Horn Lessons with Dr. Philippus

 

Dr. Philippus is passionate about teaching music to horn students of all ages and has maintained private studios for eleven years. She currently maintains a private lesson studio in Urbana, IL. To set up lessons, please contact her at the email listed above.

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Teaching Philosophy

 

Successful twenty-first century musicians wear many hats as they navigate the fast-paced world of the modern music scene. Perhaps even more challenging than navigating a music career is preparing students to do so themselves. My work as a horn teacher, performer, administrator, and instructor of community service learning and leadership collectively informs my approach to teaching music students aspiring to shape their own music careers.

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In his book A Whole New Mind, Daniel Pink argues that left-brained, creative thinkers will be in high demand as we move from the digital age into what the author sees as a new “creative age.” In an era of outsourcing and automation, creativity and divergent thinking are invaluable assets, and I firmly believe a comprehensive, holistic music education prepares music students to thrive in such exciting, rapidly changing times. A comprehensive education encouraging curiosity and imagination prompts students to consider their own artistic values and how their art can meaningfully contribute to their communities. It challenges students to seek out opportunities to engage with a variety of related disciplines and constituents. Through such engaged, inquisitive processes, students are motivated to achieve musical excellence through a deep and meaningful connection with their community.

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My role is to guide students as they examine their personal beliefs and values through music. Every student has a different story about how and why they chose music as their life’s pursuit. I allow students to choose from a wide variety of musical repertoire and performance activities that represent their background. Repertoire also includes contemporary works, works by women and men from all over the world, pieces that involve electronics, and opportunities to explore classical or jazz improvisation. Horn students must also be well-versed in the cornerstone repertoire and history of the instrument, and I encourage them to think critically about how to relate these works to their own beliefs and values.

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Problem solving and critical thinking are key to my pedagogical methods. I serve as a guide as students learn how to identify, assess, and systematically work towards performance goals. Rather than offering an upfront solution, I ask questions that lead students to the solution so that their progress is self-directed, empowering them to work on their own. In lessons, I provide my students a wide variety of practice tools to improve upon their technical and musical facility, from aural skills exercises to singing/buzzing excerpts to decontextualizing challenging passages.

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My current teaching responsibilities focus on helping students become socially-committed and engaging community members. In the course “Designing Musical Experiences: Service Learning through Make More Music,” students work with at-risk youth at a local middle school. These teaching experiences extend beyond a typical band or orchestra experience and incorporate tailored singing, games, and improvisation activities. In “Developing Career Portfolios for Musicians,” I facilitate the development of a professional, digital career portfolio for their own journey into the workforce. Finally, my horn students participate in a variety of community performances including pit orchestras, community youth orchestras, music camps, and church music ensembles and performances.

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I strongly believe that success as a twenty-first century musician requires engaging with a wide variety of repertoire and performance opportunities that support and strengthen communities. My role as an educator is to get to know each of my students’ stories and values and help them discover how they will engage with their world. This process involves an open dialogue, an inclusive learning environment, and willingness to learn alongside my students as we explore different ideas and beliefs so as to help them to achieve the musical success towards which they aspire. 

 

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