Kevin M
5.0
(5)
Instruments: Cello
Styles: Classical
Kevin M
5.0
(5)
Instruments: Cello
Styles:
Classical
Where I Teach:
Ages Taught: 10-80
1982 Master's Degree from New York State University at Stony Brook School of Music
1984 Performance Certificate from Northern Illinois University in Dekalb
1982-1984 Studied with world-celebrated Beaux Arts Trio cellist Bernard Greenhouse while pursuing a Master's Degree in music at New York State University at Stony Brook
1984-1986 Studied with renowned Russian cellist Raya Garbusova while pursuing a Performance Certificate program at Northern Illinois University in Dekalb.
1982- New York State University at Stony Brook Teaching Assistantship Award
1984- Northern Illinois University at Dekalb Teaching Assistantship Award
1981- Winner Concerto Competition and soloist in Kent Symphony Orchestra
1982- 1986 Toured and performed extensively with Young Artists’ Concert Chamber Music Group, televised performances included
1986- 1988 Selected to appear regularly in a chamber music series in New York City with many renowned artists including violinist Raphael Hillyer, bassist Julius Levine, clarinetist Charles Russo
2016- Present Performing with Arte Emsamble Chamber Music Group and appearing in regular chamber music concert series in San Francisco, Silicon Valley, and South Bay Peninsula.
I graduated with a Master's Degree in Music from New York State University at Stony Brook and also earned a performance certificate from Northern Illinois University in Dekalb. My instructors include world celebrated Beaux Arts Trio cellist Bernard Greenhouse and Russian cellist Raya Garbusova. During my college years, I had toured and performed extensively with Young Artists’ Concert Chamber Music Group, which also includes televised performances. In addition to that, I was selected to appear regularly in a chamber music series in New York City with many renowned artists including violinist Raphael Hillyer, bassist Julius Levine, and clarinetist Charles Russo.
Aside from performing, I have also been teaching students in private as well as in music schools for more than 35 years, ages ranging from as young as five years old to working adults. Starting from 2004, I have taught at David K's Music School in San Jose, where I am still teaching currently. During my teaching career, I have assisted countless students in preparing for orchestra auditions, as well as the more advanced students for local contests and competitions. A good number of them have placed as finalists. I have also been listed on Santa Clara County High School's website as a highly recommended cello instructor for their school orchestra since 2008.
Besides performing, I have devoted most of my time to teaching. I have been teaching students in private as well as in music schools for more than 35 years, ages ranging from as young as five years old to working adults. Starting from 2004, I have taught at David K's Music School in San Jose, where I am still teaching currently. During my teaching career, I have assisted countless students in preparing for orchestra auditions, as well as the more advanced students for local contests and competitions. A good number of them have placed as finalists. I have also been listed on Santa Clara County High School's website as a highly recommended cello instructor for their school orchestra since 2008.
I believe a student's progress depends on how motivated they feel during practices, so I work with students while putting emphasis on patience and encouragement. As a usual protocol for beginning students, I start with one active scale and an easy Suzuki solo piece (ex. Twinkle Twinkle Little Star), slowly introducing simple etudes when progress is noted. I usually demonstrate a piece before assigning it to the students for homework so that they have a better idea of what the piece should sound like in terms of both tempo and how the notes should be carried. I encourage my students to focus on listening to the sounds they produce and if the sound is of the wrong essence, then I will work with them to find a way to correct the sound. As a form of encouragement, I never hesitate to compliment my students whenever they make accomplishments or strides in progress.
I prefer using a Suzuki book for beginners and other etudes and solo pieces for more advanced students. I usually select the pieces that have nice melodies so my students would find them more enjoyable to play during practices. I encourage students to participate in student recitals every six months or at least once a year, as I strongly believe that by participating in recitals students will benefit from listen to the other players and learning from them, learning how to work fluently with the piano accompanist, and most importantly to experience the real exhilaration of performing in front of live audiences.
I am friendly and incredibly patient with all my students. I believe that all students need proper encouragement and constructive critiquing during the learning process, so that is something I put a lot of emphasis on. At the same time, I set high standards for my students and expect them to carry themselves as professionals during practices. I normally demonstrate to the student by playing in both styles (my style of playing and the student's way of playing) to allow the students to make comparisons and decide which style of playing they prefer. After the comparison, I will then teach them the proper techniques (bowing and fingerings to achieve the best way of playing). I encourage students to ask questions and take note of what they should focus on improving before the next class. I also encourage the parents to film the lesson during class so that students can review it at home and practice it more efficiently.
Xing Wang
he is very good teacher
Rebecca Moredock-Mueller
Mr. Kevin M is amazing. He is exactly what I hoped for. He provides music that is both interesting/challenging but age and level appropriate. He has inspired me and I will DEFINITELY continue as his student. Every week I look forward to the lesson. He inspires me to play better and better. I want him to know how much he is appreciated !!
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