The Angelica Rendek Piano Studio
I believe that through proper guidance and listening, any pianist can become an “artist”. It is essential to promote artistic thinking early in the form of active listening and technical developments. Every lesson should be customized through activities and a wide range of materials. As a person grows, so does their learning style and desire, a teacher should constantly be evaluating their student’s growth and growth tendencies.
Lessons should be saturated in aural skills, theory, and history. These tools are necessary to create a well-rounded musician. Additionally, these skills will advance a student’s progress and give them reference when learning. These elements can be incorporated into classic instruction through the student's repertoire as well as activities that include interdisciplinary relationships with other fine arts fields, such as art.
I aim for all of my students to have a “growth mindset”, meaning that they are always taking their challenges as positive learning opportunities. Practicing the piano can allow for growth in many facets of life. Even with older students, life skills are gained through determination and patience. Peer interaction and feedback are an important tool and can be used to intrinsically motivate a student. Society is drawn to sporting activities because of the community atmosphere. Although, we often associate the piano with solitude, I believe that it can foster a community by way of cooperative learning. I strive to incorporate group lessons, studio classes, and parent interaction.
I am an artist that believes that there should be no financial or social barriers when accessing a quality music education. Any art form should not be limited based on income; music should be shared. I strive to adapt to fit economic climates as well as educational ones.
In the end, we take piano lessons because we want to make music. Even with seemingly mundane exercises the goal should be to make music. Teachers should remain sensitive to this idea and should work towards this goal. I believe that the more you practice, the better you teach; the better you teach, the better that you practice.