"This is the secret of the technique of truly great pianists: they embody Michelangelo’s words: La mano che ubbidisce al intelletoo (the hand which obeys the intellect). This is why I insist that musical development should come before technical development or should at least go hand in hand."
"...and talent is, I repeat, a passion."
- from Heinrich Neuhaus, The Art of Piano Playing
These are some of the words that I live by. I sometimes encounter misconceptions about playing such as "talent is something that you are born with and determines your musical success" and that "one needs to develop technique before one can try to express something." However, I have been taught and experienced in my own teaching that talent is extremely multi-faceted and the most important part of the talent is the desire to make it happen. I have also learned that developing the discerning ear leads to better expression and better technique, not vice-versa; if one can hear the difference in sound, one will eventually produce that sound.
Lessons
Individual lessons are given every week and repertoire is carefully chosen for each student. My approach to teaching students is widely varied depending on their personalities, strengths, weaknesses, and goals, but the main direction is to develop their discerning ears and to help them consciously make musical choices. I have a number of students that came to me with previously developed arm/hand injuries, and I am proud and glad to see that they have all overcome their injuries through working on listening, connecting the musical ideal to sound, and the sound to technique. I was heavily injured in late teens and could not play at all for more than a year also - but I have been pain-free since then. I thoroughly believe in developing the listening ear.
Studio Class
Studio Class meets every week. Whenever students are ready to play, they perform and receive feedback from their peers as well as from me. As a listener, they learn to listen critically and articulate their criticism in writing and speaking. This is extremely important, because it contributes greatly to developing the ear.
Listening Exercises
Students are asked to study professional recordings carefully, comparing the details of the recordings. They take listening quizzes every semester. Some students also receive extra listening assignments.
Performance Opportunities and Studio Recital
There is no other way to get better at performing than actually performing. My students perform in guest masterclasses, off-campus performances, non-degree/degree recitals, and studio recitals.
Ensemble Work
Ensemble playing is an essential part of being a pianist. My students frequently collaborate with musicians in chamber music, duet, and large-group ensemble settings. I also have them play in piano ensembles - you can check out some projects in the "Media" tab.
Live Concert Attendance
Attending live concerts is extremely important in developing the discerning ear. GVSU hosts guest recitals, and I am proud to say that you can expect to see my students at any Grand Rapids Symphony, St. Cecilia, GVSU concerts. It gives me such a joy to find out they organize trips together to out-of-town concerts, such as Gilmore Festival in Kalamazoo, Chicago Symphony, and Detroit Symphony concerts.
"...and talent is, I repeat, a passion."
- from Heinrich Neuhaus, The Art of Piano Playing
These are some of the words that I live by. I sometimes encounter misconceptions about playing such as "talent is something that you are born with and determines your musical success" and that "one needs to develop technique before one can try to express something." However, I have been taught and experienced in my own teaching that talent is extremely multi-faceted and the most important part of the talent is the desire to make it happen. I have also learned that developing the discerning ear leads to better expression and better technique, not vice-versa; if one can hear the difference in sound, one will eventually produce that sound.
Lessons
Individual lessons are given every week and repertoire is carefully chosen for each student. My approach to teaching students is widely varied depending on their personalities, strengths, weaknesses, and goals, but the main direction is to develop their discerning ears and to help them consciously make musical choices. I have a number of students that came to me with previously developed arm/hand injuries, and I am proud and glad to see that they have all overcome their injuries through working on listening, connecting the musical ideal to sound, and the sound to technique. I was heavily injured in late teens and could not play at all for more than a year also - but I have been pain-free since then. I thoroughly believe in developing the listening ear.
Studio Class
Studio Class meets every week. Whenever students are ready to play, they perform and receive feedback from their peers as well as from me. As a listener, they learn to listen critically and articulate their criticism in writing and speaking. This is extremely important, because it contributes greatly to developing the ear.
Listening Exercises
Students are asked to study professional recordings carefully, comparing the details of the recordings. They take listening quizzes every semester. Some students also receive extra listening assignments.
Performance Opportunities and Studio Recital
There is no other way to get better at performing than actually performing. My students perform in guest masterclasses, off-campus performances, non-degree/degree recitals, and studio recitals.
Ensemble Work
Ensemble playing is an essential part of being a pianist. My students frequently collaborate with musicians in chamber music, duet, and large-group ensemble settings. I also have them play in piano ensembles - you can check out some projects in the "Media" tab.
Live Concert Attendance
Attending live concerts is extremely important in developing the discerning ear. GVSU hosts guest recitals, and I am proud to say that you can expect to see my students at any Grand Rapids Symphony, St. Cecilia, GVSU concerts. It gives me such a joy to find out they organize trips together to out-of-town concerts, such as Gilmore Festival in Kalamazoo, Chicago Symphony, and Detroit Symphony concerts.