Teaching Statement pt.1
Empowerment
I attempt to conduct lessons so that every lesson moves my students through the material with a feeling of empowerment. I believe that everyone has the ability to make music. In fact, there is an abundance of research out there concerning the universality of music. Many features of music are universal, as well as, apparently, innate. All societies have music: all sing lullaby-like songs to their infants, and most produce tonal music. However, even though music is universal, its source is unique in each of us. Therefore, as a teacher I approach each student’s needs differently. Empowerment is tricky because it deals with the psychology of self-confidence, ego, and feelings of self-worth -”I am not good enough to play in-front of people.” Granted there are things one must understand and tools one must have to be able to play or write music. Given those tools, I believe that everyone has the ability to create unique and beautiful music. Honoring this I have integrated two recitals per year into the academic calendar at which each student performs one or two pieces that we have worked on during the semester. (Of course if someone is really petrified by this I don’t insist that they participate, but the majority of the students rise to the occasion). By holding the recital on the last week of the semester, students develop a sense of purpose for each lesson and focus to the semester experience. The performance is a remarkable goal to achieve. I have seen significant growth culminated at the recital: it is the proudest moment of the semester.