Teaching Philosophy
With the high level of competition and limited resources, talented students and their parents alike are rightfully concerned about admission and scholarship assistance to excellent schools of music. Along with top prizes in local, regional, national and even international competitions the Mark Westcott studio boasts a fine record of placing students in first-rate schools with hefty scholarships. In the five years preceding Covid no less than seven of my students gained admission with full-ride scholarships at schools including University of Miami, University of Texas, and the University of Oregon.
My experience as a performer has provided a special understanding of good work habits, preparing to perform under pressure and improving sight-reading, memory and general musical literacy, helping students to move smoothly ahead with a minimum of difficulty and frustration.
Accepting students of all ages, I have a comfortable studio on Portland's Eastside and sometimes commute in special cases. I recently received the Steinway "Top Teachers Award".