TEACHING THE FUNCTIONAL MUSICIAN
Student-centered and culturally responsive teaching is at the heart of my pedagogy, which is why I truly enjoy working with students of all ages and levels. This has led me to develop a teaching approach I call “Teaching the Functional Musician.” This system has two main focuses: (1) collaborating with students to design music lessons that will help them meet their goals and function as a musician in whatever capacity they choose, and (2) working with students on executive functioning skills that are required for successful music study but that also are necessary for functioning and succeeding in everyday life. In addition to working on things like oboe fundamentals, reed-making, etudes, and repertoire, my “Teaching the Functional Musician” approach includes things like: teaching students how to create practice routines that work for their goals, lifestyles, and neurotypes; the intersection between musicianship and mental and physical health, meaning using your body and your brain in the healthiest and most efficient ways to play your instrument; and lastly, teaching students through methodologies they individually respond to.
Private music lessons are such an incredible educational opportunity; they are one of the few places where students get regular access to 1:1 instruction that can be completely tailored to them and their needs, and that is an incredible privilege that I do not take for granted.
"Private music lessons are such an incredible educational opportunity; they are one of the few places where students get regular access to 1:1 instruction that can be completely tailored to them and their needs, and that is an incredible privilege that I do not take for granted."
"I have a lot of experience working with students with diverse neurotypes and also working with students who struggle with performance anxiety…something I have struggled with myself."
"It is vitally important to remember that as educators, we are not only teaching an instrument, but we are teaching human beings."
I design a curriculum tailored uniquely to each of my oboe student through collaboration; I want to learn about your goals, dreams, and challenges, and then help guide you on the type and amount of practice you need to accomplish your goals. I also emphasize the importance of efficient and meaningful practice and the development of practice routines that are realistic, functional, and enjoyable. Designing effective practice routines involves helping a student examine their lifestyles and think through questions like: Do you practice best in the mornings, or the evenings? Do you function best with a strict schedule, or do you prefer to fluctuate your time to meet your energy levels? Do you practice best in one big chunk of time, or in several spread out daily practice sessions?
As far as the intersection between musicianship and mental and physical health, I have a lot of experience working with students with diverse neurotypes and also working with students who struggle with performance anxiety…something I have struggled with myself. I consider helping students overcome their performance anxiety as a central part to my holistic approach to teaching. I also work with students to help play the oboe without pain, tension or discomfort, and while I am not an Alexander Technique specialist, I greatly admire the Alexander Technique approach and encourage students to pursue workshops and classes whenever possible.
When it comes to adapting to a student’s preferred methodology of teaching, I enjoy experimenting until I notice what method of instruction connects best with each individual student, a great luxury of private instruction. For example, some students respond to metaphors and story-telling in music; contrarily, some students prefer a more concrete approach through a music theory lens. Part of what makes teaching so exciting and fulfilling for me is learning how YOUR brain works and finding the best way to encourage and inspire your progress and deepen your love of music.
Ultimately, my favorite teachers throughout my schooling were teachers who pushed and challenged me, but who led with positivity and encouragement, and that is the type of teacher I strive to be… I think it is vitally important to remember that as educators, we are not only teaching an instrument, but we are teaching human beings as well, which is at the heart of my “Teaching the Functional Musician” philosophy.