Cello Lessons in Community, VA

Instruments: Piano Cello Double Bass Keyboard

I have always been passionate about the role music can play in the lives of people of any age, and have enjoyed numerous opportunities to be a part of the music education of many. My experience includes eleven years of private teaching combined with professional performance experience around the world. I have a pedagogical approach to teaching that I like to combine with the specific interests and needs of the student. Read More

Instruments: Cello

From my experience, students vary greatly in musical background, personality, and needs, so I view each new student as a blank slate. My philosophy has always been to patiently build a solid foundation and not rush into advanced pieces at the risk of accumulating bad habits. At the same time, I recognize how important it is to keep learning fun, so I negotiate the balance accordingly. The material I use consists mainly of Suzuki and Rick Mooney's technique books, with other supplementary books and pieces depending on the student's needs. Read More

Instruments: Cello

My venture R.E.M. (Relaxing Everyone thru Music) started as community service and blossomed into a sought-after entertainment service in the local area. From there, I received a scholarship from Hampton University. While in attendance, I was the principal cellist. I graduated from Hampton University with a BA Degree in Music Performance with honors. Upon graduation, I returned to the DC Metropolitan Area and has since joined the DC Strings Orchestra. Read More

Instruments: Cello

I have taught a full range of ages and abilities from adult beginners to music school bound high schoolers to classes of young children and know that every student has a unique frame of reference and set of goals. For everyone, I focus on making the instrument feel as comfortable and organic as possible calling on my background with diverse movement modalities from Feldenkrais to dance to sports. I often recommend a Suzuki track for beginner students (I am SAA certified) and I always work to find repertoire and styles which are relatable for each individual. Read More

Instruments: Piano Cello

Beginner Adult cellists:  I give adults the option of starting off in Essential Elements or moving at a faster pace with the Suzuki books.  After learning the fundamentals of playing, I then tailor the lessons to the students individual needs or tastes. Beginner children pianists:  I like using the Piano Adventures series with this group.  I usually start with the Primer book before Book 1.  For children in the 4 to 5 age group, I start off with the Pre-Reading books A thru C. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Ukulele Mandolin Recorder Lute Double Bass Mallet Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

I have been teaching private lessons for 10 years. Encouraging students to practice regularly and to have fun with their instrument is essential for the learning process. I stress the importance of these two things so that the student may develop a love for music and their instrument of choice. Also, being able to teach a variety of musical styles keeps students wanting to learn. I encourage students to not only learn written pieces, but to create their own music and individual sound. Read More

Instruments: Piano Cello Drums Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

I find that as useful as many of the methods that I have found most useful for my own performance are, almost every one of my students in drums, percussion and cello requires a different blend of study materials. As a general rule, I rely on providing a balance of classic (some teachers go as far as to say 'canonical') books, and a wide variety of unique listening and independence exercises I've developed over the years. Read More