Adam C.

What is your teaching philosophy?

I believe in the importance of guiding my students while they are learning, but not by imposing a strict curriculum. I prefer to move at their own pace so they feel comfortable and not stressed. When students are at ease, they learn much more efficiently and have more fun while they are at it!

In your opinion, what is the right way to teach and what do you do in your lessons that makes you a good teacher?

I think it’s important to individualize the curriculum for each student because all people learn differently. That’s why I always customize my instruction to each student’s personality, level of proficiency, likes and dislikes.

How many years have you been teaching music lessons?

Two years. I am currently studying at the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music and will be graduating in 2019.

What are you most proud of in your musical career?

I played at the Panama Jazz Festival in 2014. It was such an honor to perform alongside internationally acclaimed jazz artists from around the globe. They were and still are a big inspiration to me.

What’s the best compliment you have ever gotten as a music teacher?

I often get positive comments from my students or their parents, praising my teaching technique, patience, and genuine interest I show in each student. Just the other day a pupil told me that I have “a very creative teaching style.” This kind of feedback is heartwarming and it inspires me to keep teaching to the best of my ability.

What country have you travelled to that you like the most and why?

I traveled to Japan which I liked a lot because Tokyo reminded me of New York, though the city is much cleaner and less chaotic. People are polite and friendly. And even though there are plenty of Japanese restaurants in NYC, you’d have to go to Tokyo to get the real taste of specialties like nigiri, a type of sushi consisting of a slice of raw fish over pressed vinegar rice.

What languages do you speak?

English, which seems to work in most countries, though it would be great to learn other languages as well so that nothing is lost in translation!

If you could perform with any musician (alive or dead), who would it be and why?

Jimi Hendrix because I think he was one of the greatest guitarist/performers of all time. I have always been inspired by his songs like Purple Haze and, of course, Hey Joe…

Do you have any interesting or unusual hobbies? If so, tell us about it.

I like strategy games like chess and yu gi oh, which is a Japanese collectible card battle I learned to play in Japan.

What are you currently listening to on the radio, iPod, iTunes, Spotify, etc.?

A lot of Led Zeppelin recently, as well as the Allman Brothers.