Cello Lessons in West Newton, MA

Instruments: Cello

I do not use any particular "methods" of teaching, although I did begin out on Suzuki. And while I do believe this is an important methodogy, Suzuki does have its flaws as do most of its kind. As I mentioned earlier, theory, harmony, and music history (as rudimentary as they may be at the beginning) are crucial for all students regardless of their level. The more one knows about the piece, the easier it will be to interpret and understand what the composer is asking for. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Music Keyboard

I began teaching Piano and Violin at the age of 15 to people between the ages of 4 to 65. This eventually moved on to classroom settings for strings and Chorus. One thing Ive learned from all this time is that people want to be able to actually PLAY and have FUN. Music Theory and the Fundamentals are are important but the engagement and the motivation to maintain consistent work over the course of our time together! Read More

Instruments: Cello

As student, I always took note of ideas that were mentioned to me in my lessons and then experimented further with those ideas teachers gave me.  I believe that a student should take on self-initiated approach to their instrumet.  Guidance is key during my lessons.  I have limited experience with younger children; however, my same ideology would apply for any age.   I aim to make music intuitive, conversational, and practical. Read More

Instruments: Cello

For beginning students I start with the Suzuki cello books, and teach books 1 to 5. I reinforce the Suzuki with pop/ non-classical songs, depending on the student's interest. After Suzuki 5, which is well into the intermediate level, I introduce individual works (small concerto's, sonatas, etc.) and cater them towards the student's ability and interest. For younger or beginner students, I reinforce the Suzuki books with sight-reading, and as they progress, I add in etude studies.  Read More

Instruments: Piano Cello

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with teaching basic music theory, scales, and start with John Thompson's Easiest Piano Course for the piano students. For Cello beginning students, it's very important to have a correct playing position. Therefore, we will spend some time on knowing cello, position for both hands, and then we will start with Suzuki. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. Read More

Instruments: Cello

For beginning students, my main goal is to lead them to appreciate and love music for the rest of their lives. I work on fundamentals like the proper posture, developing good ears for correct tones, and how to correctly hold the bow. A perfect understanding of basics goes a long way. My favored teaching material for beginner student is Suzuki books, Popper etudes, Galamian scale book, Dozauer book, and all standard common concertos and sonatas. Read More

Instruments: Cello

I've been teaching the cello and music to individuals and ensembles for ten years. During my undergraduate degree, I taught with the Virginia Tech String Project. From conducting, coaching sectionals, and helping students with technique during rehearsals, I gained many of the teaching methods and practices I keep today. I also co-taught string ensembles at the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra Summer Music Institute. In these camps, teachers and students together had a week to program, practice, and perform a concert. Read More