Teaching Philosophy

"Music is my passion, and teaching is an extension of it." 

Ms. Allenfort believes there is a need in every person to express themselves, and music can be a great medium for it. She wishes to instill the love of music in her students, and help them find their inner creativity and their own voice as they learn to make music. She says,

"I love the process of teaching, but it is a greater pleasure for me to watch how my students learn and grow. Over the years I have taught many from a very young age, and it always amazes me to see how they grow both as musicians and human beings, finding their creative voices. I feel quite honored to be in their lives, that they share those voices with me."

Ms. Allenfort is comfortable at, and confident in, teaching all levels of students. She creates a curriculum for each student, according to their levels and individual needs. As in all forms of education, a solid foundation is essential. Ms. Allenfort's curriculum always includes not only a good technique, but also music theory and history, for she believes understanding what they play helps her students tremendously. She mindfully nurtures her students' inner creativity and shows parallels between music and other art forms, to help them become better musicians. She offers performance and theory classes regularly at her private studio.

Ms. Allenfort's students get regular performance opportunities through Studio Recitals and other music festivals at various established music schools in the Chicago area. When her students need to prepare for competitions or auditions for scholarship, Ms. Allenfort is there for them every step of the way. 

On occasion, she invites some of her advanced students to join her in the outreach performances at nursing homes and retirement communities, as well as various educational institutions and houses of worship. It provides her students valuable experiences as they spread joy through music.

Students who are studying vocal or music instruments other than piano would also benefit from Ms. Allenfort's exceptional talent, not only as an instructor but also as an accompanist. She would work with them and enrich their recitals and recordings. 

Learning to play an instrument is a very rewarding process, and that process would be maximized if the teacher and the student are a good match. Ms. Allenfort offers a consultation lesson for all new students. To schedule your first lesson, or for more information, please contact Ms. Allenfort.

"Teaching music is not my main purpose. I want to make good citizens, noble human beings. If a child hears fine music from the day of his birth, and learns to play it himself, he develops sensitivity, discipline and endurance. He gets a beautiful heart."

—Shinichi Suzuki