"A sparkling player, clear thinker, caring teacher and a great collaborative artist - that is Hillary Herndon!"
- Heidi Castleman
My approach to teaching is a holistic one. I believe in training students not only in technique, but also in how to learn, how to approach the instrument in a healthy way, how to listen, communicate, diagnose, and fix problems. My goal is for students to be self-sufficient by the end of our time together - to have a strong understanding and appreciation of the musical art, to know what is possible, and to know how to work towards achieving those goals. I am a firm and demanding teacher, and yet always supportive. I believe in positive reinforcement while still providing honest feedback.
A key goal for all violists is a full, healthy sound. This sound can only come from a healthy physical approach. This begins with an understanding of how the instrument produces sound and then learning to use the body in a way that is free of excess tension. The physical movements of playing the viola should be natural and without pain. Tendonitis and other physical ailments are common in the music industry, and my teaching educates students on preventative care by learning to use their bodies properly.
Learning how to produce a beautiful sound is a good start, but students must also learn how to perceive sound accurately. This means learning to listen and understand, rather than just hear. I teach students to hone their listening skills, to distinguish between a sound with and without core, to hear the beginning, middle and end of every note, and to learn how to project within a wide range of dynamics. This involves learning to listen to the sound from the back of the hall, rather than the sound that is coming from under the ear. This is a necessity for playing the viola successfully in a variety of performance situations.
Teaching students to listen involves more than perceiving quality and projection. It leads seamlessly into understanding and honing the fundamental techniques of string playing: Intonation, Articulation, and Rhythm. Technique is indispensible, and I strive for my students to have complete mastery over their instrument so that they can achieve their desired goal. I believe that when a student can hear, diagnose and explain a possible solution to another student on technical issues, then they truly understand the concept themselves.
A successful violist needs to not only have a beautiful sound and great technique, but they must also be well versed in the art of music making. Musical aspects such as phrasing, musical styles, color choices, analysis, as well as variations in different roles of performance are focused on in every lesson.
Finally, I believe that music is not a closet art. It is not meant for the practice room, but for presentation and performance. Therefore, students must learn to perform. I work with my students so that they are able to present themselves effectively. I address issues such as performance anxiety and require frequent performances. Students perform regularly for each other in studio class, as well as in regular public viola studio recitals and other off campus venues. I believe that in teaching this way, students learn not only how to be self sufficient, strong and artistic musicians, but that they also learn valuable life skills that allow my students to engage the world around them with confidence and success.
