Cello Lessons in Opal, VA

Instruments: Cello

I often try to get my students to hear what I hear in their playing by asking them questions. My goal is that the questions that I ask of them will be the questions they begin to ask themselves in their personal practice. Instead of telling a student directly that they may be playing a rhythm incorrectly or that they need to correct their bow technique, I ask them to reexamine that aspect of their playing and they often come up with the solution with some guidance. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Ukulele Mandolin Recorder Lute Double Bass Mallet Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

I started out at the age of nine playing the trumpet, and continued this for two years before switching to piano. Ultimately, I found my love in playing the guitar, and took lessons for two years. As time went on, I advanced as a guitarist and actually expanded into new musical instruments. I began playing in local rock and r&b bands at the age of 15. These were some of my most influential experiences, as they expanded my musical tastes into jazz fusion, swing, standards and Latin Jazz. After graduating high school, I attended community college and then went to New York to study jazz theory, where I played a few sets with Sweetback in 2000 that led up to being asked to play with the band. Read More

Instruments: Cello

I am down-to-earth and laid-back, yet organized and focused in lessons. It is important to me that each student makes steady progress and their own pace, which I encourage through setting realistic goals for all students at each lesson. I find this a successful tool in students of all ages, from 3 thru adults. In breaking tasks down to small parts and building a foundation for solid cello playing, I find my students motivated, constantly progressing, and enjoying their time spent with the cello. Read More

Instruments: Cello

I have been lucky to study with renowned teachers at top music schools while traveling to music festivals around the world to play with interesting musicians in a great variety of cultures and styles. For me, the the experience of music has no boundries between concert halls, teaching studios, street corners, galleries, or artistic genres. I am eager to share with my students the wealth of possibilities of sound, art, and collaboration on the cello while providing a solid physical mastery of the instrument which enables beginning to advanced students the opportunity and flexibility to take their music to varied genres and major music schools. Read More

Instruments: Piano Cello

Beginner Adult cellists:  I give adults the option of starting off in Essential Elements or moving at a faster pace with the Suzuki books.  After learning the fundamentals of playing, I then tailor the lessons to the students individual needs or tastes. Beginner children pianists:  I like using the Piano Adventures series with this group.  I usually start with the Primer book before Book 1.  For children in the 4 to 5 age group, I start off with the Pre-Reading books A thru C. Read More

Instruments: Piano Cello Double Bass Keyboard

My teaching style revolves around the interest of the student combined with my overall experience with one ultimate goal being that the student will develop the tools to teach themselves along the way. I like to use relevant recordings to play along with as well as simply recording the student and playing it back during the lesson. I will keep a written log of our progress and will have it available for the student as a reference as well as encouraging them to do the same. Read More

Instruments: Piano Cello Drums Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

I am all about the individualized approach! Whether the student is looking at their instrument for the very first time or they are a seasoned veteran performer looking to freshen their approach or hone one specific side of their craft, I'm here and thrilled to help. Everyone learns differently; I recognize some kids and adults alike find the idea of staring into a book and practicing rudiments or études for hours a day either intimidating, boring, or both. Read More