My teaching principles are based on outlining the advantageous mental and physical practice techniques revealed through research in Sports Psychology. These methods help my students strategically overcome numerous psychological obstacles in order to develop a consistently high level of performance. High-level performance under pressure is the common goal among many students, and my teaching methods help develop and increase control of muscular and mental functions, accuracy, precision, discipline, mental awareness, and overall coordination in violin performance.

I share with students my Sports Psychology research that focuses on common triggers for performance anxiety, stage fright, and other psychological barriers that negatively impact performance. By assessing the students’ performances, I design an applicable daily practice plan which gears to establish better control over the physical and psychological symptoms known to negatively impact performance. My hope in lessons is to educate about the existing relationship between mental process and physical execution and the impact one has on the other while maintaining the integrity of the repertoire.

For professional athletes and musicians, performing under pressure is an inescapable element of their careers. Given the current levels of performance excellence and the consequent fierceness of competition, consistency in performance quality is indispensable in attaining the degree of professionalism. This implied link between musical and athletic disciplines is a logical one. Similarly to athletes, musicians must achieve high levels of technical skill, efficient movement patterns, acute focus, composure, and extreme concentration, all while maintaining a consistently high level of performance.