Teaching Philosophy (piano)
Kim Fairbourn, NCTM
I believe that it is my responsibility as a music teacher to help students become independent learners and life-long musicians. I hope to achieve this by providing a solid foundation of technique, sight-reading, ear-training, music theory and musicality, along with a knowledge of music history and musical styles. I believe students should have opportunities for performance in many different settings. Students should also have the opportunity to be evaluated outside of my studio. I believe students should be provided with incentives to help motivate them in their musical pursuits. I also feel that parents should be involved in their children’s learning.
All students are assigned scales or five finger patterns, cadences, arpeggios, inversions, chords and ear pieces with transposition on a weekly basis, along with other exercises for building technique. Correct hand position and proper technique are emphasized as they are taught. My students sight read at nearly every lesson. I use method books and other supplemental pieces to improve their musical knowledge and sight reading abilities, and they are challenged with performance pieces that stretch them and help them in their musical growth. We discuss elements of music theory, history and style as they learn new pieces, and they have written theory assignments on a weekly basis. Phrasing, balance, dynamics and interpretation are taught from the very beginning. Monthly group lessons are held where concepts of music theory, rhythm, music history, and ear training are enforced through games, ensemble playing, and instruction.
I have at least 4 studio recitals per year, one of them being an ensemble recital. I hold at least 2 performance classes prior to each recital where students are able to perform for each other in a non-threatening, supportive atmosphere. Through UMTA, additional performing opportunities such as monster concerts and festivals are provided. We also do performances at local retirement homes as a service opportunity for the students.
I believe it is important for my students to be evaluated outside of my studio. They get these opportunities through NFMC festivals, State performance evaluations, local chapter festivals and competitions, and the AIM (Achievement in Music) program through UMTA. I feel that my students gain valuable performing experience and self-confidence through these programs, and I learn from my colleagues as they critique my students in a positive, nurturing way.
I believe it is important to provide incentives to help motivate students in their musical goals. I offer incentive programs throughout the year, and I also give awards at the end of the year to students who have shown achievement in practice, performance, and other areas, and students who have shown great improvement. I also praise students verbally when they have completed assignments, passed off skills, etc. My goal is to help students realize that practice has its own reward.
I feel that it is important to keep parents involved in their children’s learning. I keep parents informed through frequent e-mails, phone calls, and text messages, studio website, and social media. I conduct student evaluations each year, where I assess students' progress and areas of improvement. Parents receive a written evaluation that includes short term and long term goals.
I take my role as a music teacher very seriously, and I am always looking for ways to improve my teaching and help students learn to love and enjoy music now and for the rest of their lives.
Kim Fairbourn, NCTM
I believe that it is my responsibility as a music teacher to help students become independent learners and life-long musicians. I hope to achieve this by providing a solid foundation of technique, sight-reading, ear-training, music theory and musicality, along with a knowledge of music history and musical styles. I believe students should have opportunities for performance in many different settings. Students should also have the opportunity to be evaluated outside of my studio. I believe students should be provided with incentives to help motivate them in their musical pursuits. I also feel that parents should be involved in their children’s learning.
All students are assigned scales or five finger patterns, cadences, arpeggios, inversions, chords and ear pieces with transposition on a weekly basis, along with other exercises for building technique. Correct hand position and proper technique are emphasized as they are taught. My students sight read at nearly every lesson. I use method books and other supplemental pieces to improve their musical knowledge and sight reading abilities, and they are challenged with performance pieces that stretch them and help them in their musical growth. We discuss elements of music theory, history and style as they learn new pieces, and they have written theory assignments on a weekly basis. Phrasing, balance, dynamics and interpretation are taught from the very beginning. Monthly group lessons are held where concepts of music theory, rhythm, music history, and ear training are enforced through games, ensemble playing, and instruction.
I have at least 4 studio recitals per year, one of them being an ensemble recital. I hold at least 2 performance classes prior to each recital where students are able to perform for each other in a non-threatening, supportive atmosphere. Through UMTA, additional performing opportunities such as monster concerts and festivals are provided. We also do performances at local retirement homes as a service opportunity for the students.
I believe it is important for my students to be evaluated outside of my studio. They get these opportunities through NFMC festivals, State performance evaluations, local chapter festivals and competitions, and the AIM (Achievement in Music) program through UMTA. I feel that my students gain valuable performing experience and self-confidence through these programs, and I learn from my colleagues as they critique my students in a positive, nurturing way.
I believe it is important to provide incentives to help motivate students in their musical goals. I offer incentive programs throughout the year, and I also give awards at the end of the year to students who have shown achievement in practice, performance, and other areas, and students who have shown great improvement. I also praise students verbally when they have completed assignments, passed off skills, etc. My goal is to help students realize that practice has its own reward.
I feel that it is important to keep parents involved in their children’s learning. I keep parents informed through frequent e-mails, phone calls, and text messages, studio website, and social media. I conduct student evaluations each year, where I assess students' progress and areas of improvement. Parents receive a written evaluation that includes short term and long term goals.
I take my role as a music teacher very seriously, and I am always looking for ways to improve my teaching and help students learn to love and enjoy music now and for the rest of their lives.