Teaching Philosophy (voice)
Kim Fairbourn
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 singing, 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. I also feel that parents should be involved in their children’s learning.
All voice students are taught and assigned breathing exercises, and various vocal exercises to develop a solid vocal technique, and a beautiful tone. Students are taught sight singing and ear training through solfege and other methods. Along with exercises, students are assigned appropriate repertoire to further develop their vocal technique, musicality, and interpretation of musical styles. Students will progress through many different styles and genres including folk songs, musical theater, and classical art songs and arias in different languages including English, Italian, Latin, German, and French. Concepts of music theory and music history will be discussed as new pieces are learned.
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. 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 NATS auditions, NFMC Festivals, and other masterclasses or events that may arise, 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 parents meet with me to discuss progress and areas of improvement. They 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
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 singing, 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. I also feel that parents should be involved in their children’s learning.
All voice students are taught and assigned breathing exercises, and various vocal exercises to develop a solid vocal technique, and a beautiful tone. Students are taught sight singing and ear training through solfege and other methods. Along with exercises, students are assigned appropriate repertoire to further develop their vocal technique, musicality, and interpretation of musical styles. Students will progress through many different styles and genres including folk songs, musical theater, and classical art songs and arias in different languages including English, Italian, Latin, German, and French. Concepts of music theory and music history will be discussed as new pieces are learned.
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. 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 NATS auditions, NFMC Festivals, and other masterclasses or events that may arise, 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 parents meet with me to discuss progress and areas of improvement. They 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.