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As experienced teacher, I recognize that each student is an individual with their own unique musical sensibility and learning capability. Building on their interest and level of commitment, our gentle approach patiently explores students' potential to enhance their creativity, composition skills, and music perception. My deepest hope is that our students will cultivate a lifelong love and appreciation for music. Over the years the ability to identify a students' strong points and set goals that are appropriate to the students' level. This step-by-step learning process allows students to receive positive feedback as they learn their instrument and discover more about the role of music in their life. |
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The music of our cultures of origin represents a core element
of
our teaching approach. Exposure to a variety of music traditions
provides students with an opportunity to “see” the world in a different
way and to experience a culture through its music. Learning about the
music of another culture is a way to develop appreciation for one of
that culture’s most valuable treasures, and opens up opportunities to
foster cross-cultural communication and respect. We are also interested
in helping our immigrant students to remember their musical roots and
keep their culture alive..
We are all born with the basic ability to hear music. Our methodology uses Classical, Suzuki and computer based methods and draws on jazz to Brazilian styles, but we also emphasize the importance of learning music by ear. |
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Children’s
(and
adults’) ability to learn by ear and develop musical understanding
parallels the process of language acquisition. If we channel this
ability at an early stage, without pressure, we can refine and
integrate it into a very creative form of communication.
As we develop the student’s ear and encourage strong technique, we also integrate note reading and basic music theory. More advanced students may progress to performance, classical studies, improvisation, and/or composition to express their personal goals and develop their creativity. |
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In addition to using traditional methodologies, we encourage the use of
books, CDs, computer games and any other tools that will help students
feel comfortable learning and enjoying music. Judicious use of
computers and games can also help develop music perception and specific
skills such as music reading, rhythm comprehension and composition.
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Music can give children a lifetime of joy. However, we
believe that
there are many other benefits to playing music. Scientific articles
widely acknowledge that music
is one of the few practices that simultaneously exercises both sides of
the brain. Our experience with children has shown us that frequent
practice of music can build self-confidence, improve focus, enhance
problem solving, strengthen general learning skills, and increase
children’s ability to manage multiple tasks.
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The
daily
routine and structure provided by learning music can also help children
to set and achieve goals. Finally, learning music opens up the
possibility of improving social skills through the act of playing music
with others.
Just as people often remember the games they played as children, a song learned at a young age will be never forgotten. Memories of joyful moments spent playing music can create echoes of relaxation and happiness for years to come. |
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