Sarah Szu-I | Teacher #2208

Teaching Philosophy

As an artist who also teaches, I firmly believe in the uniqueness of each student and their capacity to bring something special to their education. My primary goal is to empower my students to express themselves fully as they embark on their learning journey. Drawing from my experiences as an artist, I understand that during my preparation for performances, I essentially become my own teacher. This reciprocal relationship between my playing and teaching informs my approach, ensuring a symbiotic growth in both areas. I aspire to set an example for my students, demonstrating the interconnectedness of learning and artistic expression throughout our time together. As a teacher, I aim to cultivate independent and critically thinking musicians. My definition of a successful student goes beyond technical proficiency. It also encompasses a deep understanding of a piece's origin, structure, and content, enabling them to artistically communicate its inherent aesthetics in the most profound way. Throughout our lessons, I seek to nurture my students' growth by providing them with a solid technical foundation, instilling good practice habits, and equipping them with a system for learning new pieces that fosters confidence and independence. Moreover, I prioritize developing their listening and problem-solving skills, exposing them to diverse styles of piano literature, and establishing a secure foundation in music theory and history. Every moment of our learning journey together is carefully tailored to cater to the needs and learning style of each individual student. By designing a curriculum centered around their unique modality, I can simultaneously strengthen areas of need while fostering growth and progress.