Cello Lessons in Culver City, CA

Instruments: Cello

It's important to move at the student's pace - whatever speed that may be. It's important to build a solid foundation but that doesn't necessarily mean mastery or perfection. It's easy to lose interest if stuck on one piece to long so we'll move through the material as quickly or as slowly as the student desires as long as the foundation is there. Supplementary material is worked in as well to keep things interesting and each lesson unique and fun. Read More

Instruments: Voice Cello Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion

I use a developmentally appropriate approach for preschoolers based on the Music Together curriculum. For ages 6 to 8, I offer Musical Safari, an overview of many instruments with basis in theory, solfege and reading, helping children and parents make the right choice of instruments based on the student's interest. For adult voice I favor the clippinger method added to my choir master experience where besides the technique, I customize the songs you want to learn with personalized arrangements in your most comfortable key. 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

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Hal Leonards Essential Elements book, as well a basic understanding of music. Once the student has progressed to have a nice grasp of the fundamentals of music, I usually begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. I also believe in the importance of listening to as many professional recordings as possible of the instrument the student is taking lessons on. Read More

Instruments: Piano Cello

I hold various Principal 'cello positions, co-founded the Polish Music Reference Center at USC with Wanda Wilk, in the 1980's; co-founded Symphony 47 with Floyd Clark and had my New American Quartet for over 18 years, which also toured England, in 1997. I performed many overseas concerts; was Yo Yo Ma's pre-concert lecturer at the Wadsworth in 1994; coached Samuel L. Jackson for his movie role as a 'cello playing cop in 2000, and performed with Herbie Hancock in a World Peace concert in 2008, with my quartet. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola

For beginning string student's, I use Essential Elements for Strings and Schroeder method books. Once the student has grasped the basic fundamentals and note reading, I begin to introduce solo repertoire from the Suzuki String method. Along with technical studies and solo repertoire, the student will learn scales ranging from one to four octaves. For beginning piano student's, I use the Bastein Piano series. This method is complete with a method book, solo repertoire, theory studies and scales. 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

Instruments: Cello Music

Seeing my students enjoy and grow in their passion for music is the most rewarding part in my teaching. I can be a tiger teacher but at the same time be very patient, flexible, supporting, and open to listen to my students. I value communication with my students during every lesson, making sure if they are following along. I consistently ask questions to my students about how they feel, their opinions, or what they’re struggling with. Read More