Cello Lessons in Azusa, CA

Instruments: Piano Cello

I like to incorporate 4 hands playing of fun pieces as a diversion from the solo playing plus I encourage my students to accompany me on the piano in a few 'cello pieces so that they acquire a good sense of ensemble playing. I have "musical get-togethers" where everyone plays for their family friends and other students and I will sometimes bring in a professional colleague where we will treat the students to a performance so they can see what happens when one becomes a "pro" - it is my way of saying, "good job everyone"! Read More

Instruments: Cello

This 501(c)(3) non-profit is dedicated to connecting 2nd-12th grade students with volunteer university musicians from across the country. Our goal is to break down barriers and make music education accessible to any student who wants to learn, regardless of their geographical location or financial constraints. Through free virtual private lessons and essential music education materials, we are making musical journeys possible for students who might not otherwise have had the opportunity. Read More

Instruments: Cello

I've found that keeping an open mind about methods is really helpful when dealing with beginning students, young and old. I've tought from various method series including Hal Leonard's Essential Elements, Emily Wright's A Modern Cellist's Manual, Muller Rusch, and more. While I'm not a certifited Suzuki instructor, I do teach from the Suzuki method when students or parents request it. What's important is matching the right method to the right student which I tend to determine at our initial lesson. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer Harp Accordion Harmonica Lap Steel Guitar Banjo Ukulele Mandolin Recorder Lute Electric Violin Fiddle Double Bass Euphonium French Horn Tuba Piccolo Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Shakuhachi Oboe Bassoon English Horn Conga Latin Percussion Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Hello and thank you for having an interest in my teaching profile! My name is Derek, and I am a 24-year-old musician originally from Indiana. I am a passionate and motivated instructor and look forward to meeting you and sharing my love of music with you. I have been teaching students of all ages for 10 years now. If it would interest you, please take a minute to read my biography to find out more about me! Read More

Instruments: Cello

Each week at the end of their lesson, my students and I will sit down without the cello and discuss everything that they learned and everything that they need to work on for their next lesson. Together, we set small realistic goals and acknowledge accompishments with small rewards in order to nurture and embolden each student. I always encourage students to enter competitions, festivals, and other programs, as setting larger end goals can be the ultimate motivators! Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola

I have extensive experience as a teacher as well as a performer. I bring these two accomplishments together to provide a well rounded experience for my students.  In High School, I performed with the Kansas City Youth Symphony for 8 years, the Kansas City Cello Choir for eight years, the Missouri All-State for three years, and various other honor orchestras throughout her career. While still attending Drake University, I played in the Drake Symphony Orchestra, the Des Moines Symphony and the Encore String Trio. Read More

Instruments: Cello

For beginning students, I like to use the Suzuki Cello School books, approximately up to book 6. Then, I move to solo repertoire that is appropriate for the student and their musical goals. I like to use the Ivan Galamian Scale System for Violoncello. I also use the Yampolsky Violoncello technique book. For more technique exercises, I use the Feuillard Daily Exercises and assign exercises based on where the student needs improvement. Read More