Luis M
Instruments: Cello
Styles: Classical
Luis M
Instruments: Cello
Styles:
Classical
Where I Teach:
Ages Taught: 10-80
MM, New York University, Cello Performance BM, University of South Carolina, Cello Performance
Bang on a Can Marathon, New York USC American String Teacher’s Association USC String Quartet Workshop Mentor USC Cello Fund Award USC Symphony Scholarship
A passionate and organized educator with a love of the cello and music education. In 2013 I earned a Master of Music from New York University and have been playing in solo shows, ensembles, and recordings since. I've also maintained a growing teaching career by holding adjunct cello appointments at NYU and the Abrons Arts Center. For fun I like to watch indie pop artists at small venues in Brooklyn, improvise music on subway platforms, and take photos of the food I cook. I'm really good at making Puerto Rican food!
I began teaching as an undergraduate student at the University of South Carolina. I worked in a teacher-training program called the String Project, where I had the opportunity to observe and assist string teachers in a group setting. From there I gained private students in the Columbia, SC area and eventually hired as a Teaching Assistant where I taught a cello practicum for music education students and private cello at the university. I moved to New York to pursue a Masters of Music and upon graduation, landed an adjunct appointment at NYU. I've been teaching at the university for four years and maintain a private studio in New York City.
I gravitate towards the Essential Elements for Strings books for beginner students because the books so effortlessly combine the first steps of cello playing with basic concepts of music theory and history. I then use a combination of cello duets, etudes (like Dotzauer and S.Lee), and method books (Feuillard) for technical studies. I always incorporate traditional music for the cello (like Bach Cello Suites, famous cello concertos), but work with students on whatever music they enjoy. I have experience playing in bands and cabaret/theater-style pits, so I am comfortable teaching those styles as well.
As an educator, I create a safe and healthy environment for learning. Realistic goals are set in consultation with students and are dependent on a variety of factors (work schedule, home life, travel, etc.) With consistent attendance and outside preparation, students will understand the principles of proper cello playing technique, gain the ability to read music notation, understand basic concepts of music theory, and learn how to apply practical and healthy practicing habits. If you want to play the cello, I can teach you how!
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