Binan G  
Instruments: Piano, Saxophone, Music
Styles: Classical

I have proudly produced three students who are now independent music thinkers in their own rights. My first student was my mother, ironically, as she was the one who brought me to music. Now, she is a capable piano player whose repertoire ranges from Mozart to Chopin. She works harder on the piano than anyone I have met. My second student was a colleague at NJIT. She now maintains a solid technical background to tackle any music she would like. But more importantly, she can become her own judge of the sounds she makes. She has obtained an increased appreciation of classical music and improved her sensitivity to musical details. My third student had the strongest background, but the weakest connection to music initially. I have helped her listen rather than play. As she gradually develops a sense of good sound, her playing changed dramatically, and her practice management improved. She has become capable of learning old and new pieces by herself, as now she also feels much more connected to music, as a form of discourse rather than a technical display.

Fundamentals come from slow practice, and unfortunately, there is no true fun way of doing it. However, I pair technical work with listening assignments, so that the students actually see the point of fundamental training. Hanon is the one book that has stayed with me for two decades and I adhere to its various training regimens very closely. The book itself may be insufficient, but the auxiliary exercises I designed will improve the practice efficiency. I cater to students' interests in what they want to perform. But it is not always about performing, but more about expressing. Through the lessons and conversations, I will probe the students' various emotional connections and make recommendations. As a teacher, I must teach individually.