- Charles Torok Teaching Philosophy -

Foster A Love for Music

Paramount to my teaching philosophy is the goal of nurturing a lifelong love for music. I aim to create a safe, supportive environment where students feel free to explore, make mistakes, express curiosity, and have fun. Regardless of skill level, ability, or personal aspirations, every student should have the opportunity to discover the joy of making and appreciating music. The benefits of music education are vast, and the value of music itself is inherent and inalienable.

Music is A Cultural Gateway

The musical interests of my students are as diverse as the backgrounds from which they come. I believe that all musical cultures warrant reverence and deserve to be explored. My students will be exposed to a wide variety of music, instruments, and musical traditions to expand their cultural literacy and broaden their musical understanding. I will foster an environment where curiosity is encouraged, allowing students to explore what excites them musically. In turn, students will not only learn about musical cultures that may have been unfamiliar to them, but also be empowered to share the works that shape their own musical identities.

Learning is Active

D comes before E, and as such; Doing comes before Explaining. I believe that hands-on music making is the best way for students to engage with the material, and that learning is most effective when students are actively involved in the creative process. The act of making music is where curiosity is ignited and deepened. As a student, I always found that my interest and understanding grew exponentially when I was given the freedom and opportunity to explore and create. It is my goal to provide my students with the same rich, hands-on experiences that will allow them to actively engage with and appreciate music.

To Live is to Grow

As a person and as an educator it is my life’s work to grow personally, emotionally, professionally, and in ability so as to better support, engage, and model positive behavior for my students. Understanding and adapting to the world around us means learning new ways to teach, accommodate, and help students. Teaching is an ongoing process of adaptation, where we must continuously reflect, learn, and refine our approaches to meet the needs of the classroom and the broader social ecosystem. It is this dynamic and evolving nature of teaching that motivates me to always seek new ways to support, engage, and inspire my students.

Provide the Tools for Success

Music is collaborative, creative, introspective, and requires critical thinking. I learned many of these skills while making music, and it is a privilege to offer my students the opportunity to learn and develop these skills that will afford them success in life 

Unconditional Positive Regard

In my classroom, there are no “bad students”—only students having a bad day. Every student who enters my classroom will be met with respect, empathy, and encouragement. I will create a safe, welcoming space where students can express themselves freely and confidently. This environment of unconditional positive regard will help students feel valued and supported, enabling them to take risks, make mistakes, and ultimately grow as individuals and musicians.