I approach all students and the learning process with a sense of curiosity. How does the student in front of me learn? How do they think? What will motivate and inspire them? What makes them laugh? How has their day been so far and how will that affect how our lesson goes right now? 

I also try to encourage curiosity in my students. What questions can they ask themselves to get to the root of a problem? How can they break down a tricky passage so that it becomes easier and manageable? What does that word at the top of the piece of music mean, what does it have to do with the piece, and how do we find out? How do I get my bow to do what I saw that violinist on YouTube doing? 

This sense of curiosity and asking questions leads to wondering what is possible, to exploring and experimenting with different ways to accomplish goals. It helps students learn what is possible when they can break down and isolate hard problems. It helps them learn about themselves.