Cello Lessons in Pelham, NY

Instruments: Guitar Cello Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I'm a dedicated cellist and guitarist who really enjoys working with people of all ages and ability levels. I graduated with a BA in cello performance from Connecticut College and went on to study at Virginia Tech. I have played in amateur orchestras as well as in chamber ensembles. I also have performance experience on guitar in a variety of settings. I am a huge fan of live music and believe that the two best ways to carry on the tradition of music is through performance as well as one on one and classroom teaching. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Cello Bass Guitar

For beginner students I always like to start from the Hal Leanords Essential Elements. It is a great way to start a student off and provides them the fundamentals they need to improve. After that I like to mix in a combination of scales and etudes to continue their technical training while introducing solo pieces to give them something more interesting to play. Starting from a strong foundation will allow the student to progress much faster and helps keep them from getting discouraged. Read More

Instruments: Cello

At the heart of teaching is my own love for making music, and my passion for helping others achieve that same love of music. To this end, I want to make sure every student has a solid grasp of technical fundamentals, and isn't inhibited by poor technique. I believe that every student, regardless of age or musical background, can play the cello well, and it is my job to help them reach their full potential. Read More

Instruments: Cello

One of the keys to learning a musical instrument well is patience and comfort. So regardless of age or experience, I begin with scales. As the famous cellist Paul Tortelier said, "Scales are the language of music." Once there is a solid grasp on this fundamental, I progress to teaching simple etudes, and at the same time solo pieces within the student's ability. Read More

Instruments: Cello

My teaching style is totally focused on the goals and aptitude of the student, as well as any personal matters that might interfere with the learning process. An example of the latter is a student who might have a high level of anxiety due to their past learning experiences. Every effort is made to understand the students anxiety, and help them overcome it, rather than add to it, in any way. Read More

Instruments: Cello

In private lessons, through the assignment of scales, arpeggios, technical exercises, etudes, and solo work, students gain a progressive yet sound understanding of technique. Students develop an internal map of the fingerboard, learn how to accurately and consistently arrive in positions, have the flexibility of creating their own a fingerings, understand the fundamentals of sound production, bowing styles, and how to use these techniques as an aid to music making. Read More

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola

For very beginning students, I usually start with the Suzuki Method Books and All For Strings Comprehensive String Method Books. I usually encourage my students to read music, but for the youngest students I start by playing with them and having them copy me. Once they are ready, I start teaching them basic music theory that will help them read music. For intermediate to advanced players I institute a routine of practicing scales and etudes as well as a solo piece that is appropriate for their ability level. Read More