Anthony Fortuna’s Philosophy of Teaching

 

A music teacher should be like a gardener who grows their students like plants, little by little every day with care and nurture. A music teacher should strive to make learning enjoyable for students, inspire unknown interests, and most importantly a worthwhile experience for both the teacher and the student. A good music teacher should be a mentor, a master, an inspiration, and above all an amazing musician. I do my best to strive closer towards each of the qualities that I think a good music teacher should have every day, with every student, and every performance. I understand that not all of my students may not go on to be professional musicians which is why my philosophy of teaching is constantly changing to improve the many opportunities of my students, and to inspire a lifetime of musical participation and appreciation.

 

Musical Instruction

 

When I begin to instruct a student I try to make my objectives, standards, and expectations to the student as clear as possible. First I assess the student and make decisions based on what the student can do well naturally and what the student struggles with. Depending on the individual I then spend time teaching the student fundamental techniques about their embouchure, breathing and breath support, posture, and basic musicianship. As a student progresses through my instruction I make sure to emphasize the importance of several practice techniques that will insure success for the student. Some of these techniques include swing note rhythms, long tones, finger-on-finger-off technique, and above all the importance of metronome use.

 

Life Through Music Lessons

 

I feel that a music teacher is so much more than just a music teacher. I am not only the student’s instructor but I am a mentor, life coach, and sometimes even a therapist. I have found that most students need much more than music instruction which is why I try to teach students life skills through the world of music, such as collaboration, courtesy, honor, integrity, respect, and problem solving.

 

Outcome

 

There are many reasons to take music lessons and not all of them end with playing in a symphony orchestra or becoming a world reknowned soloist. I do not expect every student to have that goal, however I expect every student to try their best to better themselves. Some of my students may go on to become anything from a music educator to a lawyer, a marinebiologist, or even an electrician, but what I hope they learn throughout musical instruction is how to be the best they can be. I would hope that each of my students go on to lead fulfilling lives with an appreciation for music of all kinds.

 

“Never lose the joy music brings you” -Patricia Koch (a dear music teacher)