Amanda | Teacher #1723

Teaching Philosophy

Whether you have plans of becoming a professional musician or want to learn for fun, I am here to help you achieve your musical goals! I provide my students with a strong musical foundation that allows them to learn music that they are passionate about, and to help them develop a consistent, efficient practice routine that allows for constant musical progress and growth. For complete beginners on the piano, my go-to method book is Faber’s Piano Adventures. This book covers important basic concepts including note recognition, keyboard topography, and aural skills that are paramount for student success. Beginner and young students are also given the opportunity to play many musical games and puzzles during their lessons to develop their creativity, knowledge, and passion for music. If my students leave their lesson feeling excited to go home and practice, then I have done my job! Late beginner to advanced piano and violin students are given the option of going through the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM), which has a mainly classical music-oriented curriculum and exam for each level of the program. In preparation for RCM exams, students develop their technique and finger dexterity, and develop a theoretical understanding of music, as well as the ability to express emotions and ideas through musical elements like dynamics, tempo, rubato, shaping, articulation, and phrasing. For those wishing to study popular music genres, lessons will focus on important skills such as chord formation, harmonization, lead sheets, choral music, and improvisation. Students can also learn practical applications to these skills, such as playing music at weddings or special events. Whether your focus is classical or popular music, performing in public is highly encouraged. It is an integral component of student progress, as it can solidify their grasp of their current repertoire and help develop stage presence and confidence. It is also a great opportunity for meeting new friends! Lastly, parental involvement in students’ musical journey is highly recommended; I teach my students in their piano lesson for only 30 to 60 minutes a week, but what matters more is the 6 days at home when the student is practicing, and how they utilize their time. Parents play an important role in encouraging their children, in helping them maintain a consistent and diligent practice schedule, and in celebrating their accomplishments and progress.