TEACHING PHILOPSOHY

Catering to a range of ages and stages, we believe it is imperative to meet each student where they are at both from a developmental and musical standpoint. We do not have a standardized approach, but rather seek to journey alongside each student, expanding their range of musical skills, zeroing in on strengths, and supporting areas of growth. We appreciate that each student has a unique skill set to offer and a musical voice that deserves to be heard and it is our privilege to nurture this together.

Imperative to any new skill is a strong technical foundation which provides a musical springboard from which to launch. In order to successfully establish this foundation, we are always seeking to produce music in a way that is healthy from a physiological standpoint. Especially with regards to singing, we are are own instrument and it is vital to learn healthy strategies for breath management, sustained singing and vowel placement in order to create a free and full sound. For our piano students, we desire to strengthen hand-eye coordination via scales and rhythmic repetition, incorporating postural adjustments which support optimal playing at all times. We believe technique must be broken down, scientifically based and anatomically sound. Though our concepts are the same, we never explain things in the same way to each student for everyone has a unique way of learning and processing information.

We love this part! Here, we able to really unleash students’ full creativity and originality. We encourage artistic expression through an exploration and incorporation of musical phrasing, articulation, dynamic range, characterization, musical choices, text coloration, word pictures and more. There is no limit, and often, more is better!

HMS is committed to creating holistic musicians. Once students have developed a core foundation and skill-set of musical tools from which to produce a healthy and free musical tone, a host of possibilities begin to unfold. Together, we are able to fine tune, add in those layers of artistry and really work on repertoire in a way that brings it to life as a living, breathing thing. Music transitions from something you merely do, to something that defines part of your identity.

Music is known for developing critical thinking skills and at HMS we like to ask “why?” When you are able to ascertain why something is either working, or not working, you are then empowered to recreate or make changes. Students are invited to critically think about the reasoning behind technical and musical choices. Through a skill set anchored in the importance of mirror neurons and physiological awareness we are able to help support new pathways in the brain as connections are made and music is produced. It’s quite amazing really!

Through a gentle and supportive approach, we encourage each and every student to reach their musical potential at their own pace. We recognize that students can only progress in an environment that is safe and supportive and this is our highest priority at all times.

HMS believes that the joy of music is to be shared! There is never any pressure to perform outside of lessons, but New York offers a range of multi-faceted performance opportunities. Examples include music exams; auditioning for the Met children’s chorus; neighborhood choral communities; the national Children’s chorus; semi-professional choirs, school musicals, and so much more! Let us help you reach these exciting new heights!