Cello Lessons in River Grove, IL

Instruments: Cello

I believe that playing the cello should be effortless natural . A student will play their best when they feel at ease with the instrument and discover how naturally and physically rewarding playing the cello can be. The materials I use with students depend completely on the student’s current playing level. With complete beginners I tend to work from the Suzuki Books or Hal Leonard’s Essential Element books and in addition supply a collection of specialized exercises, scales and warm ups focused on developing fluid technique from the start. Read More

Instruments: Cello

For beginner students, I use the Suzuki method. This is what I learned on and I find it is an incredibly effective method. With the later suzuki books, I begin to incorporate the staples of the cello repertoir. I focus very heavily on scales and excercise. I believe very strongly in forming a strong basis of technique and form before conquering the greats of the repertoir. Once a student has advanced to intermediate and advanced level playing, I focus very highly on musical experession and understanding, as well as teaching the importance of stage presence and performance. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Violin Cello Viola

My teaching philosophy is that of encouraging and inspiring my students to do their personal best in a creative, positive and enriching learning environment. I teach students of all ages using various teaching materials, focusing on the individual student’s learning style. I enjoy teaching students at various stages in their development whether they are preparing for University auditions, studying for their own enjoyment or preparing to join a local community string ensemble or orchestra. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Ukulele Recorder Euphonium French Horn Tuba Electric Guitar Djembe

The approach, overall, is to drive toward the student's goal. When someone wants to learn how to play an instrument well enough to play in a band or orchestra, I usually consider two needs - playing music and interpreting written music. These are basic parts of education, literally easy to define by achieving pages in etude books. In addition, though, there is a third component to meeting the set goal: writing music - a sensibility that you can create. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Viola Drums Bass Guitar

My main goal is to give each student the tools to be successful on their own. This is important because most progress is made outside of the lesson. This includes music reading and general knowledge of the music. I feel that success comes from the student feeling that THEY have accomplished something. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Cello Viola Music Keyboard

Music Director of the Chicago Philharmonia Orchestra since 1985, Farobag has also served as Managing Director of the University of Chicago’s Performing Artists Series from 1990 through 2002 and principal conductor of its resident professional ensembles. A skilled interpreter of Baroque literature as well, Cooper continues in his capacity as Artistic Advisor to the Baroque Masterplayers, a virtuoso ensemble that concatenates period performance techniques with modern instruments thus creating a unique voice within the realm of 17th and 18th- century repertoire. Read More