Teaching Philosophy

The study of music will influence and enhance a student’s entire life. Dr. Schumann strives to inspire all students to enrich their lives with joy, integrity, and self-confidence through their involvement with music study at the piano, regardless of their age or skill level. Applied work at the piano enhances problem-solving skills, memory, and organized study strategies that positively influence academic and life-long achievement.
In music education, it is essential to establish students’ individual goals and tailor instruction to meet those goals. Dr. Schumann adheres to the philosophy that educators need to meet students where they are and lead them to where their goals lie. For students who need extra strengthening in skills essential to their music, this means creating and implementing a plan to conquer their deficiencies. For students with performance opportunities around the corner, this may mean extra lessons. For students with disabilities, this means crafting goals, settings, and accommodations specific to them. For students who flourish in a community, group classes are available for beginner students of varying ages, including adults.