Statement of Teaching Philosophy
Stephanie Price-Wong

I aim to guide and inspire my students with the knowledge I have developed throughout the course of my musical upbringing. I teach my students both the tradition and philosophy that have surrounded me, as well as the practice that I have established along the way.

My approach to teaching reflects my goal to provide students (of any ability) the opportunity to break new ground each day in our evolving culture through innovative performance, teaching, teacher-training, and arts leadership. I believe that any student can learn music; I encourage my students to make their own discoveries from their repertoire while integrating my teachings with what they’ve learned from teachers past and present.

I teach in an adaptable manner and expect college level students to have an open mind and strong dedication in developing their knowledge of the instrument. During lessons, I consider it important to demonstrate familiarity with technique, teaching styles, composers, and pieces studied, while incorporating the information from other core courses as well.

My teaching style focuses not only on the technical facility of the instrument, but also how to play with effective movement and emotion. I am strongly committed to imparting the accurate knowledge of somatic foundation to my students. Body Mapping teaches musicians how to secure a somatic foundation while addressing all of our body’s senses to create the overall best musical performance, both for the player and the audience. My training in this study has given me numerous and innovative methods for preventing injury. Music demands lifelong development, and my proficiency with Body Mapping ensures that both my students and I will be able to experience the never-ending quality of learning.

Music gives us the unique chance to share with everyone; whether or not we can speak the same language, we all can communicate through the language of music. Throughout my years of study, I was fortunate to have my aunt, Dr. Constance E. Barrett, a professional cellist, introduce me to the world of improvisation and Music for People. I went to my first Music for People workshop when I was just twelve years old, exposing me to the world of “no wrong notes” and playing what you feel.

The idea of “no wrong notes” opens up the spectrum of creativity for students and empowers them to compose music using improvisation as did many of the great composers, the best example being Mozart. Improvisation, an essential tool for musicians, holds a place in my teaching curriculum.

As someone with an eclectic background of music and variety of teaching styles, I want my students to graduate feeling equipped in their skills and feel like they can make a mark in their personal and professional careers.

Please contact Stephanie Price-Wong if you are interested in Private viola or violin lessons.