TEACHING PHILOSOPHY

My primary objective is to help students understand the complexities and nuances of a musical score, and to give them the tools to help realize their own unique interpretations.  At the same time, most of what we learn about any art is absorbed through direct experience, so I feel that my role as a performer on stage is an essential and vital element in each student’s growth, and an important supplement to classroom teaching.  Hopefully my concerts and recordings will inspire and motivate students on their own paths, as performance and the mastery of an instrument require an unparalleled dedication and perseverance.

STUDIO TEACHING

A passion for both performance and analysis carry over into my studio teaching, which focuses on three areas:
    1.  the technical foundations of piano playing
    2.  a thorough understanding of the musical score
    3.  how these two merge in the spontaneous act of performance.
 
Clarity of line and texture, richness and variety of pianistic sonorities, and musical expressivity are constantly refined during lessons, and students explore these concepts through repertoire spanning more than 300 years of music history.  The training of a keen ear and the ability to improvise are also central to this creative act, and are developed through the study of keyboard harmony.

COURSES TAUGHT AT MOUNT ALLISON
 
Piano related:     Piano (applied music)
                           Keyboard Literature
                           Collaborative Piano
                           Chamber Music
                           Keyboard Harmony

History/Theory:  20th-Century Music History
                          Theory
                          Analytical Techniques
                          Musicianship

Other:                World Music
                          Jazz Improvisation
                          Independent Studies (various)
                          Special Topics (various)


WHAT STUDENTS SAY

Above all, Dr. Rogosin is deeply committed to teaching, as many students and colleagues have attested.  Here are some comments from former students.

“I count you as one of the very special and influential people of my life.”
  - Jessica Wise (B.Mus 2003)

“Your 20th-century history class was my favourite — you are a fantastic lecturer!”
  - Samara Ripley (B.Mus, Mount Allison, 2014)

“David possesses the generosity of spirit, sense of wonder, attention to detail, and openness necessary to be a true artist-teacher.”
  - Michael Thibodeau (B.Mus, Mount Allison, 2009)

“The Keyboard Harmony course was one of the most practical and useful courses of my undergraduate degree.  He did not just teach me the skills, but rather guided my learning and encouraged me to make my own discoveries along the way.”
  - Emily Logan (B.Mus, Mount Allison, 2011)

“You, more than any other piano teacher I’ve had, helped me learn how to break things down and solve them.  I count you as one of the very special and influential people in my life.”
  - Jessica Wise (B.Mus, Mount Allison, 2003)

“Dr. Rogosin’s encouraging, caring, pleasant and humorous nature made my lessons a joy.  His work in a very detailed and precise manner was a great contrast to my haphazard approach.  Thank you for many wonderful years of instruction.”    
  - Anonymous Mount Allison course evaluation

“Very enthusiastic and engaging professor with a variety of interesting ideas and approaches.  My favourite teacher at MTA.”
  - Anonymous Mount Allison course evaluation

“Dr. Rogosin is a fantastic professor and had great enthusiasm and knowledge of the subject.  His method of teaching is extremely effective.”
  - Anonymous Mount Allison course evaluation

“This was probably the best class I’ve taken during my two years at Mt. A.  I looked forward to coming to music history because of Dr. Rogosin’s enthusiasm and energy.”
  - Anonymous Mount Allison course evaluation

“David came to Knox bringing with him an enthusiasm that has permeated the entire music department.  Despite the tedious nature of music theory, David's sense of humor energizes students to enjoy what was once considered boring.  He has also revitalized his fellow music professors, sparking a sense of camaraderie through performance.  Whether he is performing as Dr. Chocolate with student-generated bands or lecturing on augmented sixth chords, his great love for music and teaching is apparent to all.”
  - Meghan Rutledge, music major, Knox College (2001)

“Professor Rogosin brings to the class some invaluable qualities: an honest curiosity, an ability to facilitate strong discussion, a broad knowledge and love of music, and a sense of humor that makes you look forward to his classes.  Furthermore, he is relentless when it comes to assuring that every student gets the most out of his already fun and effective classes.”    
  - Rory Parilac, history major, Knox College (2001)

“Mr. Rogosin has the ability to make difficult classes such as Music Theory III and Baroque Music History into entertainingly educational experiences.  As a knowledgeable professor he is such a demanding presence that you always want to do your best.  As a person he is approachable and amicable; he's always willing to help students with academic or personal problems, and he's generous with his time.”
  - Ron Cristobal, music major, Knox College (2001)

“Thanks again for all your hard work with me.  Your 20th-century theory and history courses [at Brandon University] prepared me very very well for grad school.  I took a Schenkerian analysis course in my last semester at ASU, and thanks to you and Pat Carrabré I seemed to have a leg up on everybody else in the class.  Thanks for preparing me so well for grad school.”
  - Christopher Wolf, Instructor, Manitoba Conservatory of Music and Arts (2004)