Cello Lessons in Devens, MA

Instruments: Cello

I center the way I teach technique around what "feels" good to a student, especially older students who have already started, to make sure that we are able to prevent and respond to injuries. So, I start with stretching and will frequently refer back to exercises that are meant to integrate physical ease into playing. Aside from that, I try to balance a consistent routine/expectation of things I want to cover (asking for things a week in advance, always playing a scale at the start of the lesson, etc), while also meeting a student where they are at on the day. 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

Having grown up in a musical family (with the only exception being my dad), I have learned first hand what it takes to be a successful teacher. Although I am in no way a master teacher, I have taught primarily younger individuals ranging from 10-13. My goal is never to rush the pupil, as easy as that may be at times. This only encourages greater frustration and ultimately failure down the road. Read More

Instruments: Cello

I do not typically use method books.  With younger students, I rely on Suzuki text materials but teach using my own ergonomic, technical and musical methods that I have developed as a cellist in my own playing.   Beginner/Youth Etudes: -Scale Book -Rick Mooney Position Books -Selected Repertoire For more advanced students, I enjoy explaining and/or assigning pages to read from Diran Alexanian's Treatise on the Theory and Technique of the Violoncelliste. Read More

Instruments: Cello

My teaching experience began after I received Master of Music Education degree. I taught numerous students since then. I have exceptional experience in teaching little children learning their first instruments to upper grade students who are serious about studying music in college. Some of my students continued to study cello and became professional players themselves. For the beginner students I emphasize mastering the basics, so that they can have the good foundation to grow on. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Cello Bass Guitar

Depending on the level of the student and what they are looking to achieve through the lessons I would use a few different methods. I like to use guitar books if at all possible for beginners because its a great place to start. The fundamentals are where you have to start to build a scaffolding and practice books are great for doing this. I also like to use songs and tunes as a way of teaching different concepts. 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