Teaching PHilosophy

As a teacher, my goal is to equip my students with the ability and desire to make music throughout their life. 

I want all of my students to experience the joy of expressing themselves through music. Every student finds a different aspect of music to be most fulfilling or exciting, and I encourage my students to find and follow their interests through our lessons. For many of my young students, the most exciting part can be just the sounds of the piano, the huge range of dynamics, or the enjoyment of working hard at something and enjoying the feeling of accomplishing something that previously seemed impossible. For my adult students, I think the most fulfilling parts can be an understanding of how the music is organized and the ability to play music that they enjoy hearing and moves them emotionally. For each of my students I determine which aspects of music performance are meaningful to them and help them achieve this at the piano. In addition, I strive to expose them to other aspects that I find exciting and meaningful, broadening their experiences in music. 

I stress the importance of commitment with my students as well as the huge benefits that come from hard work. Much of my teaching was influenced by the discovery learning method in which I guide my students to discover techniques and structures for themselves. I find that this has been a very useful skill to have in my teaching as it helps my students to feel constantly engaged in the learning process. I believe this style also helps the student to feel as if they have really achieved something as a lot of the musical decisions and problem solving comes from them. 

Overall I believe my biggest strengths as a teacher are patience, compassion and a deep love of music. My students can feel that I believe in them and that I want them to do the best that they can do. I believe this supportive atmosphere is crucial to the learning process so that students are comfortable taking risks and growing in their music making. 


I am currently accepting students privately as well as at the 92nd Street Y and in-home.