My teaching philosophy
My conceptualization of student learning is based on Carol Dweck’s Growth Mindset Theory as detailed in her book Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. A fixed mindset believes that intelligence is static, while a growth mindset believes that intelligence can be developed. Students with growth mindsets seek challenges, persist through failures, see effort as key, and learn from criticism. I foster a growth mindset in the classroom by normalizing struggle. I frequently remind students that music is difficult, and I applaud their hard work! New challenges, whether they be the F# major scale or “Giant Steps,” are fun, exciting, and necessary parts of the learning process. Positive reinforcement helps students remain positive as they face new challenges. In my classroom we celebrate mistakes as opportunities to grow, and we embrace the word “yet.” You cannot play your dorian scales yet. You cannot play a double G yet. I do not praise my students for “being talented,” for this reinforces the idea that musical abilities are fixed; rather, I praise my students for their hard work and perseverance.
My hope is that students will leave my lessons having obtained the following three things: the knowledge of the historical impact and modern practices of music; the skills to perform written and improvised music in a plethora of styles; and a growth mindset which prioritizes work ethic.
I offer lessons in saxophone, flute, clarinet, as well as jazz improvisation and composition. If you are interested in joining my studio please fill out the survey and I will get back to you shortly!