Cello Lessons in Clayton, CA

Instruments: Cello

My favorite time in any lesson is the "ah ha" moment. Its that moment when a student realizes a concept that they previously struggled with. For me, that is the goal of teaching. For younger students it can be the first time playing twinkle twinkle alone. For older students it could be figuring out how to do a spiccato bow stroke. Its different every time, but it is important to recognize those accomplishments and use them as stepping stones to the next big achievement. Read More

Instruments: Cello

My teaching style is open book. What I find motivates a student is what they wish to learn and music they want to play. The basic foundation is one of the key elements to better musicality but also the study of listening and understanding music drives what we consider the originality of each musician. I believe that as much as physical practice drives the growth of a student, I want to build motivation for the student to pursue greater things with music and allow it to translate to other parts of his/her life as it has for myself. 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: 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

Aside from performing, I have also been teaching students in private as well as in music schools for more than 35 years, ages ranging from as young as five years old to working adults. Starting from 2004, I have taught at David K's Music School in San Jose, where I am still teaching currently. During my teaching career, I have assisted countless students in preparing for orchestra auditions, as well as the more advanced students for local contests and competitions. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Cello Viola Ukulele Recorder Music Acoustic Guitar

The skill level of my students range from Beginner to Intermediate. For Piano Students: My beginner students start with the Bastien Piano Basic Method Books. I assess what book level is necessary during our first lesson. Other beginner material I use are: Alfred's Basic Piano Library Lesson Books, Older Beginner Piano Course (For Adult Beginner Students), and Piano Adventures series. Book levels vary per student and some additional material may fall to the responsibility of the students family to purchase. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Cello Viola Mandolin Recorder Orchestral Percussion Music

I have been teaching music in school and giving private music lessons for voice, piano, violin, piano, cello, and viola since 2003. Aside from giving private music lessons, I also conduct and organize chamber ensembles, choir, orchestra, hand bell choir, musicals, recitals, and other public performances. I have been passionate guiding students across various musical genres, including classical and contemporary, and languages such as English, German, Italian, French, and more. Each lesson is a unique journey where we explore the art of voice, discovering the beauty in every note and phrase. Read More