Teaching Philosophy

My (Sarah's) Philosophy

I want to know what you and your child's goals and hopes are as you begin learning piano.  I learned by and will default to using the Suzuki* method of teaching.  There are many fabulous teachers out there who use a lot of different methods.  I learned piano primarily from four different teachers -- one of them was traditional -- and between her and my three Suzuki teachers, they each taught in their own way and I learned a lot from their differences.  My hope is to learn and adapt; I want to use whatever works for me and each individual student.

*Suzuki Philosophy

The Suzuki philosophy focuses on listening and technique first.  Students learn to imitate what they hear and memorize the music immediately.  As they progress and are ready, they will learn to read the notes and the terminology.  It is much the same as a newborn baby who first listens to others speaking, then learns to speak to him/herself, and finally learns to read and write.  A child learning to speak listens and observes for a long time before he/she tries those first words. Mother and Father applaud and encourage him/her.  They are proud of him/her and never tire of his/her attempts to communicate.  This positive, nurturing environment, created by the parents, encourages and inspires the child.  His/her ability grows.  Using this method makes it possible to begin learning to play an instrument at a very young age.