As a teacher I realize that every student is a unique individual who is seeking to better themselves and their art, and that it is my role as their mentor to offer them a structured, judgment-free, and encouraging environment in which to develop their technique and musicality. Over the past twenty years of teaching in a variety of institutional and community-based music programs my students have ranged from middle school & high school students to undergraduate & graduate students to nontraditional students in their 40s through 80s. I enjoy working with a diverse group of students, and believe in fostering a safe, nonjudgmental, courteous, and relaxed space for learning and artistic exploration. 

I wholeheartedly support policies that mandate that every member of society deserves a seat at the table, and I am committed to being an Antiracist, fighting for gender parity, and working towards social justice in the truest sense. Over the years I have given my time and resources to organizations and events that support Black Lives, AAPI anti-discrimination, LGBTQ+ individuals, underprivileged youth, victims of gun violence & their families, autonomy & reparations for Native American tribes, women’s rights, the humane treatment of animals, and broad racial/social justice initiatives. My values are central to who I am and I take very seriously my duty as a person in a position of authority (i.e. as a teacher) to never undermine or in any way disparage the personal identity and expression of any student, faculty member, colleague, or member of the public. 

I am committed to fostering in my students a keen awareness of their artistic process, including developing effective practice strategies to ensure lifelong attainment of their musical goals. I am adept at creating individualized lesson plans that yield strong results when students apply themselves earnestly. My knowledge of a wide range of music – as a performer, instructor, and composer – is an asset to my teaching, especially as the global music world continues to cross-pollinate, hybridize, and melt invisible yet intuited boundaries. I believe in nurturing each student’s individual voice in music, and am always seeking to refine my teaching in terms of flexibility, scope, relevance, and efficacy. Every voice in our global society matters, and everyone deserves a fair chance at successfully pursuing their dreams.

Yours in Music,

Mark Tipton