A personal note about the staff
16 February 2008
I firmly believe that the strength of a school lies not only in its educational philosophy, but also in the selection of its teachers. Whereas French Conservatories and schools in general are dependent upon the French national education system with regard to the choice of their teachers, as a private institution we are not.
The selection of our teachers is based on the following criteria:
- Their professional musical level
- Their teaching experience
- Their desire to teach
- A positive, enthusiastic contact with children
It seems clear to me that the level of personal commitment necessary to become an excellent musician is also a necessary quality for a teacher, even when dealing with a beginning student. Our staff counts graduates from leading European and American Institutions: The Juilliard School, Yale University, the Paris Conservatory, the Royal Academy of Music of London, and the Hochschule für Musik und Kunst of Vienna. Some of our teachers are performers both in France and internationally; others are active participants in the research and development of innovative teaching methods in Europe and the US. Each teacher proposes new projects for the school year that include concert-going, commissions for new works for their students, internationally recognized exams or master classes with important musicians. We have organized master classes with Herbie Hancock, Patrice Fontanarosa, Gilles Apap and Kenny Barron…
In conclusion, there is a simple rule that I like to apply regarding the choice of a staff member: “Would I choose this musician to teach my own children?” I am happy to personally confirm the excellence of our teaching staff!
- Joan Koenig, May 2007