Teaching Testimony

Teaching Philosophy

My teaching philosophy is of a responsive nature and remains aware of the importance of a flexible teacher-student relationship, allowing for transformation in a developing student. Each student has an individual learning style, and I strive to adapt and customise goals to assist in the learning process.

I draw from my personal development in using body awareness concepts to assist in moulding students to achieve ease and comfortability behind the cello. Having undergone technical and physical set-backs myself, the Alexander Technique created a knowledgeable and mindful space of body awareness, and it is this space that I try to establish within each student. When freed of unnecessary tension (less is more!) and being in a position to control muscle use, the student is in an easier position to attain movements that are fluid – and finally, able to more easily convey musicality and subsequently grow as musician. Although technique can often be worked on separately from the music – the two are ultimately and inevitably intertwined, aiding to each other’s development. When an understanding of body awareness is implemented, the student is in a position to spend more focused and time behind the cello, leading to more productive hours.

Emotional growth leads to growth as a musician, coupled with the ability to express and interpret music at the student’s will. Mentoring and career guidance are an integral part in my studio, always striving to create a learning environment that is safe and nurturing, albeit productive.

It goes without saying that I am influenced by my different tutors and mentors on different continents, as well as various musical collaborations and positions. I am jokingly referred to as an “information hoarder” in my consistent pursuit to keep expanding and accumulating knowledge and skill. My life is further shaped by my own personal experiences and life philosophies which encompass motherhood, travelling, awareness of health and mental well-being, and of course, legal knowledge. Legality within the creative arts and business creation is often used within my career guidance. The incorporation of these subject matters together with an “open door policy” goes a long way to ensure that the student’s needs are met in a caring way to assist in finding their place as cellists in this is world.

Having discarded the old-fashioned notion that the teacher is the “sage on the stage” when it comes to relaying information, lessons and classes are rather seen as collaborative platform with a flow of discussions and ideas.