Cello Lessons in Ashby, 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: Cello

I believe patience and versatility are very important, as each student learns a different way. I set goals for each lesson and try to guide the student during the lesson into achieving them. Sometimes the goals are achieved during the lesson, and sometimes while practicing on hteir own time. I don't believe in achieving "perfection", but rather developing a solid understanding and connection with the piece, which is accomplished through putting in hard work and effort.  Read More

Instruments: Cello

I believe a major key to success in learning music is finding the methods and concepts that click for you. There are infinite ways to think of a phrase or harmonic relationships and I work to learn which connections make sense to you. One major takeaway from my own education has been how to listen to my playing objectively and free of self-judgement. I constantly encourage my students to develop a similar mindset, since I see self-encouragement as much more important than encouragement from a teacher or an audience. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Cello Bass Guitar

I always try to guide my instruction in a fun and engaging direction to keep the student interested and motivated to get better. I am able to do this by being energetic and enthusiastic about my teaching and I feel its important to make the material matter to the student. When a student has confidence in their abilities they are able to achieve much success on their specific instrument. As I also previously mentioned, getting to know what inspires a student and knowing them on a more personal level helps develop a better student/teacher relationship and thus yields a better outcome on the instrument. Read More

Instruments: Cello

My teaching experience began when I took a course entitled String Pedagogy in college, where I was first introduced to the importance of an organized and effective pedagogical approach. Through that class, I was able to begin teaching private and group lessons to cellists in Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra's Intensive Community Program. I taught there weekly while taking classes in pedagogy for two years, and immediately was hooked on the challenging but rewarding experience of teaching music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Cello

In addition to my private studio, I have taught as a private instructor, both through music schools in the central NY area and at Ithaca College in Ithaca NY. I have maintained a private studio since early in my undergraduate degree (6 years ago). I am most experienced in classical cello at all levels of experience and all ages, but will adapt my teaching depending on the interests of the student. Read More

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola

Also performing in concerts gives them goals to work for so I try to have my students to perform at some assisted living places and more several times a year and the more they perform usually the better they improve. It can be encouraging to see that others make mistakes too and that noone is perfect. I like students to learn how to read as soon as they can, but I honor the suzuki idea that it is good to learn to play the first few pieces by ear so listening does not get lost in learning to read. Read More