Teaching Philosophy

Compassion. Candor. Curiosity.

These are the guiding principles by which I teach. Despite my best efforts early in my career, I have never found success as an educator without these precepts as my guide. Compassion to understand the technical, intellectual, or emotional barrier to conquer. Candor to establish trust in collaboration and communication. Curiosity to explore beyond the known to what is possible. 

With well over a decade of experience as a professional singer, director, and music educator I feel uniquely prepared to mentor growing musicians in a university program.  As an educator I bring excitement to the oft-studied lessons in music education. As a performer, I bring the real-world experience I’ve collected in my own career. My mission is to guide students in developing the curiosity, confidence, and collegiality necessary to sustain fulfilling, lifelong careers.

One of my personal mantras is, ‘‘there’s no problem that enough creativity and elbow-grease can’t solve.” In my career as a teacher, coach, and music director I’ve leaned into my ingenuity and work ethic to create concerts and programs of which I am proud. My open-heart and forward-thinking approach has always helped me lead my teams to success.

I believe the best art blends self-discipline and self-indulgence, and I’ve developed a teaching style built on genuine encouragement and pragmatism. I feel it’s imperative we prepare young musicians for both the rigorous expectations of a career in the arts and instill in them the tools to retain a spiritual connection to music.

It is a true privilege to take part, even if only briefly, in edifying the musical journey of my students.

Wes