Cello Lessons in Great Falls, VA

Instruments: Piano Cello

My first experience giving private lessons was at a summer music camp right before my senior year in high school.  I have consistently taught piano and cello students for over 10 years independently and as an affiliate of local music stores.  My goal as a teacher is for each of my students to make gradual progress each week as they become more proficient with their exercises and music.  I hold at least 2 recitals a year which I strongly encourage everyone to take part in. Read More

Instruments: Cello

I have been lucky to study with renowned teachers at top music schools while traveling to music festivals around the world to play with interesting musicians in a great variety of cultures and styles. For me, the the experience of music has no boundries between concert halls, teaching studios, street corners, galleries, or artistic genres. I am eager to share with my students the wealth of possibilities of sound, art, and collaboration on the cello while providing a solid physical mastery of the instrument which enables beginning to advanced students the opportunity and flexibility to take their music to varied genres and major music schools. Read More

Instruments: Cello

I offer a traditional string class. It includes Essential Elements and Suzuki Books. I also have recommended materials for diverse and interesting cello studies. I like to work with children of all ages and I enjoy helping them develop new skills, especially in the area of music performance. Starting cello lessons at a young age I am well aware of what was required of teachers and instructors to get me to be the cellist I am today. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Ukulele Mandolin Recorder Lute Double Bass Mallet Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

I started out at the age of nine playing the trumpet, and continued this for two years before switching to piano. Ultimately, I found my love in playing the guitar, and took lessons for two years. As time went on, I advanced as a guitarist and actually expanded into new musical instruments. I began playing in local rock and r&b bands at the age of 15. These were some of my most influential experiences, as they expanded my musical tastes into jazz fusion, swing, standards and Latin Jazz. After graduating high school, I attended community college and then went to New York to study jazz theory, where I played a few sets with Sweetback in 2000 that led up to being asked to play with the band. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Cello Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Every lesson plan I make is customized to a student's interests, learning needs, and age. I combine a combination of technique focus and repertoire learning in each lesson. As students progress, their plans are updated to reflect their growth as a musician. I like to involve students directly in the goal planning process and keep them regularly updated about where they are on meeting their goals. Furthermore, teaching sustainable, healthy, and effective practice techniques is a core part of how I teach. Read More

Instruments: Cello

From my experience, students vary greatly in musical background, personality, and needs, so I view each new student as a blank slate. My philosophy has always been to patiently build a solid foundation and not rush into advanced pieces at the risk of accumulating bad habits. At the same time, I recognize how important it is to keep learning fun, so I negotiate the balance accordingly. The material I use consists mainly of Suzuki and Rick Mooney's technique books, with other supplementary books and pieces depending on the student's needs. Read More

Instruments: Piano Cello Drums Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

I find that as useful as many of the methods that I have found most useful for my own performance are, almost every one of my students in drums, percussion and cello requires a different blend of study materials. As a general rule, I rely on providing a balance of classic (some teachers go as far as to say 'canonical') books, and a wide variety of unique listening and independence exercises I've developed over the years. Read More