Cello Lessons in Belmont, MA

Instruments: Cello

 This text can be found on IMSLP.  When using this text, I like to have a dialogue with my student regarding the ideas in order to sort through any confusion or comfort problems so that we can begin refining the priniciples this text lays down from beginner to virtuoso cellist.   Advanced to Very Advanced/ Adult Etudes: -Popper High School for Cello Playing -Piatti 12 Caprices for Cello -Various Virtuoso Repertoire -Scales in universal fingering Read More

Instruments: Cello

I recently began registration with the Suzuki Association of the Americas, and am in the process of becoming a Suzuki certified teacher for Book 1. I find the Suzuki method extremely helpful for starting young students, however I also like to use other resources such as the Essential Elements book for beginners. I also want to focus heavily on note reading and sight reading at a younger age, so students have a solid foundation if and when they become members of orchestras or other ensembles. Read More

Instruments: Cello

Minjung won her first award in cello competition at Dong-A Youth Competition and followed it with 1st prize at Chungnam Philharmonic Orchestra Classic Competition two years in a row. As results, Minjung performed with Chungnam Philharmonic Orchestra twice at the Civic Art Center. Based on her multiple winnings, she received full scholarship to attend in one of the most prestige college in Korea, Sookmyung Women's University. Minjung continued her music studies in classical and contemporary musics, and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Cello Performance. Read More

Instruments: Cello

With beginning students, I use exercises from Suzuki and Essential Elements books as a basis for note reading, but I also frequently use "echo" or "call-and-response" playing. I find this is especially important in developing a student's ear for pitch and tone early on. As a student progresses and their musical interests develop, I combine standard classical repertoire that I grew up playing with song transcriptions of film, jazz, and rock music formatted to match each student's ability level and current technical goals. Read More

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

As regular cello practice is a vital part of improvement, I am a firm believer that practice should be treated as a privilege, an activity that sparks discovery and joy, rather than an everyday chore, and I work with my students to determine a style and schedule for practicing that allows them to enjoy spending time on the cello regularly, exploring musical possibilities and having fun with what they are playing while preventing musical burnout. 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