I have been lucky enough to have wonderful teachers who helped me learn and grow...but I've also had teachers who belittled and laughed at me when I answered a question wrong or played a passage incorrectly. That isn't healthy, and it surely isn't fair to anyone learning a new skill or subject. In fact, it made me afraid to ask questions, and when I didn't fully understand a subject, I legitimately struggled. It breaks my heart that there are people out there who thrive on making other people feel "less than." This is why I lead with kindness, openness, and encouragement, thus inspiring my students to want to work for more, and to be better - whether that is with music or with any other aspect of life. I welcome questions and especially encourage them from students who might be a little shy and afraid to speak up. My students know they never have to be afraid of speaking up and asking questions, especially if we remain open to listening to one another.

I truly believe there is no such thing as a stupid question, and my studio reflects this as an open place, a free place, and a safe place to have a dialogue, to ask questions, and to learn. Because no two people are the same, want the same things out of life or lessons, or learn and excel the same way, it is extremely important for me to take the time to get to know each and every one of my students. I want to know who they are as people, to know what their passions are in life, to know their preferences in music, and to know what their goals are. The more I learn about my students the better I can relate to them which helps them open up to me and feel comfortable in asking questions. Even my most shy students open up after a few rounds of Flute Academy PLINKO.

It is important to me that my students excel in lessons, but it is equally important that my students get what they want out of our lessons. Learning should be fun, and if my students enjoy what they are learning and playing, and if they enjoy coming to lessons with me, we will accomplish so much together.