Martha C
Instruments: Piano, Cello, Music, Keyboard
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Folk, Country, Musical Theater, Hip Hop, Showtunes, Avant-garde
Martha C
Instruments: Piano, Cello, Music, Keyboard
Styles:
Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Folk, Country, Musical Theater, Hip Hop, Showtunes, Avant-garde
Where I Teach:
Ages Taught: 3-80
2017 - Award for "Best New Teacher" from the Vivaldi Music Academy
2013 - Featured on "The Future of Chicago Music"
I'm a cellist, composer, and a passionate teacher of many instruments. I've worked with students as young as 2 and as old as 90. My students have gotten in to region, all-state, college music programs, prestigious summer festivals, and placed in national competitions. I've taught children with autism, ADHD, and dyslexia. My favorite thing about private lessons is the freedom it gives me to customize lessons to the unique learning style of every individual student. While I use elements of Suzuki, Kodaly, Orff, and others, I don't believe in one-size-fits-all approaches to education. My teaching is focused on meeting my students where they are and shaping my instruction to help them reach their full potential!
I began teaching music in high school when I worked as an teacher's assistant during group piano classes. I started teaching private cello and piano lessons shortly thereafter and continued to do so through college. After graduation, teaching music truly became my passion. I've worked extensively with private students of all ages. I taught private lessons, group classes, and sectionals to students through several different school orchestra programs. I've maintained a private studio with students of all ages and skill levels. I love helping students learn and develop their own unique passions for music!
Depending on my student's age and skill level I usually have them begin with Suzuki books, Essential Elements books, or a combination of the two. As students advance I often incorporate etudes and/or exercises by Lee, Dotzauer, Galamian, Mooney, Sevcik, Duport, and Popper. While ear training is an essential skill that I teach to all of my students, the younger a student is the more I'll have them "play by ear" instead of reading sheet music. Regardless of age, I find learning solo music important for students of all ages and skill levels. Even mastering pieces as simple as "Mary Had a Little Lamb" and "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" can have a profound sense of accomplishment that keeps students engaged and motivated!
I believe in meeting students where they are and catering lessons to their specific learning styles. Not everyone learns everything in the exact same way. While I do teach using standard, classical repertoire more often than not, my goal as a teacher is to help my students develop a deep love and passion for music; hence, I often find it incredibly helpful to branch out into other genres! I've taught show tunes, pop, rock, and even video game music to my students. One of the advantages of having a background in composition is my ability to arrange any music my students would like to learn for their primary instrument regardless of the piece's original instrumentation! After all, what's the point in learning music if you can't play the music you love?
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