Music performance and the teaching of music, for me, are inextricably tied together.  To perform music is to share not only the emotions you have put forth into the work you are performing but to also elicit emotion from the audience as well.  It is at this juncture that the performer does in fact become a teacher by leading the audience and listener to new music and new areas of exploration into the mind themselves but the composer as well. 

     Teaching music should be no different than performing in the sense that we as the teacher are merely guiding the listener or student to come to their own conclusions and interpretations of the music played.  Just as the performer guides the listener so must the teacher guide the student.

     It is the job of the teacher to guide and to show the student not to force or coerce.  By showing and demonstrating techniques through means of performing, repetition, and explaining, the teacher can effectively provide the tools and necessary skills to the student so that they may make their own path and own journey through music by sharing and performing as well.

     I feel strongly about this method of teaching and while the fundamentals must be taught in order to facilitate the ease of playing; it is ultimately up to the student which path they will take to pursue music.  Whether that be classical, jazz, or country, it is the job of the teacher to guide and explore along with the student.