Cello Lessons in Saddle Brook, NJ

Instruments: Cello

Usually in my lessons I like to hear the student play something from start to finish just so I can listen and take in what exactly a student's strengths and weaknesses are. Encouraging strengths, and praising accomplishments, is a great way to help a student to progress. I try not to dwell on mistakes or weaknesses but try to demonstrate or push the student in the right direction. Read More

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola Double Bass

My teaching experience began at age 16, when a family friend asked if I would teach her daughter violin. I instantly found a love for the challenge of teaching, and the joy when a student experiences success. I have taught privately in a myriad of settings: music stores, music studios, and in students' homes. In high school, I was accepted into a music program that prepared me for entering college as a Music Education major. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola

I've enjoyed teaching piano, violin and viola students, for the past seventeen years! And what I've generally found is, that it's not how long you practice, but how well. I feel that a student needs to be taught how to practice! I travel around Westchester NY and in addition to teaching the instrument, I encourage students to compose their own original pieces. I am a published composer and many of my music videos can be seen on You Tube. 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

Instruments: Guitar Cello Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I'm a dedicated cellist and guitarist who really enjoys working with people of all ages and ability levels. I graduated with a BA in cello performance from Connecticut College and went on to study at Virginia Tech. I have played in amateur orchestras as well as in chamber ensembles. I also have performance experience on guitar in a variety of settings. I am a huge fan of live music and believe that the two best ways to carry on the tradition of music is through performance as well as one on one and classroom teaching. Read More

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola

For very beginning students, I usually start with the Suzuki Method Books and All For Strings Comprehensive String Method Books. I usually encourage my students to read music, but for the youngest students I start by playing with them and having them copy me. Once they are ready, I start teaching them basic music theory that will help them read music. For intermediate to advanced players I institute a routine of practicing scales and etudes as well as a solo piece that is appropriate for their ability level. Read More

Instruments: Cello

For beginning students, I typically start with the Suzuki method books, because I think they lend themselves well to both kids and parents who are practicing with them. These books also come with accompaniment CDs which I find very important to learning. For adults, I like to have a conversation about what the student's goals are and what they are interested in and guide my instruction accordingly. For all, I want lessons to be engaging and fun, but to make real progress both in solo playing and collaboration. Read More