The purpose of teaching is to bring out an individual’s learning potential through developing a trusting relationship between the teacher and student. A teacher needs to have expertise and passion in their subject; at the same time, one needs to understand the mindset of the learner. When learning to play classical music, the most important aspect is to interpret the music and present this art form through performance, with clear musical intention. To achieve this goal, one needs to a) establish a solid foundation in technique (which serves the musical intention of the composition,)  b) develop one’s own expression through understanding in music,  and c) present one’s work through performance with confidence.

​

As students reach the intermediate and advanced level, their foundation in playing the piano has hopefully been established on fairly solid ground. I would encourage my students to develop a balanced repertoire of both studies (etudes) and pieces from at least two other musical periods. I believe technique can be further developed in this stage, within the repertoire of classical piano music. I would challenge my students to develop critical listening skills with regard to their own playing, so they can a) differentiate between all manner of sound qualities, and b) to develop healthy and full tone in musical playing. I encourage them to use critical thinking skills to overcome specially challenging passages within a piece, by guided practice in developing note patterns for repetition. Through conscious repetition with proper coordination, one can get used to certain challenging hand positions and to develop appropriate coordination. This will help them to learn ways of problem-solving on the piano. The goal of piano technique is to serve the music. A solid foundation in technique and musicality will ensure the students become more expressive, creative, and confident in their music learning.

To be a good teacher, one must be a life-long learner. One needs to continue polishing one’s skills as a musician, to inspire the students not just by preaching, but by living out the teaching. At the same time, one must also be curious about the human mind and how people learn, to be an effective teacher who is able to work with different personalities. Finally, one needs to expand one’s perspective through life experiences, so in every challenging situation, one has a chance to grow, to be a more compassionate and resilient teacher.