and my pedagogical approach.
I hope you choose to start or continue your musical journey with me. Know that my students are my life and it is my responsibility and joy to develop uniquely crafted curriculum for every individual student I have in a way that is engaging and meaningful.