Cello Lessons in Waban, MA

Instruments: Cello

I do not use any particular "methods" of teaching, although I did begin out on Suzuki. And while I do believe this is an important methodogy, Suzuki does have its flaws as do most of its kind. As I mentioned earlier, theory, harmony, and music history (as rudimentary as they may be at the beginning) are crucial for all students regardless of their level. The more one knows about the piece, the easier it will be to interpret and understand what the composer is asking for. Read More

Instruments: Cello

I primarily use Hal Leonard's Essential Elements books for all of my beginner and intermediate students, and for adult students, I supplement them with Gabriel Koeppen's Cello Method books. For more advanced students, I will work with their current repertoire to determine what skills they can further develop by assigning them new and more challenging pieces or etudes (such as Popper or Piatti) based on their needs. I assign all of my students age and level-appropriate pieces at regular intervals in addition to their books or etudes, ranging from short and simple pieces to highly technical showpieces or concertos. Read More

Instruments: Piano Cello

I am trained in the Suzuki method and will typically start my beginning cello students in this if they are not already interested in another method. If you are interested in a different method I will typically alter my teaching to accommodate. Early lessons typically work on establishing a strong technical foundation so the student will be able to pursue music that speaks to them. Pianists will typically begin with Faber's early music books. Read More

Instruments: Cello

Every student has different pace of of growth. The most important goal in my teaching for both students and myself is making a progress. Little encouragement helps students to not to lose their interest in music, and continue to work harder to improve. However, sometime little bitter reality is also needed. With a good combination of both, I lead my students to set their realistic goals and help them achieve them. Read More

Instruments: Cello

I've been teaching the cello and music to individuals and ensembles for ten years. During my undergraduate degree, I taught with the Virginia Tech String Project. From conducting, coaching sectionals, and helping students with technique during rehearsals, I gained many of the teaching methods and practices I keep today. I also co-taught string ensembles at the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra Summer Music Institute. In these camps, teachers and students together had a week to program, practice, and perform a concert. Read More

Instruments: Cello

As I am certified in Suzuki Book 1, I start students with Suzuki books and methods, while also supplementing with other materials and incorporating any extra music/activities a student might be excited about! With students who have already started, I will often still refer to the Suzuki materials, but I will pull more from other books and repertoire. I am very flexible in strategy and method based on where the student is at and where they want to go, no matter their age. Read More

Instruments: Cello

I believe patience and versatility are very important, as each student learns a different way. I set goals for each lesson and try to guide the student during the lesson into achieving them. Sometimes the goals are achieved during the lesson, and sometimes while practicing on hteir own time. I don't believe in achieving "perfection", but rather developing a solid understanding and connection with the piece, which is accomplished through putting in hard work and effort.  Read More