Cello Lessons in Alameda, CA

Instruments: Piano Cello Keyboard

Octavio M. is a Venezuelan-American cellist with an impressive background in performance and teaching. He recently earned his Master's Degree Diploma from The San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Octavio has won several awards, including the Latin Grammy Foundation Scholarship, The Blair Scholarship, Barron String Orchestral Scholarship, and the William E. Duckwitz Talent Scholarship. He has performed as a soloist with the SFCM Baroque Ensemble, the Simon Bolivar Orchestra of Tachira, and the Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra. Read More

Instruments: Cello

For beginning students, I usually begin heavily with physical technique, music theory exercises, and scales. From there, I use Rick Mooney's Position Pieces as well as solo repertoire from the Suzuki books to develop musicality and efficiency. The solo works chosen are designed to work toward the interests and goals of the students (competitions and/or genre interests). For advanced or adult students, I treat our lessons more broadly, integrating cello playing, music history, and an exploration of the genre as a whole to establish passion and long-term goals. Read More

Instruments: Cello

I am friendly and incredibly patient with all my students. I believe that all students need proper encouragement and constructive critiquing during the learning process, so that is something I put a lot of emphasis on. At the same time, I set high standards for my students and expect them to carry themselves as professionals during practices. I normally demonstrate to the student by playing in both styles (my style of playing and the student's way of playing) to allow the students to make comparisons and decide which style of playing they prefer. Read More

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola Electric Violin Music

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements. 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. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. Any learning repertoire can be incorporated into lessons depending on the students playing level. Read More

Instruments: Cello

My goal is not to make my students play like me but to play more like themselves. I aim to give useful tips, exercises, and musical options as opposed to rigid rules. The beauty of playing is in the nuances that an individual can bring to a performance, so I try to let that individuality shine. I encourage this freedom more specifically through a strong technical foundation. The more secure a player's technique becomes the easier it becomes to express their ideas. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Viola Bass Guitar Organ Ukulele Electric Violin Music Keyboard Electric Guitar

I have been teaching since High School, but it wasn't until my first year of college that I started teaching music. After 6+ years of teaching in my home studios in both Austin and San Antonio, I enjoy a variety of students learning violin, viola, cello, piano, guitar, and even certain music software. My greatest lesson in teaching is that no two students are alike; one student may be more traditional and focused and have no problem learning to read music, for example, while another student may have little to no attention span, making it impossible to learn consistently. Read More

Instruments: Cello

My teaching was primarily during my time as a music student in college, I have since taken part of various community orchestras and teach as a side hobby. My primary job is in the medical field. I have taught middle and high school students and lead multiple sectionals in my previous college years as a cellist. I graduated with a doctorate in Audiology, pursuing a career involving the sense of hearing. Read More