Cello Lessons in Emeryville, CA

Instruments: Cello

My favorite time in any lesson is the "ah ha" moment. Its that moment when a student realizes a concept that they previously struggled with. For me, that is the goal of teaching. For younger students it can be the first time playing twinkle twinkle alone. For older students it could be figuring out how to do a spiccato bow stroke. Its different every time, but it is important to recognize those accomplishments and use them as stepping stones to the next big achievement. Read More

Instruments: Cello

For beginners I like to meet the student where they are. I enjoy using unconventional training methods like using analogies and items to build the basic foundations. I also believe in methods aside from a rigid Suzuki book but playing into a student's interests. There are a number of ways to teach learn. My favorite students are those open to learning from the basics and utilizing unique exercises to build a strong foundation for success. Read More

Instruments: Cello

I am friendly and incredibly patient with all my students. I believe that all students need proper encouragement and constructive critiquing during the learning process, so that is something I put a lot of emphasis on. At the same time, I set high standards for my students and expect them to carry themselves as professionals during practices. I normally demonstrate to the student by playing in both styles (my style of playing and the student's way of playing) to allow the students to make comparisons and decide which style of playing they prefer. Read More

Instruments: Piano Cello Keyboard

I try to balance the needs of my students and work to strengthen their musical weaknesses for example working on Vibrato or bow distribution. Usually, I like to spend 10 minutes warming up both hands with long tones, scales, arpeggios, and other fun exercises. During the next 30 minutes, we tend to focus on fixing issues relating to the music such as rhythms or intonation issues. In the last 20 minutes of the lesson I tend to focus on musicality and finding inspiration to give to my students so they can exploit their potential. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Viola Bass Guitar Organ Ukulele Electric Violin Music Keyboard Electric Guitar

Each student learns at their own pace and it's important to understand that not everybody learns the same. Setting both short and long term goals with the student helps me understand what they want out of lessons. This makes it easier for me to engage with them and bring it back to something relevant to them at the end of the day. For example, no child understands advanced rhythm unless you disguise it in familiar terms e.g. using the phrase "run po-ny run" to describe two eighth notes sandwiched in between to quarter notes. Read More

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola Electric Violin Music

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. Any learning repertoire can be incorporated into lessons depending on the students playing level. Read More

Instruments: Cello

I am the cello professor at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, but enjoy a teaching studio in and around Palo Alto. I began teaching in 2015, and have taught over a hundred cellists in-person and online. As a lover of chamber music, I teach Cello Ensemble and Chamber Music at Cal Poly, and also coach ensembles locally. I enjoy teaching a wide range of ages and skill levels, but particularly enjoy adult students and high level high school that are interested in double majoring or minoring in music in college. Read More