My Teaching Philosophy

every student is capable of great things
student's will rise to the level of expectation (see the movie Stand and Deliver)
consistency is more important than intensity (although you actually need both)
learning is not a quarter in the machine
talent is a myth
done is better than perfect
quantity leads to quality
develop musical fitness
learning from peers is critical
you play the piano with your brain not your fingers
develop the ear by singing, playing by ear, and playing with others
many low-stakes performances
failures are opportunities to grow. failure is information. if students are not allowed to fail, they cannot succeed
leverage your effort to maximum effect
the best teachers make themselves dispensable. help the student think for themselves and be their own teacher
everyone is ultimately self taught. the teacher is there to speed up and facilitate the process
music requires discipline of the body and mind