My teaching philosphy

I believe teachers have two main jobs. The first is, obviously, to teach the subject at hand. The second is to inspire and cultivate a space where creativity and curiosity thrive. In my junior and senior years of undergraduate study, various undergrads within the oboe studio asked me to provide supplemental lessons. During these experiences, I learned that many students, especially non-music majors, can feel intimidated by the idea of working with a professional musician. The fear of judgment or the pressure to meet high expectations can create barriers to learning. As a peer instructor, my students feel more relaxed and willing to engage fully in the learning process. By breaking down those barriers, I am able to cultivate a welcoming environment where students are free to ask questions, make mistakes, and grow at their own pace.

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As a teacher, I emphasize the importance of fostering an appreciation for music. I believe that cultivating a love for music can make the learning process immensely rewarding. Without this intrinsic motivation, it’s easy for students to feel frustrated when they encounter difficult problems.  I incorporate listening activities into my lessons that span across genres that resonate with the student’s interests and relate to concepts in our sessions. Listening is an integral part of learning, and I encourage students to regularly engage with different styles and performances, as I believe any musician—whether professional or amateur—can refine their playing by becoming a better listener.

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The oboe is a unique instrument in that the greatest barrier to successful and enjoyable playing can be the reed. A student needs a new reed that is tailored to their specific body type and experience level every couple weeks. Not only is consistent practicing key to improvement, but consistently good reeds are a must. With my experience in making reeds for players of all levels, I understand how to identify and fix the issues students may have with their reeds. I am also a source of consistent reeds. 

I encourage students to build strong technical foundations by focusing on fundamentals. My approach to teaching is goal-oriented, meaning that I work with each student to set clear, attainable objectives for each lesson. This could be as simple as mastering a new fingering or as challenging as preparing a passage from a larger work. By breaking down these broader goals into smaller steps, I help students feel a sense of accomplishment.This method also ensures that students progress at a pace suited to their abilities while also building confidence in their skills.

I strive to create a learning space that is both encouraging and non-judgmental. My goal is to ensure that students leave each lesson not only with a deeper understanding of the oboe but also with a sense of accomplishment and the motivation to continue exploring music. I aim to guide my students toward musical growth while ensuring that their experience with the oboe is both enriching and enjoyable.