Hopefully these statements will help give you a sense of "me" and how I approach teaching:

1. I offer STRUCTURED, pedagogically sound instruction that is also FLEXIBLE ... I adapt teaching materials/methods/pace to best serve the needs of the student.

2. When the student first starts, he/she works through a method book/activity book combination to learn/master the essential basic musical and technical skills. There are several methods I find suitable for each instrument I teach and I choose the one that best suits the student. Sometimes this requires a time of experimentation. Sometimes I use 2 method books in combination.

3. I use the Royal Conservatory syllabi as pedagogy guides for structured learning of piano, flute, saxophone, theory, aural skills, sight reading ... I have been very impressed with how RCM is continually seeking to evaluate & improve their program & syllabi finding better ways to help students learn & trying to stay current with amazing support materials: books and online learning, too!!!

4. My program has strong roots in music from the Common Practice Period (layman's terms: "classical") because it provides critical musical foundation skills HOWEVER there is PLENTY of room to include pop, jazz, contemporary praise, duets/ensembles, pop chording, arranging, composition ... what ever the student is interested in learning!!!! Even the RCM examination syllabi contain choices from pop and jazz genres. The key is VARIETY!

5. Students are welcome to participate in conservatory exams and I encourage exams at certain grade levels (instrumental & theory) but it is not mandatory.


My Strengths:
I am FLEXIBLE & RESOURCEFUL ... I think "outside the box"
I PLAN (especially over the summer months!)
I am constantly exploring & collecting new ideas and teaching aids to enhance student learning and add a little fun!
I offer a comprehensive program that includes: music literacy, aural skill development, sight singing, sight reading, theory, performing, ensemble playing, exams, festivals
I make every effort to facilitate student learning and not get in the way!!
I teach my students HOW & WHAT to practice (less focus on "time" and more focus on goals)
I have many years of teaching experience and acquired knowledge to draw on! :-)