Teaching Philosophy

Connection

Kristian developed as a musician through genuine human connection and the imparting of knowledge and wisdom from his teachers. Making music is a relational activity; it is a necessity to establish kinship and respect between student and teacher. While the task of a music teacher is to show the path forward in playing a musical instrument, there exists a complementary space to establish friendship and esteem.  

Communication

In order to grow musically and technically, clear and concise communication must be aimed for. It is the teacher's responsibility to constantly be searching for new ways to explain ideas and concepts and to ensure the student understands fully the content being taught. To communicate well is to be attentive to the needs of the student, thereby connecting the previous maxim of attention. Simone Weil said, "Attention is the rarest and purest form of generosity". Music itself is a means of communication!

Expression

Music in the history of humankind has been an expressive enterprise; Kristian aims to guide his students to express themselves through their instrument. Although proper technical formation is important, Kristian believes technique should serve musicality and artistic expression. Outside of external goals and guidelines, Kristian hopes to foster an internal space of pleasure and love of music.

Adaptability

In life, as well as in the arts, there are many paths to the truth. Kristian strives to find the unique path you are on, and to move forward with confidence that your path will uncover new ways to make music. Kristian's students come from a multiplicity of backgrounds; some enjoy a  traditional classical approach, while others find value in improvising and creating from scratch. Kristian aims to adapt his teaching methods to suit the student's unique way of learning. Kristian has learned to translate his ideas into multiple musical languages.

Attention

It is common today that many people have trouble feeling heard by music teachers in their search to explain what exactly they need help with. Mastery of a musical instrument sometimes results in forgetting what it was like to be a beginner. Kristian avoids this problem by looking back to his formative years, paying attention to the specific needs, background, strengths and weaknesses of each student.   

Excellence

While not everyone has a vocation to become a performer or virtuoso, Kristian believes all of his students should strive for excellence, wholeness, and meaning in their musical practice. There is an underlying depth that can be found in a song, a fugue, even a short melody. This meaning inspires us to approach the beauty of music with reverence, and to seek out this beauty completely. This seeking of the beautiful demands the best of us, and invites us to constantly improve ourselves.