I only started teaching when I was 47, following a request by the Royal Conservatoire The Hague. Until then, I had always considered myself too young to teach and too absorbed in my performing career. But at that point I realized that it would be an opportunity and the right moment to start passing on my skills, views and experience to the new generation about:
People who study with me will need to have a certain degree self-sufficiency. I will teach and advise them, will coach them in finding their artistic identity with everything I know. I will be at their service. But I am also realistic about the chances for students in the music business. The Royal Conservatoire is not a place where people should expect to be entertained (even though it can be very entertaining!). Pursuing a professional career is only for those who are determined to work hard, and put some effort in researching who they really are or want to become. It requires a lot of motivation, and a bit of suffering now and then. But so far, I have seen most of my students really start to blossom – which is very rewarding.