Teaching Philosophy

Teaching is a gift.

Being a teacher is about more than just teaching students; it is about being a lifelong learner. I value vulnerability and aim to cultivate a growth mindset within my classroom. Whether it is an instrumental ensemble or a traditional classroom setting, students should be a united team working towards the shared goal of each other's success. This means a teacher learns just as much from students as the student learns from them, so I must model anything I expect from them. In my teaching philosophy, understanding the importance of self-regulation is crucial because of how students with high self-efficacy versus low self-efficacy differ in their perceptions and openness to challenges within the music classroom and providing a safe place to learn is crucial. Improvisation is also a priceless tool in student learning, and its connection to language acquisition is impactful and extraordinary. Overall my teaching philosophy promotes vulnerability, positive self-efficacy, maintaining a growth mindset, and the daily inclusion of culturally relevant teaching.