1. A teacher's most important job is to enable the student to learn music on her own. I devote much of each lesson to instruction and demonstration of home practicing strategies. I also frequently ask my students about the length and content of their practice sessions.

2. As early as middle school, I emphasize the importance of phrasing and musicality, achieved through clear dynamics, strong musical direction, appropriate articulation, and individual creativity.

3. At the high school level, I assist students with region or all-state music by writing out practice guides which include repetition of difficult measures, explanations of ornaments, and strategies for learning technical passages.

4. I insist on correct rhythms at all levels of playing. I take several different approaches to teaching rhythm depending on the needs of the individual student, ranging from writing in counts to clapping and marching exercises.

5. I am very grateful for all the support and help parents give. The work that goes on in lessons is only meaningful if the student practices productively at home, and for this a little encouragement makes all the difference in the world. Thank you, parents!

Students are expected to be punctual and prepared. I give reasonable weekly assignments in each lesson and I explain practicing techniques at length; it is the student's responsibility to follow my instructions.

However, I know from my own experience that it is extremely helpful to have a bit of loving help from parents in the practicing department. You can help your oboist by setting a practice time for each day, creating an evening routine, or giving daily reminders to practice. Making time every day for the oboe is a great start towards learning the lifetime skill of time management.