3 layers of empowerment, in one single image.

I love this photo. It was taken from a kindergarten teacher at Johnson Elementary School during a summer "Jump Start" 3-week camp for kids ages 4-5yo.

I have been experimenting with early childhood techniques based in principle from the pedagogy I have learned from my mentor, Dr. Carroll Rinehart.

Affirmation is the turn-key for learning.

In Dr. Rineharts's learning design, he speaks about the learner's "growth continuum". One of the essential principles that has stuck out to me throughout my 100's of hours of educating and training, is the power of affirmation.

The way Dr. Rinehart puts it, "when a learner is affirmed, they'll take risks. It is then trust is built. Without trust, learning cannot take place."

I've found this to be absolutely true in all of my experience teaching private lessons, coaching, and in the classroom with students. But it's also true in me.

When I feel that my value is affirmed... I take more risks, seek out more adventures, push the boundaries, and reach further to maximize my potential as an educator, artist, and leader.

But isn't that true in all of us?

These thoughts were in inspired just recently from the father of my very first Private Lesson student out here in California, Rylee (9yo).

"Hey we listened to your cd. It's fantastic! My 15 year old son is a great guitarist and already downloaded it to his iPhone. Rylee (9yo daughter) is all in after her first lesson with you. We are lucky to have found you."
-Jess (Long Beach, Ca)

It is my vision that the culture and spirit of MyTown Music is always jam-packed with affirmation, and love. The rest will merely be the beautiful bi-product... whatever that may be.