Cello Lessons in Athens, TX

Instruments: Guitar Cello Bass Guitar Double Bass

I earned my Associates Degree in 1984, in Music Performance, from Community College of Rhode Island. I've been playing bass guitar and double bass, professionally for over 35 years in various bands, groups, orchestras and with international stars such as Ray Charles and Andrea Bocelli. I've played in locations such as Boston, New York, Pittsburgh, Maryland, New Jersey, and as far west as Chicago an Detriot. I have performed with several classical orchestras, and as principal bassist with The Claflin Hill Symphony Orchestra. Read More

Instruments: Cello

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music! Therefore, it's important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a students desire to progress, and makes students eager to learn more. By trying to find out what inspires the student, I can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs. Read More

Instruments: Piano Cello Music Keyboard

Depending on my student's age and skill level I usually have them begin with Suzuki books, Essential Elements books, or a combination of the two. As students advance I often incorporate etudes and/or exercises by Lee, Dotzauer, Galamian, Mooney, Sevcik, Duport, and Popper. While ear training is an essential skill that I teach to all of my students, the younger a student is the more I'll have them "play by ear" instead of reading sheet music. Read More

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola

I started teaching privately in 2004, and have been doing so in either my own studio or in the studios of others ever since.. In 2013, I started contracting with the Anaheim City School District to teach string classes in their after-school music program. Since moving to Texas, I have started orchestra programs at two different schools in Dallas county, while continuing to build my own studio. Whether in a private or group setting, the joy on the students' face is the most powerful motivator and greatest reward I know of. Read More

Instruments: Cello

I was brought up classically trained on the Suzuki books but I am completely flexible. If you have or have heard of a set of books you like we can use that too. If you don't know how to read music we can focus part of the lesson on music theory and the rest on learning from recordings and playing by ear. Each genre has their own set of rules and depending on how strict those rules are I will be equally strict accordingly. Read More

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola

I want my students to have fun, but to also engage in very structured learning. All students must find time to practice during the week, but the parents must be a huge part of helping their child learn this new instrument. We will set weekly, realistic goals for each lesson. During the lesson, we will review the last concept that was learned, go over the lesson for the day and then create a lesson for the following week and be sure that each lesson is explained and understood. Read More

Instruments: Piano Cello Music

For all my cello students, I start with 170 Foundation Studies and a modified Suzuki Method (Cello). Once my students reach Suzuki book 4, then they can start playing Bach Suites, and other intermediate repertoir. The Bach Suites, however, are what most of my cello students are interested in learning. For piano students, I use the Bastien piano series by Neil Kjos. I want my students to be interested and engaged, and coach them through basics while also trying to find pieces or genres they want to play. Read More