TEACHING PHILOSOPHY

As a piano teacher specialized in early level students, it has been my experience that the study of music displays itself as self-expression, confidence, coordination, and creativity. Studying lesson books, music theory, and piano technique prepare students to become good sight-readers and perform different musical genres.

By Theory, I mean basic reading and writing skills involving the staff, music alphabet, clefs, and rhythm. I always thought of music theory as the grammar of music which turns music education into permanent knowledge. 

The study of Piano Technique guides students in their musical skills such as phrasing (musical sentences), dynamics (sound volume), and articulations (legato vs. staccato). It enriches our piano lesson experience in a way that the student can perform musically and artistically. 

The skills for sight-reading are introduced at every level in our studies and students are trained to perform music they have not seen before. Duets with me are performed in order to introduce students to different musical harmonies. 

Through methodical practice routines, I aim to bring structure in students’ musical as well as academic lives. I expect my students to set different goals each time they practice a piece such as note accuracy, correct rhythm, and playing from memory. 

My teaching is designed to educate musicians who can read and write music notation. The study of lesson books, music theory, and piano technique supported with an organized practice environment will help us explore many elements as well as genres of music and ensure that every student reaches his or her own standard of excellence. 

SELEN ERKAN