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Award Winner of Young Soloists performing with Costa Rica Symphony Orchestra
Soloist with Michoacan Chamber Orchestra
Scholarships to perform in Festivals in France, Switzerland and Utah
Co-Principal Viola Section - Symphony Orchestra of Michoacan, Mexico
Viola Chamber Concert at Pepsico Recital Hall at TCU
I am an dedicated educator with more than 20 years of experience, specialized in music performance with viola and violin. Currently managing a music studio with students ranging from 6 to 60 plus years of age. An avid music performer for the Meridian String Quartet and a member of the Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra for over 10 years. I hold music degrees from the University of Costa Rica, Conservatorio de las Rosas in Mexico and from the Hogeschool Zuyd Conservatorium in Holland. I have participated in chamber music recitals, symphonic concerts and music festivals in France, Switzerland, Spain, USA, Mexico, and Costa Rica. Also, I have been a member of the National Symphony Orchestra of Costa Rica, Chamber Orchestra of the University of Michoacan, Co-principal of the Michoacan Symphony Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra of Mineria in Mexico City, East Texas Symphony Orchestra and many others. Music has always been an intense passion of mine from an early age, where I have had the grateful opportunity to traverse three different countries to perfect the art of playing an instrument. Teaching the appreciation of music as an art and form of expression is a devotion of mine. I bring decades of teaching experience in the practice room, on the stage performing, and in the classroom with my students. I look forward meeting you!
With children, I typically start with Essential Elements for Strings by Michael Allen, Robert Gillespie and Pamela Tellejohn Hayes. I complement that with the Suzuki method and other fun easy songs I have picked through the years of experience . Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce etudes, scales, vibrato and eventually shifting; and of course solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. For intermediate students I try to make it fun, according to their ages, may be throw some pop tunes here and there, or if they are more serious into classical then I would definitely enjoy the challenge of teaching relaxation techniques during difficult passages such as double stops, high positions, string crossings, etc. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level.
Through my years of experience studying and teaching music to people of all ages, one of the things I feel the most important to accomplish is transmitting the idea that music is the most natural language of human beings. We might not develop the same skills in terms of rhythm, harmony, etc. but everyone should feel they are able to use whatever tools they have to express and speak that universal language. When teaching students how to play an instrument I always keep in mind my end vision: students realizing that music is not just about perfecting the technical skills required to play, but it’s about getting to express that which makes us human; our feelings, personalities, hopes and dreams, our realities. I am incredibly passionate about music; this is because it has always been a way for me to examine myself deeply, understand my strengths and weaknesses, and make sense of my existence. I have learned a lot about myself by studying the masters of music, which inspired me to return the favor in my own instruction. It’s been a gift to witness the same process in my students: finding where your ceiling is and challenging that limitation with the help of your teacher. I always look forward to sharing my vision of music as a therapy for the soul, as a way of appreciating the art of expression, and what that can do for one’s life.
Marcela has been my teacher weekly for 15 months. I am an adult beginner. I have found Marcela as a teacher kind but firm, and very knowledgeable about music and violin techniques. She has intricately guided me as we coaxed progression in my violin ability. We have seen small gains weekly. Marcela has fanned my interest in playing violin by encouraging a variety of of music genres and by making sure that I am challenged. I am fulfilling my goals in taking lessons by bringing music into my life and keeping my brain active. Bonuses! Im learning things about life and myself. And …..Marcela is a delightful person.
Ms. Marcela has been my teacher for a little over 3 years. She has brought me from me sounding like cats dying to someone who can play with a full orchestra at Martin HS next year! She is a wonderful teacher and she will not disappoint you, she will give you straight forward feedback and overall is just an absolutely wonderful teacher.
Marcela has been my violin teacher for about 7 years and I cannot sing her praises enough. She is an extremely talented musician and an excellent teacher. She definitely can be firm at times, but as a master procrastinator that’s exactly what I needed to motivate me to practice. She has helped me vastly improve not only my technique but my overall musicality. I cannot recommend her enough!
Marcela was my teacher for two years and she’s fabulous! She really cares about your progress and pushes you to be your best. I’ve always had a great experience as her student! Whether you’re just starting out or a well seasoned musician, Marcela is a wonderful teacher and an excellent choice!
Marcela has taught me weekly all the way since the beginning of Middle School all the way up to the end of High School. Not only has she helped improve my technical skills but also my musicianship. She does an amazing job at not only making you an astounding musician but teaching you in a friendly way that makes you feel comfortable, safe and unjudged. Through taking lessons with Marcela my skills increased exponentially, and I enjoyed every bit of it along the way. If you want to become a skilled musician or you just want to become better at your instrument for fun then Marcela is the perfect person.
Marcela was my private teacher from elementary school all the way through high school and I have to say, she is a fantastic teacher. At first, I was a little slow in learning different notes, learning different positions, and learning and mastering things like vibrato. Fortunately, Marcela was patient, understanding, and took necessary steps to make sure I succeeded well! If you're someone who has solo and ensemble events, All Region/ All State tryouts, etc, she is the perfect person to come to for help! She always starts very early in helping you get or pick the right pieces. Next, she always paces her teaching with your schedule so that you learn the material quickly but comfortably. Last, she always is again patient with correcting small details and helps you practice your pieces in front of other people. In the process, she is very kind and is willing to practice along with you, share her thoughts and experiences, and is flexible for makeups if you're not able to make it to your regular weekly session. Overall, I would say this is a 12/10 teacher.
Ms. Marcela has to be one of the most influential people in my life. With her as a my teacher I have been able to perform in the FortWorth Youth Orchestra, Arlington Youth Symphony, and the Fielder Road Baptist Church Orchestra. Not only did she prepare me to perform my best with these monumental opportunities but her teaching built my character. Ms. Marcela’s taught me how to play the violin but she also taught me about discipline, and responsibility in respect to the art of violin. She is the reason I still play the violin and was actually able to play at the 14th annual Miss Black Texas Tech pageant as a guest performer. Because of Ms. Marcela, I have gained a lifelong skill and I will forever be grateful for her. I definitely recommend her!
Marcela taught me 10-12th grade at a time when I most needed a teacher to help me get ready for college auditions. I had already had 3 other lessons teachers that hadn’t stuck around very long and I needed an experienced teacher to help me get to the next level in my playing ability. She helped me to prepare for my auditions and get into the Music Education program at NYU, and I would not have gotten into NYU without her teaching, her support, and her patience. I greatly enjoyed my lessons with her and learned a lot, and she is still one of my favorite music teachers that I’ve had. Over the 2 years that she taught me I moved from the 2nd to 1st violin section in the varsity orchestra in my high school, I became concertmaster for my last concert senior year, and I received the National School Orchestra Award, given to 1 student in the school each year. She is a fantastic teacher and a fantastic person, and created the perfect recipe of teaching and support to help me get to where I wanted to be and achieve a level of success I didn’t know that I could.
Marcela C. was my private lessons teacher from 8th grade up until I graduated high school in 12th grade. She always makes sure that you truly understand the song/trick/passage that you're trying to master. Yes, she knows what you need to work on by analyzing your skill, BUT, even if you're great at it, she'll make you even BETTER! Definitely the best of the best private lessons teachers I'd recommend to absolutely anyone.
Marcela was my private lessons instructor for a little over 4 years, and I can truly say that I am a better musician for it. She has a lot of experience, including professionally and was very supportive. Marcela also was an advocate for college orchestra auditions. Along with her professional acumen, Marcela was very kind and nice to be around.