Introduction: I want to teach in such a way that every student learns and learns well. If a student is not understanding or remembering the lesson then I must change my approach, rather than thinking that he/she is slow or unable to learn.
At Shazkya's Grand Staff Music Studio, I strive to find the key to unlock a student's ability. This is the art of pedagogy. This is where I must have the capacity to improvise and create situations where the student can succeed. I acknowledge that every student has an individual mode of learning, and I must strive to reach each student in a way that he will respond positively to his/her mode, be it visual, aural or kinesthetic.
I tell my students that they will have two teachers: me, once a week, and you six times a week.
I want my students to learn with accuracy, not speed, quality, not quantity, and practice, not repetition. I want them to achieve the 3 P's: Passion, Preparation, and Performance, where each piece should begin with a silence, the blank canvas on which we paint. I want them to understand that slow practice equals fast progress, fast practice equals slow progress, and no practice equals no progress.
When I look at my students I feel I am looking into the faces of bright persons. I want them to learn all I know and more.
I want them to stand on my shoulders, to be better than I am. Then, humankind advances and improves.
I believe that music education, specifically private instruction, should be available to everybody; therefore, I teach students of all ages, levels and backgrounds, even in Spanish. Any student who can adhere to the studio's policies will be welcomed into the studio following an initial interview.
I want them to understand the musical elements such as rhythm, melody, harmony, timbre, texture, shape, expression and interpretation.
They will be taught to read, write and compose a piece of music. Most importantly, our music study is a product of a successful relationship involving effective communication between the student, the parent(s) and the teacher. Creating a positive and rewarding experience in every private lesson, I expect the same commitment and energy from those with whom I work.
I teach note reading in a traditional (classicalÂ) style, using methods such as Faber & Faber's Piano Adventures, Alfred Adult Piano Course, and Helen Marlais Succeeding at the Piano. I use supplementary materials, such as activity, sight-playing and theory books accompanying the lesson method book. Broad musical knowledge and the ability to play music of different styles are important attributes to develop.
I frequently incorporate pop, sacred, jazz and other contemporary or non-traditional literature to supplement the lesson repertoire. Duets and other ensemble playing are also encouraged.
My purpose is to influence the lives of my students in a positive way, to help them develop to their fullest potential by encompassing the values and gifts of music.
Establishing a positive mental attitude for quality practice, and encouraging a professional presence for performance, is valuable and important.
Several recitals are held each year, which range from formal concerts to casual outreach performances at local healthcare centers, malls and other venues.
I also see the importance of continuing education for myself, and consistently perform, take coursework and attend conferences and workshops to remain engaged in the music teaching community and to learn new methods and techniques to use with my students.
Music never ends!
