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MM,Florida State University Cello Performance
BM, California State University Sacramento Cello Performance
CSU, Sacramento, Symphony Orchestra Concerto Competition, Lalo Cello Concerto 2014 Graduated with Magna Cum Laude honors 2014 Dorothy Augusta Mermorial Music Scholarship 2013-2014 Professor Norman and Evelyn Castellan Music Scholarship 2013-2014 The Renaissance Society Scholarship 2013-2014
I started teaching in high school about 15 years ago. I worked with a project that allowed elementary and Jr. High students to be taught by the high school students. It was the first of many unbelievably enjoyable moments. I have found teaching cello to be one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. The gift of sharing something so creative and expressive to those who find a love for classical music is exceptional. I have taught all ages and experiences. I have also taught students with special needs. I could not enjoy music without sharing it with others.
I asses ability based on hearing pitches and singing them back. I work out of the Suzuki method books not using it strictly. Kummer and Feuillard for duet sight reading and Schoeder for etudes. Students ability is measured by how many hours they practice which I give specific instructions on how long they should work with each exercise. Every student uses a notebook to make sure they remember what was assigned. I make it a staple to push students as I see their growth, yet the most important thing is to have fun and love playing the cello.
My goal is to make sure the student achieves what they desire whether it is to learn the Bach Cello Suite no. 1 or to play in a community orchestra. I always want to keep the students happiness in mind. As a cellist I want my students to succeed, which is why I push them to make sure they prepare all the required music. I love to learn how muc student learns. By listening, seeing, or feeling and this gives me a good idea as to what are their strengths. I love to have mu students perform for each other and for the parents. This gives incentive and shows how much they have accomplished. Having my students enjoy creating music is my ultimate goal.
Carrie is a wonderful teacher, and we feel very lucky to have found her. Her teaching style is warm and supportive, and she is able to support students at all skill levels, and having a variety of goals for their music. Since the recent shut down she has been able to teach via Skype, and so as parents we have had the chance to observe her style more closely. The confidence she has given our son is so wonderful to see, and his performance abilities jump upwards dramatically. He now looks forward to lessons, and so do we!
I feel so lucky to have Carrie as my cello teacher. I am an adult student and I’ve never played an instrument before now. Knowledgeable, patient, enthusiastic and encouraging are the words that describe Carrie. No matter how I think I sound, she finds something encouraging to say that keeps me going. Carrie is an incredible teacher with a deep understanding of technique. She immediately identifies where the problem is and how to fix it. She’s very clear about what she feels I am ready to embrace next, even if I think I can’t. After each lesson it is always clear what I need to work on. I’ve progressed tremendously since I started working with Carrie. She patiently answers all of my questions and has a gift of making difficult concepts make sense. I can’t believe how well I’m playing right now. I always look forward to my next lesson. I would highly recommend Carrie
Carrie is fantastic!! My daughter has been taking on-line lessons with her for two and a half years. She has learned so much from Carrie. Carrie is unceasingly cheerful, warm and professional. She quickly developed a positive rapport with my daughter. Carrie is an accomplished teacher. She is able to impart information and technique very well. She uses every minute of lessons. She is prepared and no time is wasted. She is an excellent communicator. We are incredibly glad to have found her.
Carrie is a wonderful cello instructor! I’ve been taking online lessons from her since October 2018. As an adult cello student, it was important for me to find a teacher who had the proper training and education and who focused only on cello instruction. Carrie met all those requirements plus she had qualities I wasn’t even aware that I should be looking for in an instructor. Not only is Carrie knowledgeable in all things cello-related, she is also pleasant and encouraging. She is flexible in her pedagogy in order to address my learning and performance goals, but also knows the fundamental skills I need to be working on so that I can reach the next level. One of the many things I like about Carrie’s instructional methods is that she helps me focus on more than just fingerings and bowings. For example, the importance of posture, breathing, keeping my body relaxed and being aware of the emotional aspects of the music I’m playing. Her approach to cello instruction is holistic and refreshing. I recommend Carrie without hesitation.
Carrie is a wonderful cello teacher. She teaches all ages and is very patient and positive in her teaching style. She always tries to find ways to help her students progress that fit their personalities and abilities, often using analogies that exemplify how she wants the music to sound. She is very encouraging and has helped me tremendously as an older, beginning student.
Carrie is awesome, her sense of humor is perfect for teaching and helps you loosen up and have a fun time learning. She’s an expert at cello and at teaching, so don’t worry if you get stuck on some topic - she’s got so many different angles to attack it from that you’ll have it figured out in no time! Carrie won’t let you “just wing it” on some technique, but will focus in and help you master it and become truly comfortable with playing, so you become the best cellist you can be. All with a smile and words of encouragement along the way!
Carrie is very patient. She is able to notice small things that I need to adjust with how I hold my bow or how fingers are shaped in my left hand. She is very encouraging. I always leave my lesson feeling good about myself!