Core Values

Core Values in Teaching & Learning

At Stretto Music, our approach to teaching and learning is guided by a clear set of values that place musicianship, understanding, and personal growth at the centre of every learning experience.

These values shape how we teach, how students learn, and how progress is measured.

🎼 Every Learner Matters

We believe every learner — child, teenager, or adult — should feel valued, supported, and secure at every stage of their musical journey.
Our teaching aims to raise both aspirations and achievement, while recognising that progress looks different for every individual.

We value collaboration with parents and families, knowing that meaningful involvement makes the learning process more fulfilling and sustainable.

🎹 Building on What Learners Already Know

Effective learning begins with understanding where the learner is.
We structure and pace teaching carefully so that students know what is to be learnt, how it will be learnt, and why it matters.

Clear learning goals are set for every stage, ensuring that each lesson builds purposefully on existing knowledge and experience.

🎤 Making Learning Vivid, Relevant, and Real

Music learning should be alive, meaningful, and connected to real musical understanding.
We develop learning through:

Enquiry and curiosity
Creative exploration
Analytical and thinking skills
Appropriate use of modern tools and technologies

This approach makes music learning both relevant and enjoyable, across classical and contemporary styles.

🎼 Enjoyable, Challenging, and Thoughtfully Designed Learning

We believe learning should be enjoyable without being superficial, and challenging without being overwhelming.

Teaching strategies are adapted to the needs of each learner, using a range of appropriate learning experiences to encourage curiosity, focus, and steady progress.

🎶 Enriching the Learning Experience

An effective learning environment goes beyond technical instruction.
At Stretto Music, we:

Create a positive, focused, and supportive learning environment
Integrate learning skills across a broad musical curriculum
Use a variety of learning contexts and experiences
Foster curiosity, creativity, and imagination

This ensures students develop not only musical skills, but a deeper relationship with music.

📘 Assessment for Learning, Not Just Results

Assessment is used as a tool for growth, not pressure.
We encourage students to become active participants in their learning by:

Sharing clear learning intentions
Using success criteria to guide progress
Encouraging reflection and self-evaluation
Providing constructive feedback that identifies clear next steps

This approach supports continuous improvement and confidence.

🎵 Developing Learning Skills and Personal Qualities

Music education is also character education.
Through structured learning, students develop:

Confidence and self-belief
Self-discipline and responsibility
An understanding of how learning works

Our aim is to nurture independent, motivated, and thoughtful learners who carry these qualities beyond the music studio.

Core Values in Accompaniment & Event Performances

In accompaniment and event work, musical sensitivity and adaptability are essential.

At Stretto Music, we value:

Complementing the instrument, performers, and setting, rather than overpowering them
Creating the right balance, mood, and atmosphere for each occasion
Flexibility and versatility across styles, ensembles, and performance contexts

Every performance is approached with musical awareness, professionalism, and respect for the occasion, ensuring the music enhances the overall experience meaningfully.

The Stretto Standard

These core values guide:

Our teaching philosophy
Our curriculum and program design
Our performance and accompaniment work
Our relationships with students, families, and collaborators

At Stretto Music, we are committed to musical integrity, thoughtful teaching, and meaningful learning.