Our Values
A belief in the inherent potential of every child.
The program is guided first and foremost by an underlying belief that every child has the potential and the ability to make music in a beautiful and meaningful way, and that in doing so, they learn invaluable lessons that will make their lives richer: to make music, to create something beautiful in the world, to form habits purposefully, to practice a skill daily, to persevere in the face of challenge, to set a goal and meet it, and to connect deeply on a human level with others.
Tested, research-based methods.
The experience of more than 15,000 online lessons with violinists of all ages, levels and backgrounds partnered with ongoing research in neuroscience, bilateral integration, educational psychology and leadership is a powerful combination. We use these tested, research-based methods to help all students succeed to the very best of their abilities, regardless of their age, playing level or aspirations.
A culture of caring about people.
Knowing that you’re welcome just as you are, able to fail without the fear of judgment, and surrounded with peers and teachers who will see the growth in your stumbles and celebrate your successes with you is a pretty great feeling. It’s the basis of our program’s culture because it paves the way for transformative learning experiences, deep personal connections, and the motivation to constantly reach higher.
Innovative teaching.
Teaching the same things in the same ways again and again is a recipe for ineffective pedagogy, especially online. Ongoing professional development, academic research, curriculum design (and re-design), and yearly pilot projects help to keep everyone - teachers and students - engaged with new material and learning at their best.
Excellence. Period.
AYAP lessons, classes and events are often full of laughter and smiles on both sides of the screen, but the underlying mission is always clear: we are all working in pursuit of excellence. For those on the teaching staff, it is the pursuit of stellar pedagogy and the highest levels of professional musicianship and artistry. For our students, it is the pursuit of excellence as musicians on the journey to becoming accomplished young artists and learners whose focus, determination and effective habits will take them wherever it is they would like to go.