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Doctoral Degree: Northwestern University, Master Degree: Northwestern University, Bachelor Degree: Eastman School of Music
2016 - Northwestern University Full Merit Scholarship
2017 - Arnuero International Chamber Music competition 1st Prize
As a dedicated professional musician, I am passionate about music education and find fulfillment in working with individuals of all ages to impart the art of playing the cello. In 2023, I proudly graduated from Northwestern University with a doctoral degree in Cello Performance. Prior to this, I earned a master's degree in Cello Performance from Northwestern University and a bachelor's degree in the same field from the prestigious Eastman School of Music. My musical journey commenced at the age of 13, and since then, I have garnered numerous accolades and recognitions, both nationally and internationally. Notable achievements include securing 1st Prize in the 2017 Arnuero International Chamber Music Competition, the 2013 Eastman School Concerto Competition, and the 2013 American Protege International String and Piano Competition. Additionally, I achieved 2nd Prize in the 2012 Eastern Connecticut Instrumental Competition. My passion for performance has taken me to renowned venues across the globe, with recitals held in countries such as the United States, Spain, Switzerland, Denmark, Austria, Taiwan, and Canada. These experiences have enriched my understanding of diverse musical cultures, further fueling my commitment to fostering a love for music and excellence in my students.
I embarked on my journey as a cello instructor during my undergraduate years, where both the Eastman School of Music and Northwestern University provided comprehensive pedagogy classes to hone our skills in teaching our chosen musical instruments professionally. Since establishing my home studio in 2016, teaching has evolved into a genuine passion of mine. My primary goal is to ensure that my students not only enjoy their time learning the cello with me but also glean valuable insights to carry beyond the classroom. I actively foster a collaborative learning environment by encouraging students to set personal goals, which I then assist them in achieving. Additionally, I place a strong emphasis on selecting pieces that resonate with each student's preferences, thereby enhancing motivation during practice sessions. I am proud to share that my current students have achieved notable success, including placements in state competitions and acceptance into major youth orchestras. It brings me immense joy to witness their progress and dedication to the art of cello playing.
For novice students, I initiate their cello education with "All for Strings Book 1" by Gerald E. Anderson and "I Can Read Music" by Joanne Martin. Once students grasp the fundamentals of reading music and producing sound on the cello, I guide them towards exploring Suzuki Books and build their repertoire from there. As they progress, I introduce supplementary materials such as Rick Mooney's "Position Pieces for Cello" and "Double Stops for Cello" to enhance their technical proficiency. As students advance, I incorporate more sophisticated method books and introduce a diverse range of cello pieces tailored to their skill level. Emphasizing a comprehensive approach, I encourage the practice of scales and arpeggios using Hans Jensen's "Galamian Ivan Scale System" to strengthen their technical foundation. For adult learners, I engage in a collaborative discussion about their musical preferences after introducing them to cello basics. This allows me to tailor lessons to their interests, keeping the learning experience engaging and captivating. My ultimate objective is to provide a structured and rewarding learning journey, ensuring that each student develops a solid foundation while fostering a genuine enthusiasm for playing the cello.
Dedicated to the progress and success of my students, my teaching experience spans from instructing beginner elementary school students to coaching advanced conservatory music majors and adult beginners. Recognizing the individuality of each learner, I tailor my approach to accommodate diverse learning styles. In every lesson, I prioritize understanding and acknowledging the unique needs of each student, customizing the curriculum to align with their strengths and areas of improvement. I seek to inspire creativity by encouraging students to think beyond conventional boundaries, fostering an environment that embraces innovative expression. Believing in the value of constructive criticism, I actively involve students in the evaluation process. I prompt them to reflect on their playing, encouraging them to identify aspects they appreciate and areas for enhancement. Embracing an open-door policy, I reassure students that no question is too trivial, creating an atmosphere that promotes curiosity and active participation. In addition to teaching instrumental proficiency, I emphasize the importance of effective practice techniques. I equip students with strategies to optimize their practice sessions, enabling them to achieve optimal results within minimal time. My commitment extends beyond imparting musical skills; I am dedicated to cultivating well-rounded musicians capable of independent and efficient practice.
Dr. Henry C. is very patient and knowledgeable. My son loves going to Dr. Henry C. for lessons because he's been having so much fun. I can see my son's growing interest and passion in cello thanks for Dr. Henry C.
Dr. Henry C. is a patient teacher and my son absolutely loves his cello lessons! We are extremely satisfied with the quality of the lessons and find Dr. Henry C. very knowledgeable in his field. We would definitely recommend Dr. Henry C. as a cello teacher.
Henry is my son's new cello teacher. He is very kind, but motivating so my kid is very enthusiastic to practice and impress him. Over three months of lessons, he corrected his foundations and sound quality. Of course there is still much to work on, but we are sure that it's going in a great direction!
I studied the cello with Mr. Henry for the past three years. He is one of the best cello teachers, always very clear in his instructions, has lot of respect and patience during lessons. He is also an amazing cellist! He makes playing the cello looks easy when he demonstrates.