Catlin | Teacher #3534

Teaching Philosophy

My teaching philosophy can be broadly defined by two key aims in terms of supporting student learning. First, my approach is one that aims to customize and adapt teaching for each student so as to relate to individual student skills, needs, and musical/artistic interests. Second, my approach is one that sees music lessons as an incredible site to help students become successful and empowered learners, not just in terms of music, but in many aspects of their lives.  This approach is one that sees effective learning in terms of student capacity to problem-solve, take risks and navigate new situations with the knowledge and skills they have acquired. For me, effective learning occurs when a concept or technique is understood to the point that it is able to be freely transposed to different situations and used as a free-standing tool rather than just a repeatable idea. One of my strengths as a teacher is my ability to scaffold for this kind of learning. I have extensive experience working with students to bridge theory and practice, for instance, by relating difficult music theory concepts to songs and/or artists of interest and designing exercises and projects that help students to experiment with putting theories and concepts into practice.  This approach is founded in the goal of supporting and empowering students not just as musicians, but as learners in the broader world. In my previous teaching experience, I had the opportunity to help many students prepare material for school bands and recitals, student “rock bands”, as well as personal projects (ie. I’ve co-produced song-writing and recording projects with a number of my students, including a full-length album created in collaboration over the pandemic). My background as a multi-instrumentalist (piano, guitar, bass, drums, vocals, and various elements of music production) has allowed me to develop an extensive repertoire of exercises and learning activities that allow me to meet the students where they are. Alongside creating a safe and welcoming environment wherein students feel empowered, it is extremely important that I present weekly challenges that push my students to move past their various personal thresholds and develop discipline and perseverance as they move through their learning journey. By supporting student risk-taking and vulnerability, while also developing structured programs to help students reach goals, I strive to create a supportive learning environment where students can open up to the sometimes difficult, but also highly rewarding, experience of learning music.  Through the above strategies and concepts, I aim to empower my students to become independent learners - giving them the skills and confidence to take the initiative necessary to continue their educational journey through life.