Your Teaching Style and Approach

I had recently asked a question amongst my fellow teachers;  "Your teaching style; What would you say is the most important element in teaching?"

Not only is this a very large part of who you are as a teacher, but it is most importantly a very large roll in how your student will progress into their own style of musicianship.

I feel that as an instructor of music, we must be a constant judge and evaluator of ourselves.  I have found that in my own manner, I try to be as open as possible with my students.  I want them to be able to feel comfortable to ask me anything.  I want them to feel comfortable enough to know that they can ask me the same question 19 times without having to worry about how many times that they asked me.  Until they get it, I will answer anything that they need me to answer.

I have found, the most rewarding moment in my career has been when a student, "gets it".  I must say, it is so amazing how the human mind works.  The other day, I was working on ear training, and composure with a student.  She was having trouble understanding a certain rhythm.  Although she may have been frustrated for weeks, about this;  I knew that she would get it.  I made sure to let her know this frequently. 

She got it last week.  She turned to me and said;  "Man you are a great teacher."  Immediately, without a thought, I responded; " no, you are extremely smart, you have all of the capabilities of getting what you need composure wise in the end.  I am just here to help you figure out how to get there."