I believe....

....that music is both a tool and an art form through which people can connect with themselves and each other in a world that is becoming increasingly disconnected. I believe that music can change students’ lives, their families’ lives, the broader community and the world. To teach music is to aim for  longevity and I believe that, for a student to want to continue it through their life, the student must love and own their music.

I aim to....

....help my students become more valuable human beings in the world.
....become great well rounded and empowered musicians who love music.

I accomplish this with my teaching through....

• acknowledging and building on the 'unmeasurable' qualities found in the learning of music eg initiative, honesty, the ability to question, self empowerment, problem solving, listening to understand, remaining present, self assessment, imagination, creativity.
• educating, supporting and working with not only the students but the whole family.
• taking on fewer students and therefore being able to give them more time and support when needed.
• taking the time to build relationships based on trust, honesty, fairness with my students and their families.
• teaching broadly and deeply.
• giving the student power to make decisions and choices in their music from the very start.
• giving my best and alway aiming at improving myself as a person and a musician.
• not just focussing on the negative (what needs improving) but the positive(what is already there) in a student—in their person and their music.
• being an example to my students- showing my love of music, enthusiasm for life, teaching, and other things, thoughtfulness, energy, positivity, honesty, fairness, determination, mental and physical fitness, love and care for myself and others, reliability.
• teaching my students the ability to ask and answer Hows and Whys.
• teaching in all sorts of ways—trying as many different approaches to a concept that are needed until one sticks.
• acknowledging, admitting and apologising when I make a mistake,  showing that it's ok to make mistakes.
• setting clear behaviour and practice expectations between parent, teacher and student. I expect my students to give their best at all times as I have that expectation of myself. 
• having fun and a good laugh where ever I can