My musical journey began with the study of the violin at 7 years old. After learning the basic foundational skills I began to work my way up through the Royal Conservatory of Music Canada program and grade system over a period of 15 years adding on piano studies through the same program when I was 10. This gradual, systematic approach to learning the many skills mastery of the violin and piano requires served me well in providing a wide and varied experience with many styles of classical music, solid technique growth and opportunities to perform solo as well as with various orchestra and chamber groups. 

Upon reflection, I have come to realize that much of my early learning process was laced with stress, anxiety and pressure to perform. In revisiting those phases with new awareness, I have come to deeply value the place that a gentle, patient, intentional process has in helping a musician become performance-ready. Yes, learning an instrument can be challenging and requires commitment and resilience, but that does not mean it needs to be stressful. Valuing the process before the performance allows the student to learn at a sustainable, self-motivated pace that preserves the joy in music while making room for their whole personhood to grow in capability and strength. As we build this strong foundation of skill and mastery, we create a musician who is a calm and confident performer, who can share their gift of music with generosity and joy.

In pursuit of a better way to teach these skills, I began studying under Dr. Stephanie Allen through her course Violin Technique Coaching. During this time I revisited all I learned before with a new lens and acquired many new gentle approaches to teaching and learning. I now recognize how the whole-person development of the musician greatly contributes to their experience in studying music and the deep satisfaction and joy they can gain through this growth. 

Violin Technique Coaching is a scaffolded, thorough approach to studying music that also helps the student develop independent learning, time management, emotional awareness, and efficient and effective practice habits. It encourages self-motivation through aiding students in setting their own personal goals that we then create a path toward achieving by breaking down challenges into actionable steps. This approach to teaching flexes with each student’s various learning curves and natural abilities and allows the student to flourish and grow as an individual as they experience the rewards of deep satisfaction and confidence that the overcoming of challenges and development of a new skill brings. This student is self-aware, at ease in their playing and finds purpose and joy in their steady, and often fairly quick, progress!

While I learned these concepts through further study of the violin they also transition beautifully to the many aspects of learning how to play the piano. I am excited to be able to offer them to my piano students as well and create a calm and joyful learning experience for each student that meets their unique needs and desires. It is my joy to help students develop these skills and the self-awareness needed with consistency and gentleness. Helping them grow into independent learners who are committed to their own progress on the path to mastery and personal development

Coupling discipline and precision with emotional awareness and the mental development of the student creates a confident learner and strong musician. Guiding them in time management, scaffolded learning and a thorough technical regimen yields a musician who is at ease in their playing, self-motivated in their growth, and maximally utilizes their time and energy. This is a student who can progress steadily, happily and often fairly quickly!