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Though teaching since my early twenties, farther back than I care to admit, it's only been for the last ten years that teaching
has been my primary focus. After working mostly with college and professional players, I decided to expand my teaching practice
to include students of all ages and abilities. In doing so, I was given a broader view of the problems encountered by the
older and more experienced students. Surprisingly, their problems weren't caused by a lack of ability, but by bad habits developed
in their formative years.
Having
had the good fortune
to grow up surrounded
by wonderful musicians and
teachers, I became interested
in developing a program that would bridge the gap between beginner and professional. My hope was to put together a program
based on the musical principles and techniques used by master players. This approach would leave students free to pursue musical
goals unencumbered by problems created by misinformation or misdirection.
While most of us would agree that good quality materials are essential, it is equally important to consider the learning style
of the individual. Some of us are more intellectual or intuitive, while others need a more "hands-on" approach.
Different learning styles require different teaching methods, and quite often the approach will be the key to understanding.
Though more difficult for the instructor, the result is a more self-assured student. In contrast is fear-based teaching, where
the student performs out of fear of rebuke or criticism. Such a teaching style may bring quicker results in some cases, but
always at the cost of the students self-esteem.
With this in mind I try to keep these principles in view:
1)
For anyone to reach their full potential, they must be given an environment in which they feel relaxed and secure. A relaxed
mind brings deeper understanding and expression.
2) The art of teaching lies in helping
students discover their personal strengths. It is by using these strengths that weaknesses are overcome, and the ability to
self-teach is developed.
3) Basic fundamentals such as good tone and steady tempo are
common to all styles, be it jazz, blues or rock. Any style can be a pathway to musical knowledge.
4) Just as people's feelings and attitudes are reflected in their body language, musicians transfer their feelings and ideas
to the instrument through physical movement. For this reason, we should approach the instrument in a relaxed manner, leaving
us free to reflect the music of the moment.
5) To quote educator George Leonard: "Mastery
is taking something that is difficult and making it easy through instruction and practice". This point may seem
overly simplistic, but in these hectic times the process of "discovery through practice" is even more relevant.
These basic principles, combined with proper knowledge of the instrument, can bring amazing
results. I've seen students playing things I could not of imagined at their age, and enjoy seeing them move on to careers
in music, both in teaching and performance. For others, playing for fun with family and friends is what they seek, and our
program serves their purpose equally well. It is the student's choice as to how far to walk the path of learning, and one
can take up the practice at any age or time, as they see fit.
Best of luck on your
musical journey.
Regards,
Keith
Contact Us: 1-540-869-3830
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