FOCUS: Private teaching is my primary job. Outside of lessons, I spend time listening and responding to students through their Evernote submissions, researching clarinet and teaching related materials, practicing, creating practice worksheets, recording practice tracks, attending workshops and symposiums, researching instruments for students, updating my website, planning clarinet clinics, planning student performances, etc. Simply put–I think about teaching and my students a lot!
COMMUNICATION: It is so important that we are all on the same page when it comes to expectations. Strong communication must be a priority in order to avoid surprises. I will always return emails, text messages and phone calls promptly and most likely in the same day.
EXCELLENCE: I expect excellence from myself and my students. Regardless of current ability, I hold the same high standards for all of my students. Every student is capable of extracting excellence from within. Often times, the students who struggle in the beginning become the most polished musicians simply because they had to work hard for results from the start. Those blessed with natural ability must work hard to develop and refine their skills. In essence, I expect all of my students to have the attitude that hard work will pay off in the end. As my former boss and mentor used to say, “Success equals fun!”
RESULTS: Yes! Results! Every single student I have taught has experienced positive results. The speed of improvement depends highly on how much focus and thoughtfulness the student puts into their individual practice. Even students who put forth minimal effort show improvements. So, imagine how quickly a student can progress with just a little additional effort!