General Teaching Philosophy:
The most important individual in the studio is the student––what is best for them personally, academically and musically (both technically and artistically).
In accepting new students I look for aptitude, willingness and passion to learn.
I take great satisfaction in that my students have gone on to major Universities such as Harvard, Yale, Princeton, MIT, Stanford, Cal Tech, Columbia, Chicago, Northwestern, Illinois–Urbana/Champaign, Wisconsin–Madison, Case Western Reserve and many other outstanding institutions across the country.
Mr. Lecher’s advanced students have been accepted at The Juilliard School and Manhattan School of Music–New York; Eastman School of Music–Rochester; Indiana University–Bloomington; New England Conservatory–Boston; Peabody Conservatory of Music–Baltimore; The Cleveland Institute of Music, Cincinnati Conservatory of Music and Oberlin Conservatory of Music–Ohio; University of Illinois–Urbana/Champaign; Northwestern University, DePaul University and Chicago College of Performing Arts–Chicago; The Guildhall School of Music & Drama–London, England and others.
His students have soloed and been featured artists with the New York Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony Orchestra and various regional orchestras. They have won concertmaster, assistant concertmaster, principal and/or high section positions in the Chicago Civic, Chicago Youth, Midwest Young Artists, Elgin Youth, DuPage Youth, Aurora Youth, Metropolitan Youth, West Suburban Youth, IMEA All-State Honors, All-State and District Orchestras.
Students of Mr. Lecher have joined the London Symphony Orchestra, English Chamber Orchestra, Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields, The Guildhall Ensemble, the Alberni String Quartet, Hong Kong Philharmonic and many other ensembles in Great Britain, Germany, Holland, Italy, Spain and the United States, among others.
Thoughts on Teaching:
The student must be instructed and guided not only in how to hold the instrument and bow and “push all the right buttons,” but also in the very way to develop facilities necessary to achieve the passages, both technically and artistically. They must learn that the “true intonation” will help guide their interpretations and make them as individual as they themselves are.
A composer chooses various keys, modulations, rhythms and dynamics to convey many differing characters, moods and depictions. They give explicit instructions regarding tempi, styles and emphasis in order to convey their intent. It is up to the artist to observe as literally as possible and then interpret with absolute conviction what they believe is the core meaning of the composition along with all the “side-lights” of individual phrases and their inter-relationships.
All of this requires that the mind be actively engaged in both the technical and artistic endeavor.
Rhythm, Pitch and Nuance: the heart and soul of music.
Desire Determination Discipline
Desire:
Do you desire to achieve a higher level of accomplishment? This applies not only to your musical/instrumental studies, but also everything in which you wish to attain excellence.
Determination:
You must be determined and consistent in your daily efforts. Improvement is a long road and must be maintained with a daily regimen. It really is not a mystery – just focus in on the difficulties first and then add the simpler aspects.
Become more aware of the personal thrill of improvement and success in your achievements. Enjoy them!
Discipline:
Discipline is the crown that must be worn with a sense of obligation and duty to your desired and determined goals. This is what truly separates the child from the soon to be adult inside of you.
Remember that small steps well accomplished are far better than big leaps inconsistently applied and soon forgotten.
Work smart, enjoy your achievements and contribute to others’ wellbeing, as you are able.