Teaching Philosophy
Diana Lopez
I view my role in the piano studio as a facilitator and a resource. Students will be guided to evaluate themselves and to choose some of their own repertoire and study materials. This both empowers and motivates them in their own learning.Music is a joy and lessons should be fun. Piano study isn’t always going to be easy, but it should always be satisfying. A child should leave a lesson feeling confident that he can practice his piece(s) on his own.He should leave feeling successful.As the teacher, I am responsible for a child’s progress and success.
The core curriculum the students will use will be the Royal Conservatory of Piano’s Celebration Series. Beyond this series there are many supplemental and supportive materials from which they will have options to choose. I will also provide options from popular music, such as themes from movies, tv shows, musicals, jazz, etc.Along with a solid foundation, each child will be exposed to a variety of styles in music.This makes for a well-rounded musician.
I believe that playing a musical instrument can be beneficial to all students including those with special needs. Teaching style must be matched to the student’s learning style. Therefore, my teaching style, curriculum and approach is flexible, varied and individual.I also use appropriate technology for learning which includes but is not limited to I Pad apps.
I also like to do off the bench activities with my younger students.This means that we will do activities such as march around the studio to “feel” the beat of a piece.The students will also do piano yoga, in which they pose as a particular note they have learned such as the quarter note, bass clef etc. This is a very tactile review of the notes.Conducting is another activity in which the students get a better understanding of time signature and steady beat.
Creativity will very much be encouraged.Improvising with the teacher at the end of each lesson just for fun!
I believe, as did Zoltan Kodaly, “Only the best is good enough for a child”.