Val Lapinid,
Val Lapinid
Bassoon, Clarinet, Flute, Oboe, Recorder, Saxophone
Teaching Philosophy
“My philosophy in teaching is simple: Educate, Encourage, Empathize, and Excite. My first goals with any student is to teach them the basics of their instrument and of music; without this solid foundation, all is for naught. Secondly, while I am teaching, I am always encouraging. To learn without the support of an encouraging teacher is disheartening. Even when a student may fail, I will always encourage them to try again. I tell my students that we are only human and humanity brings many mistakes, but those mistakes can become beauty within music. I teach them ways to musically make mistakes and how to both, mentally and musically, work through the mistakes while performing. Thirdly, and most importantly, is empathy. To be an impactful teacher, one must understand each student and empathize with their musical experiences. We were all there once - a scared child (or adult) in front of others, vulnerably displaying our talents. I put myself in my student’s shoes repeatedly because I have been there and my students need to know they are not alone in their circumstance. Lastly, I strive to keep my students excited about what they are doing. If they are bored with classical, why not try some jazz or popular music? I always say, “Find your passion and go for it.” Stay excited about life and how you are musically influencing it and if that means trying something new, then do it.”
Biography
Val holds a Bachelor of Music in oboe performance from Valparaiso University and is completing her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. She has studied oboe with Mr. Frank Kocman, Mr. Larry Allen, Mrs. Hollis Ulaky, and Ms. Amanda Hardy. Mrs. Lapinid has performed with the Lake Norman Orchestra, the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, Valparaiso University, Winthrop University, Charlotte Concert Band, her woodwind quintet, Eloquint Winds, and in musicals and churches throughout the United States since 1999. Teaching woodwinds for over 25 years throughout Indiana, Illinois, North Carolina, and Massachusetts, she has had the joy of successfully guiding many students from their first year on the woodwinds through graduation and into college. Many of her students earn first-place awards in solo and district competitions, perform in musicals and solo performances with their bands, and continue their music careers in college. Val teaches the basics of breathing, form, and embouchure, paired with an emphasis on music theory, scales, and classical preparation, so that each student will gain a solid foundation for learning and loving to play woodwinds. Mrs. Lapinid specializes in double reeds, reed-making, and teaching neurodiverse students. She has taught students who have autism, ADHD, anxiety, and mood disorders. Her plan to advance her career in psychology and become a licensed mental health counselor will enable her to teach those with neurodiverse backgrounds.
Val began teaching in 1999 and joined Note-worthy Experiences in December 2024.
