My name is F. John Beard and I am an Adjunct Professor in the Alamo College system, where I teach Music Appreciation and Sight-singing/Ear training at the Northeast Lakeview College and Violin and Viola private lessons, Music Appreciation, Music Fundamentals and Music Theory at the Northwest Vista College. I studied music at Brown University, New England Conservatory, Indiana University BM, University of Maine MM and Catholic University of America - Doctoral courses in Performance, Theory and Conducting. Besides teaching at the Alamo Colleges I maintain a private studio for lessons in violin, viola, piano at the Musical Arts Center of San Antonio, where I teach 35- 40 students.

I like to stress a healthy technical grounding, respect for colleagues and community and versatility in developing different interests and aptitudes. An ultimate goal of my teaching is to empower the student to work independently, and use acquired knowledge and skills to essentially teach themselves in preparing solos, chamber music, orchestra literature and problem solving. The development of my teaching philosophy is influenced by my past violin and viola teachers and coaches: William Primrose, Joseph Fuchs, Henrick Kowolski, Robert Gerle and David Dawson. They gave me the tools, skills and direction to guide me to a professional level of playing and love of music. An ultimate goal of my teaching is to empower the student to work independently, and use the acquired knowledge and skills to essentially teach themselves in preparing solos, chamber music, orchestra literature and problem solving. Respect is the best motivation for students. Attitudes become more positive and productive when the teacher respects the students efforts, hard work and accomplishments. In general, by your example of respect for people, you encourage professionalism, a sense of caring and an inspiration for the pursuit and love of music.

Respect is the best motivation for students. Attitudes become more positive and productive when the teacher respects the student's efforts, hard work and accomplishments. I like to vary my approaches to practicing and learning to the student so that it adjusts to the needs of the student. Music is an ongoing career, where your interests and aptitudes are constantly changing and developing. Having the skills and knowledge to work independently to accommodate these changes is essential and a continuous process. I want to instill the importance of beauty and accomplishment to my students, so that they can learn, love and enjoy music for a lifetime.