Cello Lessons in Chicago, IL

Instruments: Cello

Do you use specific teaching methods or books? (Ex: Alfred, Bastion, Suzuki, Hal Leonard) Why did you choose them if you did?
I use the Suzuki method because it's what I started with, and it worked very well for me. It gave me the fundamentals I needed to start playing the classical repertoire, and does a great job explaining the technique of the cello. For more advanced students, I use the Kummer method, Cossman exercises, Popper Etudes, and Piatti caprices. I still practice Popper and Piatti to this day- they are absolutely incredible for building advanced technique.

What do you think is the hardest thing to master on your instrument?
When a great musician connects with and touches us in a special way, it's because they have transcended the technical challenges of their instrument to be able to say something very personal with their playing, and leave us the audience feeling moved and inspired. Being able to master the technique of playing the cello (intonation, bow technique, rhythm, etc.) to such a degree where one doesn't have to think about it when performing, and is free to communicate something special to the audience- that is the ultimate goal for me.

What musical accomplishments are you most proud of?
Last summer, I played in a masterclass for Yo-Yo Ma. This was a really big deal for me. His recording of the Bach Cello Suites was the first solo cello album I ever bought, and he was my first real musical hero. I learned a lot from him in that class, and it was a huge moment to have the opportunity to play for someone like him. In addition, I was recently awarded the Glenn L. and Frances Harris Prize at the Eastman School of Music for "outstanding work and accomplishment during his Eastman career". I'm so grateful to have had the opportunity to go to Eastman and work with the incredible faculty there, so to have my work and progress recognized like this really means a lot.

Did you have a teacher that inspired you to go into music? How did they inspire you?
Yes, her name is Janice (Ching-Jung) Lee. I started studying with her when I was in middle school, and she not only helped me improve as a cellist, but fostered a passion for music inside of me that is still with me to this day. She inspired me to find my own voice on the cello, and play the music in a very personal way. Every time she would demonstrate in lessons, I would be so inspired by her playing and teaching and remember going home after every lesson super motivated to practice a lot and get better. I was so lucky to have her as my teacher.

Why did you choose your primary instrument?
When I was in 5th grade, my elementary school had us try every instrument before we chose our classes for middle school. When I tried the cello, they couldn't get me to stop playing/trying it. I loved the sound so much. The lower strings had so much richness and warmth to them, and I had never been drawn to an instrument like this before. That day, I decided to sign up for my middle school orchestra program, and that love for the instrument has never left me.

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