Aleksandra D.

What is your teaching philosophy?

I studied classical music in Europe, in a very disciplined environment. Afterward, I continued my studies in the US, focusing on various contemporary styles, including jazz, at Berklee College of Music in Boston, where I graduated in 2013. Having been exposed to such different approaches to music education and pedagogy, and through a wide spectrum of music genres, I managed to take the best of both worlds while building my own teaching style. In my lessons, I strive to help my students build a solid and comprehensive skillset on their instrument, while incorporating elements that make the lesson fun, enjoyable and explorative.

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 love including improvisation in my lessons, as I believe it’s a powerful tool for self-expression and learning through discovery. I believe in an individual and holistic approach to teaching any subject, so I tailor my lessons to fit my students’ needs, interests and abilities. I find that my students respond very well to this approach.

How many years have you been teaching music lessons?

Over eight years. I absolutely love it!

What are you most proud of in your musical career?

Performing three times at the Carnegie Hall. This is a dream many musicians have and I was actually able to have this amazing experience. I guess it is true that if you practice a lot, you do end up playing at Carnegie Hall.

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

You know the saying, “Time sure flies when you are having fun?” One student actually said to me recently, “I enjoy my lessons so much, I don’t see the time pass.” To me, that’s a great compliment and an acknowledgment of my teaching skills.

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

I loved Brazil. Nature is breathtaking and diverse, music is such an integral part of every community (think Bossa Nova!), and Brazilians really know how to enjoy life. In Rio, I actually visited the café where the hit, “The Girl From Ipanema” was written in the 1960s.

What languages do you speak?

English, Serbian, Croatian, a bit of Slovenian and Spanish.

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

Prince! I admire his musical genius and versatility, as well as how much he was involved in supporting various female musicians throughout his career. I could listen to “Purple Rain” every day and never get enough of it.

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

I like astrology, yoga, and cooking (and eating) healthy food.

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

Lianne La Havas, Stevie Wonder, Esperanza Spalding, Robert Glasper