My Teaching Philosophy
Credo: I believe that each individual is born with the ability to learn and develop many skills and that the appreciation and learning of music is a part of our nature.
I believe that the learning process should be natural for the student.
I believe that learning the piano is a journey that takes time and that the student should enjoy many of the stops along the way as s/he progresses.
I believe that each student is unique and that his learning must be individualized according to his needs.
I believe that each student should look forward to her lesson time as an opportunity to learn and grow both musically and emotionally.
I believe that each encounter a student has with music and with me is a learning opportunity.
I believe that the student and I are collaborators in developing his/her musical potential.
I believe that students are always capable of improving their playing and that no one reaches an endpoint in his learning.
I believe that my students reach their goals only when we set clear expectations that we agree upon.
I believe that goal-setting is important; how to develop proper technique and musicianship through efficient practice and appropriate selection of repertoire, is my job as a teacher.
I like working with students at all levels, from beginners through intermediate and advanced skills, regardless of their musical backgrounds. As a teacher, I start where the student is and help him to develop and move forward. There is an efficient path to improve technique and performance, and it is my responsibility to find the proper way to give the student the tools to achieve his musical potential. Many of the methods I use are based upon the classical European piano tradition.
An important task for me as a teacher is to assess a student’s strengths, abilities, and weaknesses. Through constructive feedback and demonstration, my students learn how to become more independent in their ability to interpret proficiently and develop their unique musical style. Although there are no instant results, I look for continuing progress with a student by setting both short-term, intermediate, and longer-term goals and objectives. I focus on healthy piano playing, so that no injuries occur through inappropriate instruction and technique. I am also aware of the various stages of learning and that frustrations are a normal part of this process. I approach this with empathy and am sensitive about the emotional health of each student.
A diverse repertoire is critical for an understanding of the different musical styles and periods. Similar to tasting many different types of foods, students must experience a broad variety of composers, periods, and styles before narrowing their focus as they mature. A healthy approach to music cannot depend on technique alone but must focus upon the correct selection of the piano literature.
By developing a spirit of collaborative learning, my students and I become partners in what often becomes a lifelong journey of making and appreciating music, with both its joys and its challenges, for the student and for others. My hope is for my students to become better human beings through their piano performance, music making, and their appreciation of the arts.
Professional Affiliations
Music Teachers National Association – MTNA
Tennessee Music Teachers Association – TMTA
Greater Memphis Music Teachers Association – GMMTA
European Piano Teachers Association – EPTA
For further information and lessons please use the Contact Form.
Spring Recital Studio Recital – May 18, 2024.
Copyright ©Daryl Rojas 2025