Junhyung An

At first I started as a substitute teacher...

...for the former teacher, Boris Mogilevski. Subsequently I was asked to take the position permanently, as Boris was busy with touring oversea. I found X a special place to teach from the first day I was there. The building itself already seemed to indicate that it is a welcoming place for the students and staff. A place where we all can practice our creative spirits, sports activities and bond. But personally, what makes me keep going back to X the most is the enthusiasm of the students and how much they are craving for learning something new. Most of my students were serious and energetic for the lessons. The average degree of understanding the lesson content, and how quickly they accomplish tasks are remarkable (despite the somewhat short duration of the course). And It certainly keeps motivating me to carry on and excites me to meet new students quarter after quarter. 

Carrying on my trajectory to be a performing guitarist...

...always is the first objective. I have dedicated a significant amount of time in practicing and researching, as the level of artistry that I aim for myself demands such a high effort. On the other hand, I did have a wish to contribute students' practices who are pursuing a musicians path in a serious manner (i.e. conservatory or music school students). Thus I also spent quite some time to research on developing personal pedagogical method alongside the artistic practice, in order to conduct my lessons more efficiently. 

The teaching experience at X...

...however changed my view towards teaching in general. Regardless pupils' level, as I also mentioned above, most of the students at X are very enthusiastic to learn, which inspires me as well. It motivates me to prepare lessons for each student in detailed way. Before X, I used to be inclined to prefer more advanced students whose goals are to become professional musicians one day. That preference does not apply at X. Many of the students start as complete beginners. Even though what they learn during the period is a basic toolkit of how to play the instrument at a beginning level, they are able to serve a frame of songs with strumming or finger picking. Further, they get to extend their own repertoires based on what they learned from the course. Guiding complete beginners to continuously carry on music practice after the course gives such a rewarding feeling. 

To share something more specific, I remember a students whose name is Andrei Rosu. He was taking a course a few quarters before. When he started the class, he was already quite an advanced player. He had  very specific questions and aim points. I introduced him a personally developed guitar fretboard navigating method and technique practice method. He was very focused every lesson, it seemed that he had moments of enlightenment in every lesson. His aspiration to be better player was distinguishable, thus his progress also was. At the end of the quarter, he participated at the presentation night to perform some pieces. Even his parents attended and expressed their gratitude to me. It was such a memorable and proud moment.

I think my strength as a teacher...

...is my versatility. There are so many different styles of guitar/ukulele playing, and depending on which style the students want to pursue, the detailed guidance has to be specified. What I can confidently provide is technical coaching in the most of the styles. I am mainly considered a jazz guitar practitioner. And if the students are looking for contemplated improvisation method with music theoretical understanding, I am specialised in training this as well. For the for beginner students, I can introduce a basic toolkit, which results in the possibility to get to play a couple of simple songs.

I am generally fond of building more personal connection with students. Therefore I very much prefer private lessons where I can concentrate on the personal needs and interests. I am not a teacher who brings one book to the lesson and insensitively apply it to all students. I like to make personal notes of each student and delve into what could currently benefit the students the most (considering their level, preferred style, etc). Simultaneously, I never want to neglect the fun part of a lesson. The repertoires are usually selected with careful consideration, reflecting on students' musical taste. This often results as quite long lesson preparation time, but all for the students!

Lastly, in case there are students who are looking for an opportunity to learn an extended, unorthodox and creative way of playing the guitar for which there aren't generally known methods, I'd like to suggest to join and discuss how to practice it. As I'd always like to discover a creative way of playing, the course may provide you completely new insights!