Cello Lessons in Manhattan, NY

Instruments: Cello

If you weren't a musician what do you think you'd be doing instead?
I actually attended the Peabody Conservatory because of its connection with Johns Hopkins University. Peabody was the only school I applied to where I was accepted to only study music. I did not think that I wanted to be a musician when I was going to college. I chose Peabody because of Johns Hopkins and its upstanding ranking in Neuroscience. I was particularly interested in the similarities and differences between how the brain recognizes language and music. Throughout my college years I took multiple Neurosciences and sciences courses at Johns Hopkins, but inevitably decided that it would be easier to go back to Neuroscience later if I decided that is what I wanted, but it is virtually impossible to come back to music and compete at the same level.

Why did you choose your primary instrument?
When I was three I decided I wanted to play the violin because I liked the way the bows went up and down in orchestras. My mom took me to get fitted for a violin, and when I put it up to my neck I thought it was so uncomfortable. When they handed me a cello I knew from that moment that it was the instrument for me. Since then, I have taken guitar, piano, and viola lessons but I always stuck with the cello because it just seemed to fit the best.

What does a normal practice session look like for you?
First, before even taking out my cello I look at my practice journal and I see what my goals for my practice session are (I usually set these the day before). Then, I start with warm-ups such as scales and arpeggios, etudes, and technical exercises. These technical exercises include vibrato, shifting, intonation, and bow use. What I choose to start with usually has to do with my goals for the day. I then go into orchestral excerpts because I enjoy them and they get me into the zone for a focused practice session. Next, I move into my repertoire. This takes up the bulk of the time of my practice, but usually during this I will work through the tasks I set from the day before, record myself, and then set tasks for the next day.

How do I know if my child is ready to start lessons?
I started the cello lessons on my fourth birthday and know people who started lessons as young as two. I don't think it is an age restriction, as much as a reflection of personality and maturity. Your child should be able to at least sit through a 30-minute lesson without bouncing off the walls. Of course, with younger students, it is very normal to integrate moving and activity into lessons to keep them engaged and having a good time, but they should still be able to grasp the concepts that we are talking about. I also think the parents should figure out what they want their role to be - if you do not want to be involved at all then you should wait until a child is older, but if you are willing to take lesson notes and practice with the child at home then it can be worth it.

Did you have a teacher that inspired you to go into music? How did they inspire you?
I have actually only had two teachers in my 20 years of studying the cello. I call them my cello parents because just as much as they were my teachers, they were my largest role models. They are both incredibly talented teachers, players, and humans. For me, I believe a music teacher should be more than just someone to tell you how to hold a bow or press down a key, they should be there to celebrate in your successes and help you through failures. My teachers stood by me when I could not decide if I wanted to be a cellist, when I stopped practicing, and were there for me at all my recitals and through all my auditions. I want to be that for my students too: to be invested in their playing but also who they are.

What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
Take it slow and methodically. Just like you would never go into a sports play without a plan, or paint a picture without knowing what you were going to paint, you shouldn't expect to have a good practice without a plan. It is also important to remember that changes do not happen in one session, take your time, and enjoy what you are playing. If you have to practice your solo piece but playing Despacito sounds more fun, do that in addition to your solo. As long as you are playing your instrument and thinking about the technical aspects you need to be working on, you're doing well.

Read More