Teaching Statement
Being raised by two amazing musicians, I value the importance of music education, and the work and preparation that goes into creating a successful music studio. Learning from my parents as well as my mentors throughout my career, I try to understand each student’s specific needs and to design a path for them that fits their goals best. I try to get to know each student’s unique personality and to help them feel supported at our lessons. Establishing balance in lessons is very important to me; I aim to cover the basics and essential elements of technique with my students while I also encourage them to understand musicianship, sense of organization and self evaluation, empathy, and curiosity. Creating a space in my studio where students can truly express themselves, be involved in making decisions and experience critical thinking is greatly important to me and I encourage my students to go beyond playing the notes, and include research about varieties of styles and genres in their practice. I have had the pleasure of teaching many students for over 10 years in varieties of academic settings, and am so proud of each of their accomplishments.
“Kimia is a violist with warm, sonorous, burnished sound, who plays with assurance, conviction, and passion.”
— Professor Katherine Murdock
“My boys started their violin lessons at preschool age they have been taking lessons with Kimia for 4 years now. We have been very lucky to have found a teacher as talented as Kimia who is also very patient with kids. She is very experienced, professional, and also very encouraging and kind. She is not only teaching the boys how to appreciate the beauty of playing violin but also giving honest advice to help them to improve their work and master the skills. The curriculum she offered for the boys to work on is versatile so the boys really have fun and look forward to learning more new songs! Kimia is exactly the teacher who we are looking for and we highly recommend her.”
— Jenny L.
“Dr. Hesabi's lecture and performance captivated and excited my students, including those who do not study music! She led an interesting discussion and she guided my students through musical analysis of contemporary notation and musical features as well as through programmatic and cultural connections. Her incorporation of technology and media helps her music and message connect to my students, who come from diverse musical backgrounds and perspectives.”
— Dr. Elizabeth Massey