My Teaching Philosophy

As a teacher, I hope to create a learning environment where my students feel safe and welcome to grow as musicians and as people. A positive student-teacher relationship in a private studio is vital to student progress. When we learn with somebody we connect with them through our shared experiences and growth. This is what connects us as educators and as musicians.  The relationships I have created throughout my studies have remained valuable to me, and as I have grown as a musician, my former teachers have transitioned from teachers, to mentors, and now colleagues, many of whom I still consult for advice and guidance. My goal as a teacher is to foster lasting relationships within the walls of our own studio. In this way, the lessons that are taught and learned become a part of who we are and are carried with us forever.

My former students are now running successful band programs of their own, teaching at universities, and have been accepted to graduate schools such as Yale University, the Peabody Institute, Boston Conservatory, the University of Texas at Austin, the Florida State University, the University of Maryland College Park, the University of North Carolina - Greensboro, Duquesne University, Pennsylvania State University and the University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign.

Student Testimonials

It is no exaggeration to say that studying with Dr. Christofakis at Furman University has shifted the course of my life dramatically. Her devotion towards her students and her craft is beyond inspiring. Having the chance to learn under her guidance not only leads to improvements in playing, but a better understanding of the meaning and purpose of music and performing. Dr. Christofakis has this fantastic ability to immediately identify a problem and develop a concise, clear solution that really works. Her advice is always concise -- as a studio, we often remark that she always knows exactly what to say to get a certain sound out of a student's playing. She is not just a great teacher, she is a great person who will invest in you and support you through every aspect of life. 

As I look back on my time with Dr. Christofakis through my undergraduate education, I feel she has covered every important aspect of a career in clarinet performance. Not only do we studying playing, but she teaches how to make a living on the instrument -- how to record auditions effectively, how to apply for grants, how to build a great resume, how to advertise yourself, etc. Dr. Christofakis is devoted to ensuring every clarinetist that leaves her studio is a well-rounded musician.

~Kayla Stone, BM Furman University, MM starting Fall 2022 Peabody Conservatory

My time studying clarinet with Dr. C at James Madison has been the most pivotal and trans-formative growth I have had in my undergraduate musical career. Dr. C continually differentiates her instruction for my personal playing ability and musical interests. With her guidance I was able to refine my playing technique and helped me unlock my concept of sound on the instrument. She has the ability to present and model playing techniques with clarity and precision. Dr. C creates many educational and professional growth opportunities for me and the other studio members including: mock teacher interviews for music education students like myself, bringing in guest artists for master classes, facilitating community outreach performances, inviting studio members to educational conferences and festival programs, and preparing each studio member for the next step in our musical careers. Her continued support for each member of the clarinet studio is a reflection of her dedication to our growth and success. Dr. C has a strong work ethic, which inspires me to expand my conception of what I can achieve in the future. Her artistry and passion as an educator and musician is limitless; she is my mentor and role model.  

~ Jennifer Hess, BME James Madison University, Music Teacher at Henrico County Public Schools

I have been very fortunate to study clarinet with Dr. Christofakis during my junior and senior year at James Madison University. Dr. C is an incredibly dedicated, creative, and supportive teacher who goes above and beyond to help her students grow as musicians and as professionals. Her lessons are innovative and specific to the needs and interests of each individual student. Dr. C finds the potential in every student and is determined to help us grow beyond what we envisioned. Her musicianship and dedication to each student is inspiring, and motivates us to constantly progress and overcome any challenges in our playing. Her teaching is clear, concise, and specific. She always has multiple ways to explain concepts, and will do anything it takes to help her students improve. Beyond her musical instruction, Dr. C serves as a mentor for all of her students and creates the ideal positive and supportive studio environment.

~ Shannon Light, BME James Madison University, Band Director Fort Defiance High School

Dr. Christofakis has helped me bring joy and positivity into my musical studies and has made me into a more precise and refined clarinetist. As an Earth and Environmental Science major, I have struggled with fitting music into my academic career and have faced difficulties with being treated as “second-class” or less important than my music major peers. Not once have I felt anything but at home in Dr. C’s studio; she radiates light and positivity, even through her critiques. Lessons are always thoughtful and productive, and I leave each lesson with a solid understanding of not only ways to improve, but also what I can do and have done well. Dr. C has encouraged me to become a better musician, a better artist, and a better person. Her skill and precision in teaching and her flexibility have enabled me to continue to take clarinet lessons, stay active in the clarinet studio, and perform a junior recital, all while pursuing a Bachelor of Science with a humanities minor! She listens to every student and gets to know them on a personal level, which in turn allows her to provide instruction tailored to the goals and progress of each individual student in the clarinet studio. Besides being a phenomenal teacher and performer, Dr. C goes above and beyond expectations to develop a personal relationship with everyone she teaches. 

~ Thomas McCoy-Bruce, BS ‘23 - Earth and Environmental Sciences 

Being taught by Dr. Christofakis during my undergraduate studies has been one of the best experiences for me as a clarinet player and future music educator. Although I only received lessons from Dr. Christofakis during my junior and senior year at Furman University, she provided beneficial insights from different perspectives that truly allowed me to grow and blossom into the person, musician, and educator I am today. Throughout my lessons, not only did I improve in my own playing; I learned how to effectively strategize and teach private lessons. When I started to teach private lessons on my own, Dr. Christofakis was very helpful and shared tips on how to get started with the process and be successful! Dr. Christofakis is passionate about the profession, and it shines through her engagement with the students. Not only does she serve as an amazing educator, she is also a thoughtful mentor. Dr. Christofakis is always willing to offer guidance, no matter your path. As an executive officer for the Furman University Clarinet Society, Dr. Christofakis has assisted this organization immensely to provide various learning opportunities for studio members. Through working alongside her and other executive members, we brought in a number of talented soloists and ensembles to perform and conduct master classes, either virtually or in-person. These experiences are invaluable, as they taught the studio members multiple aspects of both clarinet performance and education. My time spent with Dr. Christofakis has inspired me to teach even more, as her love for music and her students is encouraging. I have looked up to her as an educator for the past two years, and I can only hope to one day inspire others as much as she does.  

 ~ Miranda Thomas, Bachelor of Music Education ‘22

My clarinet studies with Dr. Anastasia Christofakis have easily been one of the highlights of my musical education.  Dr. Christofakis has an infectious love for both music and teaching, which helps her students desire to learn to the fullest extent possible.  Her performances are passionate and engaging, and show both lively spirit and luscious phrasing.  Even more importantly, Dr. Christofakis can easily communicate these clarinet skills to her students in a creative, clear, and concise manner, which has been tremendously beneficial to me and to her other students. As an educator, Dr. Christofakis is both a dreamer and a doer:  she sees the potential in each and every one of her students and formulates individualized plans to bring this potential into fruition; all with a holistic approach in a highly positive, encouraging, and well-humored learning environment.  Dr. Christofakis’ person radiates light, and her work ethic is inspirational, both in regards to perfecting her own clarinet skills and in her tireless devotion to her students.  Dr. Christofakis cares deeply about her students not only as clarinetists, but also as individuals, and creates a safe space around herself for students to grow on multiple levels and seek guidance about absolutely anything.  Overall, my experience studying with Dr. Christofakis has been unimaginably positive, and I am extremely grateful for this experience.

~Rosemary Williams, BM James Madison University, MM Yale Institute of Sacred Music