My teaching philosophy is highly influenced by the great artist/pedagogue Arnold Jacobs. His concepts of “Song and Wind” have proven over time to be the key to much success in musicians in the middle to late part of this century. Mr. Jacobs’ philosophies have allowed me to work successfully with middle school students up through professional musicians suffering from Focal (embouchure) Dystonia.

Another major influence on my teaching has been the philosophy found in “The Inner Game of Tennis”, by Timothy Gallwey. I find these two sources are very compatible to provide a complete “How To” for the musician. Much lesson and practice time is focused on “Song” (85%) and “Wind” (15%).

My students know me best – they see me most everyday and always once a week for their lessons. The rapport I establish with my students is important to me.

In my studio, I am well above the 75% graduation rate at FSU. I attribute this statistic to the overall positive, encouraging, respectful, motivating and challenging atmosphere in my studio. I want to make playing their instrument a joy. With a focus on collaboration, I want to have student practice being done with clear expectations of the objectives and goals we are trying to reach.

Teaching is like a big jigsaw puzzle. Each week I try to find a few more pieces that will engage, challenge and make the learner better. Hopefully, by the time they are ready to graduate we have assembled most of the puzzle. I feel confident sending my learners out into the “real world”. If the learner has not put together all the pieces of their puzzle, they will know how to complete the puzzle on their own.