Playing music is one of the greatest joys on Earth. It is undeniable that music is an integral part of the human spirit. However, music is also complex and deep, and it requires an understanding and respect to truly grasp what it is capable of.
I think it is important to make learning a musical instrument fun and educational. I feel that as a music teacher, I have two responsibilities. The first is to give my students the best musical education that I am capable. The second is to let them see how fun and exciting music can be. I cannot force my students to love taking music lessons, but I can cater their lessons to fit the needs of each student. This way, each of my students will learn to love music and love learning their instrument, however different they may be from the next student.
This is not to say that there will not be any work involved. Practicing is THE most important part of a successful musical education, and I encourage that idea with every one of my students. I want every student to have a solid grasp of musical theory, reading, and ear training. Every student is taught to read music, as well as tablature for the guitarists. Every new concept that is taught is accompanied with a lesson in the theory behind it. I want my students to not learn only what music I teach them, but instead to learn how to eventually learn new music on their own.
No two students are alike, and there is no single way to teach music. There is, however, a single result... well educated students with a love for music.
