Cello Lessons in Saddle Brook, NJ

Instruments: Cello

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. Read More

Instruments: Cello

I frequently premiere and performs works of contemporary composers. I have had the opportunity to work directly with numerous composers including Pulitzer Prize winner Paul Moravec, Nick Virzi, Felipe Salles, Nick DiBernadino, Shelley Washington, Gemma Peacocke, Rob Deemer, Saad Hadad, William David Cooper, Matthew Recio, and Masatora Goya. I have performed on such series as Bargemusic: Here and Now, Fordham University at Lincoln Center Concerts, Luzerne Faculty Concert Series, the Composer's Voice, and Interlochen New Music Series. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Viola

Again this can be likened to an athlete who no longer trains. Also like an athlete this is something that does get easier the more you do it. That being said it requires less of a time commitment than many may think. One of the goals with my students is going to be to find entertaining ways to build that consistency. We'll make practice a game. A challenge to overcome, or a boss to beat. Read More

Instruments: Cello

While the relationship every teacher and student will be different, I strive to find a balance of discovery and fun with determination and work. Developing skill at a musical instrument is difficult and takes time! Nurturing my students' love of music is essential to helping them persevere through the challenges of learning. Based on students' goals, we develop roadmaps together to help pace their growth. Every lesson is an opportunity to evaluate and adjust those goals, and consistent lessons means that there will always be clear communication about where a student is at and where they want to go! Read More

Instruments: Cello

My teaching style is a combination of Suzuki method and traditional method. Having learned with the traditional method, I feel it is vital and extremely important for students to learn to read music from the point at which they start reading books and words, this is typically at age 5. For students under age 5 we begin learning everything by ear, once they start reading we introduce reading notes. I'm passionate about having a parent present for every lesson as it is extremely important that a parent or caretaker learn the material so they can be the teacher at home during the week for practice sessions. Read More

Instruments: Cello

One of the keys to learning a musical instrument well is patience and comfort. So regardless of age or experience, I begin with scales. As the famous cellist Paul Tortelier said, "Scales are the language of music." Once there is a solid grasp on this fundamental, I progress to teaching simple etudes, and at the same time solo pieces within the student's ability. Read More