How can I help you?

My philosophy and practice of pedagogy is a direct product of my own experiences as a learner. Prior to my graduate studies, I had experienced intense frustration with my educational experiences, as the traditional lecture-readings-tests class format did not mesh well with my own learning style. My introduction to constructivist, student-centered learning environments – particularly with a focus on collaboration, rather than the traditional authoritarian, top-down method of teaching – was revelatory to me. It challenged me, forced me to rethink many of my stances on education, and sparked an intense curiosity in the idea that there might genuinely be better, more efficient ways for students to learn.

As a result, I have – and continue – to seek out and apply the ever-expanding body of scientific knowledge around learning/cognition and vocology, as well as evolving musical practice, to my teaching methods, courses and applied lessons. My pedagogical practice, whether it’s individual or group-based, is student-centered and constructivist in its approach, ideally resulting in intrinsically-motivated, curious and thoughtful learners. Practically, this plays out in different ways in my applied teaching, vs. group course work or research.

While scientific knowledge is a necessary component of any pedagogy, I am also cognizant that I am teaching an art. Lessons and courses must provide practical knowledge and skill acquisition, but that knowledge and skill-set is learned in the greater service of artistry. As such, my applied lessons and courses are purposefully structured to encourage students’ artistic growth, in addition to their academic progress. If the ultimate goal of music and artistic performance in general is to be expressive and communicate with others, then fledgling artists must be able to articulate how their knowledge and skill is transmuted into artistry. In my experience, a student-centered, constructivist approach to musical learning has been a useful and reliable method of stimulating and encouraging musicality and expression.