Gaona Music Studio

In the Aesthetic Education of Man, Friederich Schiller posits that education begins with the cultivation of a deep and meaningful aesthetic experience. For Schiller, as well as for myself, the ultimate goal of education is to be a fulfillment of the individual and a realization of his or her potential as a human being in all dimensions. 

In the Gaona Music Studio, we strive for excellence and mastery as a worthy goal in and of itself, always in the context of the students’ overall well-being. Equally important to the labor of mastery is the student’s sensory experience as colorful and enjoyable. It is the mutual goal of the teacher and student to elicit this union of mastery and artistry that creates this education that we value so much. Success in this way should manifest by a student’s pride in him/herself and eagerness to take part in the world as well as elevate those around him/her. 

The Gaona Music Studio strives to achieve this through some traditional methods such as a traditional lesson structure with periodic recitals and masterclasses but also some less traditional elements such as occasionally including pop genres, Socratic method and research projects. The student can expect to develop a sense of music history.

The three areas that I teach are Cello, Piano and Theory/Composition. In all of these areas, we will explore music to the greatest depth possible. It is my hope that the student is illuminated through whichever field he/she chooses.

A typical lesson consists of thirty minutes of technical study and thirty minutes of refining musical literature. Also included in this lesson should be a discussion of the student’s research.

A typical recital cycle includes performances roughly twice a year and consists of students presenting their work to a supportive audience of parents, fellow students and friends, and occasionally the public. Research goals are determined by the student’s intuition and enthusiasm.

If Schiller was correct, we have quite an intellectual and artistic journey ahead of both of us. I hope we can enjoy this trip together!