My teaching philosophy revolves around the foundations of a strong technique and developing musical independence in each student. I want to empower my students to gain confidence in their creative expression, to value the performing arts as an important (and fun!) area of skill development, in which every student can excel. I love teaching all types of genres whether that be jazz, pop, classical, contemporary, or minimalist music, and place an equal value of importance in mastering this style and its works at the highest level. I also have a great interest in musicology and music research, and I encourage my students to read widely and ask a lot of questions to develop their own areas of interest in music theory and its history, no matter what their age.

In the early stages of learning the piano, my focus is on mastering the basics of music theory, aural skills, sight reading, and coordinated movements at the piano. My younger students and I also play a variety of ‘piano games’ in my studio, which involves elements of improvisation, dancing and singing, memory and attention training, learning how to actively listen, and using the whole scope of the imagination. At a young age, it is very important that students have fun at their instrument and foster a love for learning – we develop basic skills such as learning how to practice, setting small goals, being patient in achieving them, and then celebrating progress.

In the more intermediate stages, emphasis is placed on developing a productive but fun practice routine and giving students more freedom to make their own musical choices. Students are also encouraged to explore a wider range of genres and build up their knowledge of piano repertoire through listening homework, attending concerts, reading, and occasional score analysis. All students are encouraged to ask a lot of questions and to think deeply about what they are learning. Most importantly, I try to sustain my students’ joy for learning and playing the piano.

In the advanced stage, I work with my students to channel their biggest musical strengths in their repertoire and performances, and explore works that are more technically and musically demanding.  Emphasis is placed on developing a range of sounds, colours and tones at the piano, and having a strong set of musical skills. Students are also encouraged to rely on their own musical intuition more and more and move away from dependence of the teacher. It is important that they develop critical thinking skills and are able to evaluate their work, while also having the confidence to develop their own artistic ideas, with a level of guidance. My goal for each student ultimately is to have them walk away with a strong pianistic skill-set and artistic mindset, and able to continue their musical journey and grow independently wherever life takes them.