French Horn with Sally G.

I am a classically trained horn player and singer who has freelanced professionally throughout Colorado and New York and has taught private lessons since 2004. I received my training at SUNY Fredonia and the University of Colorado, Boulder respectively. Outside of my music career, I am currently a graduate student in the Anthropology department at Syracuse University, but I still occasionally perform professionally on a case-by-case basis. Being a well-rounded person has made me a more effective and understanding teacher, and my goal is to help my students achieve musical success as one part of a multi-faceted and dynamic life. My teaching philosophy is based on the premise that music is a cumulative, lifelong endeavor, so I always teach with each of my students’ musical futures mind. I want my younger students to explore this new, creative medium in a safe and fun environment. Developing solid fundamentals is the basis for musical exploration, so I attempt to blend traditional methods of learning technique and theory with music making that is meant to be fun and rewarding. I believe that balance is the key to success in music and beyond, so my goal is to teach them how to find balance in their playing. For older students, I spend less time worrying about my goals for them and more time helping them develop and achieve their own goals. A student who enjoys playing but is not interested in seeking a career in music will be receiving a very different lesson from me than one who has ambitions of being the absolute best in their field, but that is perfectly okay! I do have high expectations for all of my students, but those expectations are guided by my understanding of the students’ desired outcome. For all of my students, regardless of their age, I realize that I am teaching a whole person, someone who has their own culture and perspective that is unique to all of my other students, who needs their own individualized program of study. I am prepared to meet their needs in whatever way I can.