Cello Lessons in Pisgah, MD

Instruments: Piano Cello Double Bass Keyboard

My teaching style revolves around the interest of the student combined with my overall experience with one ultimate goal being that the student will develop the tools to teach themselves along the way. I like to use relevant recordings to play along with as well as simply recording the student and playing it back during the lesson. I will keep a written log of our progress and will have it available for the student as a reference as well as encouraging them to do the same. Read More

Instruments: Cello

I have taught a full range of ages and abilities from adult beginners to music school bound high schoolers to classes of young children and know that every student has a unique frame of reference and set of goals. For everyone, I focus on making the instrument feel as comfortable and organic as possible calling on my background with diverse movement modalities from Feldenkrais to dance to sports. I often recommend a Suzuki track for beginner students (I am SAA certified) and I always work to find repertoire and styles which are relatable for each individual. Read More

Instruments: Cello

My venture R.E.M. (Relaxing Everyone thru Music) started as community service and blossomed into a sought-after entertainment service in the local area. From there, I received a scholarship from Hampton University. While in attendance, I was the principal cellist. I graduated from Hampton University with a BA Degree in Music Performance with honors. Upon graduation, I returned to the DC Metropolitan Area and has since joined the DC Strings Orchestra. Read More

Instruments: Cello

I think it is true that teachers often learn as much as students do. I always find myself reflecting throughout the week on lessons that I taught, and considering ways in which I can better interact with and tailor my instruction toward each individual student. My most important duty as a teacher is to help students connect with and enjoy the music, so I make a point of identifying any patterns and points of interest, and encourage them to express themselves freely while respecting the composers' intentions. Read More

Instruments: Piano Cello

Beginner school-aged cellists:  I start this group off in the Essential Elements book 1 to ensure that the student is getting the fundamentals or theory and technique.  After the student feels comfortable playing with the bow, I add the Suzuki book 1 to the repertoire.  After completing Essential Elements Book 1, I then like to introduce the Schroeder etudes in addition to continuing to work our way through all 8 books in the Suzuki series. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Cello Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching style is informed by trauma-informed care and a student-led philosophy. This means that I take into account the frustration that learning a new instrument can entail, and use therapeutic techniques to make sure my students are regulated during these moments of frustration. I provide structure and guidance for my students, but give them opportunities for free exploration, decision making, and leadership throughout a lesson. During lessons, I like to emphasize practice techniques and thinking outside the box when approaching difficult or new musical content. 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