Carol S
Instruments: Flute, Recorder, Piccolo
Styles: Classical, Avant-garde
Carol S
Instruments: Flute, Recorder, Piccolo
Styles:
Classical, Avant-garde
Where I Teach:
Ages Taught: 8-80
1994, 1999 Artists International Chamber Music Award (2x)
Smithsonian Folkways Pedagogy Certificate
1990 Concerts Atlantique Solo Award
Iona College Junior Faculty Award
I am passionate about teaching music to all ages and all levels. I love teaching beginners, I love teaching professionals. All teaching excites me because I am learning alongside my students. It's important to me that students learn how to practice, to have a part in selecting their music and feel excited about their lessons. I have performed at national and international performance venues, both in chamber music and orchestra work, where I have also been a concerto soloist several times. I am especially interested in chamber music and work with a clarinetist as well as other instrumentalists. My flute and clarinet duo has commissioned and premiered several new works, which is a very exciting thing to do.
I began teaching in high school and have never stopped. I work hard to get to know my students and their interests so that their music lessons fit into their life. I believe that makes for more effective learning. I teach my students how to practice, which is an important skills. We work together to make improvements. Those that want to do competitions are encouraged to and I have a very good track record. But those that don't want to be competitive are equally respected and we enjoy exploring repertoire and making sure that their music making is going to be part of their life forever!
I use different method books, depending on the student's age and past experience (if any). I particularly like the Alfred methods, but I supplement this with solo books and duets. For duets, I like the Alfred Learn to Play Duets, but also the Selected Duets (Rubank) series. I think it's very important for any student to play solos with piano and once students know a few notes, there are really nice pieces they can do. Because I'm a more than competent pianist, I accompany all of my students in lessons, which not only has them learn the entire piece of music, but it's fun! That also has them more ready for studio recitals as playing with piano isn't new. I also use some of my own lesson materials and activities.
I use elements of Social and Emotional Learning in my teaching: students are encouraged to have their own voice in the learning process. We discuss repertoire selection, I encourage them to talk about how the music makes them feel or what they think it's trying to express. This also assists in goal setting, which I do collaboratively with the student, rather than dictate their practice regimen. I respect that lessons are probably not the only thing they're doing and I believe that respect is why students enjoy studying with me for many years. I don't use a particular methodology, but cater my instruction according to who the student is.
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