Teaching philosophy

 Dr. Billion's teaching focuses on
continuing the great Piano Tradition
inherited from the masters, through
extensive training in musicality,
expression, style, technique, and intellectual formation.  His teaching method comes from various European traditions that he was trained within, including the Russian tradition of piano playing, with its focus on a natural technique and sound production.

Artistry

 One of the main focuses on teaching is trying to develop a personal and independent musical voice for the student.  Phrasing, dynamics, form, sound production, fingering, score interpretation, etc. are the regular topic of discussion in lessons, with the student developing a robust sense of musical style and expression.  Brian wants interpretation to also come from the students themselves, which he fosters through a dialogue about different creative possibilities inspired by the music.  

Technique

 Technique - In order to have control at the instrument, Brian advocates a robust technical method he has developed over the years, to approach virtuosic repertoire with confidence and comfortability. As an approach to piano technique, he favors aspects from the Russian tradition, which emphasizes sound production through a relaxed upper body, and strong, limber fingers. This approach is taught and applied both through technical studies (scales, exercises, etudes, etc.), as well as in the repertoire itself.

Music Theory

 In order to develop a personal artistic approach, intellectual formation in Music Theory, music history, and recordings of masters is of utmost importance.  Brian uses these not only in teaching the 'nuts and bolts' of musical construction, but as an active way to gain insight into a musical piece in lessons, and thus be able to make interpretive decisions based on harmony, voice-leading, chord progressions, etc.

 Piano Competitions​

 Dr. Billion recommends his students to participate in competitions, both local, regional, national, and international.  Competitions are an excellent way to make concrete goals for learning repertoire, and they challenge the student to try to play with the highest degree of artistry.  Results in competitions are not important.  What is important is the artistic and educational growth of the student on their own personal musical journey, as well as a fostering of a love for music through the wide range of repertoire.