Teaching Philosophy

Ory Shihor’s teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that meaningful musical development cannot be reduced to a single method or technical system. Each student brings a unique physical makeup, intellectual temperament, and artistic sensibility to the instrument, and effective teaching must respond to these differences rather than impose uniform solutions.

His approach emphasizes clarity of musical intention, efficiency of physical motion, and independence of thought—guiding students to understand not only what to do at the piano, but why they are doing it.

Every student brings a distinct physical relationship to the instrument. Differences in hand size, arm length, flexibility, coordination, and posture directly affect how technique should be developed. For this reason, Ory emphasizes a personalized, research-informed understanding of biomechanics and sound production. Students are guided to understand how the piano responds to physical input, drawing on principles of physics and mechanics so that technical solutions are logical, efficient, and sustainable over the long term.

Technical understanding, however, is only the foundation. Musical expression gains depth and clarity when students learn to investigate the internal language of the music itself. Ory’s teaching emphasizes inquiry and critical thinking: Why did the composer choose this gesture? What is the structural or rhetorical function of this passage? How do articulation, timing, and touch shape meaning? Rather than relying solely on metaphor, interpretive decisions are grounded in historical context, structure, and stylistic awareness.

Interdisciplinary thinking plays an important role in this process. Concepts drawn from rhetoric, singing, bowing, visual art, and rhythm-based disciplines are used to illuminate musical ideas. These connections help students understand phrasing, character, and timing in ways that transcend the instrument, fostering broader artistic awareness and a more flexible musical imagination.

Students respond most deeply when they are invited into the reasoning behind musical decisions. Ory’s teaching therefore prioritizes explanation and context, empowering students to make informed musical choices rather than relying on imitation. This approach encourages independence, confidence, and ownership of one’s artistic voice.

At the core of Ory’s pedagogy is a commitment to long-term artistic development. Technical mastery, interpretive clarity, and personal expression are treated as interconnected elements of a larger whole. The goal is not short-term results, but the cultivation of thoughtful, resilient musicians who can sustain a meaningful relationship with music over time.

Whether working with young pianists, advanced students, or fellow teachers, Ory seeks to foster an environment of curiosity, adaptability, and intellectual engagement—one that equips musicians not only to perform at a high level, but to continue growing throughout their lives.