Teaching Philosophy
The simple fact is, I love playing the violin. I love sound, I love phrasing a melodic line and I love communicating with an audience. I love even the most mundane aspects of practicing! If you are like me, the rest is teachable...
Technique, or the physical means by which a violinist communicates emotion through his or her instrument is a combination of physics and athletics. Therefore, there is a logic to, as well as a feeling we can associate with how we create and transmit sound. I believe that by simplifying the combination of these two phenomena, by diluting technique to it's most essential components, a musician can more efficiently and directly connect with his or her audience.
I believe that through EFFICIENT practice, the violin can be mastered and performance can be fun! Hard work (hours) cannot be overrated nor can it be ignored but more important is focused awareness. One can practice many hours and learn nothing but 3-4 hours of conscious work every day WILL lead to amazing improvement.
I believe that in this day and age, a musician must master all genres of performance. Solo works must be explored to test a violinist's technical prowess and musicianship. Chamber music must also be studied to learn communication skills and enrich the soul. However, the importance of learning the standard orchestral repertoire and it's science of performance must be of equal importance. I believe a teacher must be able to help a student master all three avenues of performance, as well as lay a foundation for how the student might approach teaching future generations. Only through a "flat" (A la Thomas Friedman) educational experience can a musician survive in today's competitive climate.