Robert S  

5

  5.0 (6)

Instruments: Violin, Cello, Viola, Mandolin, Electric Violin, Fiddle, Double Bass
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Blues, Folk, Country

My first experience teaching was during the summer when I began instructing swim lessons for the town pool. I quicly began to seek out a way to teach music before I was in college and built a small studio of beginner cellists in my home town. I also began performing in both classical and other styles during this time, something I continue to do today. The reason I continued to understand more about teaching was because I loved to give back what I had learned from the great people in my life. I am lucky to have had very wonderful teachers and it is my hope that I can transfer the same feeling of connection and understanding to my students.

For beginning students in any genre, I begin with learning songs. Classical, jazz, bluegrass, and rock are more easily understood when you spend time playing the music with someone else. Repertoire is chosen with the understanding that fundamentals are key to life long participation and students find positive success when they are able to then share a completed work with their friends and family (think holiday get-togethers!) For young intermediate to advanced players, the philosophy of building one's repertoire continues with the added focus on musical understanding. Not just listening, but hearing music is essential to growth and the student will play developmentally appropriate music to facilitate that goal. For adult musicians, the goals are similar but I open the floor up to music that inspires that student, music that makes them want to practice every day and share with others.