Teaching Philosophy
Danielle Braga
“By means of industry and perseverance you will rise higher and higher.”
- Robert Schumann
The concept of teaching inspired me long before I became wholeheartedly interested in performing. I have been blessed to have great music teachers in my life – teachers that have inspired me to serve other students as a role model and mentor. Teaching, inspiring, and motivating students of all ages has fulfilled me in a way unlike any other aspect of my musical career.
I firmly believe that music should come from the heart. What is the point of music if not to express the inexpressible? I enjoy building relationships with my students in order to craft and shape the musical voice that lies within us all.
I aim to explore student’s unique musical interests, while also providing a solid technical foundation. Often the point of taking piano lessons is to learn how to express oneself fluidly and effortlessly on the instrument. I believe that students should grow in their natural musicianship while exploring their physical comfort and technical development at the piano.
I aim to develop technique through a cohesively crafted method. I want my students to become healthy and strong players. Through the use of my technical method, I am able to observe my students as they feel themselves becoming more powerful, comfortable players. To physically feel successes at the piano might arguably be one of the greatest pianistic accomplishments!
I believe that teaching constantly provides opportunities to inspire and motivate students. I require effort and discipline from each of my students – music is a lifestyle, and one that necessitates upkeep through a consistent practice regimen. I respect each of my student’s intellects and abilities; I work to discover the expressive musician in each of my students. I aim to teach in a way that is strict enough to produce solid and hardworking musicians, but kind enough to motivate students’ musical self-exploration during and after each lesson.
What I hope to impart upon all of my students is the fact that music is a series of challenges. But each time we start a challenging piece, or address an issue in a difficult section, we grow both in discipline and in intellect. Pushing through these challenges helps us accomplish musical communication. Though musical hurdles are constant, and seemingly never-ending, the point of music study is to grow stronger, smarter, and happier through each accomplishment – no matter how big or small! Therefore by committing to the study of music, we are inserting ourselves into an endless cycle of well-deserved happiness.