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Teaching Philosophy & Mission Statement... by Kristin Phillips Before beginning to study music in the studio, it is important that you understand the goals I have for each student. I firmly believe that I must have a clear direction in my teaching or the students will not understand the need to have clear direction in his or her study.
I strive to help each student develop into a well-rounded musician. All areas of music (sight-reading, technique, theory, transposing, improvising, performance, etc.) should be equally developed to their full potential. Often, I am asked to teach one of these skills independent of the others, but must decline to teach in this way. I sincerely believe that these skills are only developed to their fullest potential when surrounded by all other areas.
I will gladly help my students aim for the highest goals in music imaginable, and help them acquire the ability to accompany anyone who asks them, to play a piece a performer has given them at the last minute, or to explain in understandable terms the symbols in music to any individual.
I will help foster a love of music in all of my students. I am well aware that it is impossible to make someone love something, but my goal is to help create an interest or curiosity that will encourage the student to want to learn. I strive to make lessons interesting and fun. Realistically, no student or teacher can expect that lessons will always be exciting. There will be times of stress and discouragement - this is a normal part of developing a skill, but I am ready to stand by your side and will do all I can to keep motivation and learning as top priorities. I believe this enables the student to appreciate music to a greater degree.
It is important as your teacher that I continue my own education in order to provide my students with the best education available. Someone once said, "I should not seek to inspire, but to be inspired". That is why I am learning as much as I can from professionals in the field.
I strive to teach my students to teach themselves. In effect, I am working myself out of a job. I train my students early "how" to practice. A large responsibility lies with the student to do as the teacher has instructed, but I am well aware of my responsibility to provide the proper type of instruction. I take my job very seriously and will do my best to teach each and every one of my students the best technique to sing or play their instrument. If I believe the student has not practiced sufficiently or has not followed our instructions when practicing, I may spend the greater part of the lesson doing written work or “learning” to practice. Nothing done in the studio is a waste of time for the students. Please contact me as soon as possible with any questions or concerns. I believe a very important part of music is using it to glorify God by blessing Him and bringing honor to His Name. I am a born-again Christian and am open about my faith with my students. I do have students from many different backgrounds, nations, religions, and family situations - and am blessed with the amazing group of students currently taking lessons. I will encourage my students to bless others as they share this new gift and talent with the people in their lives. Please bear in mind that no two students are exactly alike and that all students will progress at different rates. I approach students as individuals and attempt to challenge each according to his/her own unique potential. All students are expected to practice their assignments and extras a minimum of 5 days/week. I believe music is an important part of life, a wonderful investment, and the most rewarding language to learn. I am looking forward to making your acquaintance as you seek to make this important decision in music education.
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