As a teacher, my goal is to get the students to connect with music, first and foremost which to me is the most magical part of Music Education. To help students find music that really speaks to them, that can help brighten their day, that they are really interested in. With that I know I am doing my job well, and for me personally is most rewarding. I achieve this by getting to know the students, in a respectful, eye-to-eye, approach. I see myself more as a guide to student learning, rather than a dictatorial approach. By understanding my students on a more individual level, I can find and create ways to teach music that best speaks to them. Once the student begins to connect, they then begin to respond to that connection, and this is where the world of music begins to open up for the student. Now they have reasonable interest to create and perform from their previous interaction with that music. From building these bridges of understanding, I can move forward and create more individualized approaches for lessons with generativity, vibrancy, and residue.

However, the true philosophy I base everything I teach is on an open minded approach. Everyone is welcome in my classroom, I just ask they come to the door with the most positive attitude they can muster that day, and be ready to do work. I firmly believe in inclusivity, and equity for all who I am lucky to teach. Teaching to me, is one of the utmost privileges one could have, and it is a very humbling position. I am there to guide, I am there to support, and lastly I am there to learn too.