As a teacher, I am keenly aware of the impact that I can have on a student’s life, and strive to continue the tradition in which I was trained. As a new freshman at Stony Brook, I fondly remember knocking on Samuel Baron’s studio door as Paula Robison encouraged me to do. Mr. Baron kindly told me that he didn’t have room in his class and I would have to audition for him the following week so he could place me with a TA. After I played for him, he went over to his schedule grid and made an extra place in it and gave me a weekly time I was to keep for the next ten years. I was so impressed that he made time for a good student, and, as I soon discovered, I was also impressed at the inspiration and availability of the rest of the faculty as well. My experiences at school made me grateful for this kind of environment throughout my education, especially as an undergraduate.  It is exactly the kind of environment I strive to provide for my students. I always make the effort to come to student recitals, spend extra time for those that happen to need it, or just talk with them about music, their lives and concerns, and their other studies. This goes for all of the music students that I have contact with; not only my own flute students.

My philosophy of teaching is to train students to be thinking, feeling constantly searching musicians and learn to use their bodies and instruments as fully, freely and economically as possible.  This is a process that inspires me and consumes my interest.  I love the flute. I love the sounds it can make; it’s range of color, the directness of the physical and emotional experience playing it.  I want others to love it as I do and I enjoy the challenge of finding the ways to inspire and motivate each individual.  Another component of my teaching philosophy is the concept of mentoring is DOING. It is important for my students to see that I have this strong commitment to my art and that I continue to perform and teach to live. My sometimes-dizzying concert schedule is a testament to this and my life’s passion is to continue to play and teach until I die."

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     - Dr. Tara Helen O'Connor