Cello Lessons in El Cerrito, CA

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola Electric Violin Music

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music! Therefore, it's important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a students desire to progress, and makes students eager to learn more. By trying to find out what inspires the student, I can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs.. 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

As a passionate player, my teaching style heavily relies on sharing and developing my students' excitement for the cello. My educational background in music history, music theory, and body awareness combined with a personal dedication to expressiveness, creativity, and technology help to organize a well-rounded experience for my students. As each student begins different needs, goals, and abilities, I heavily rely on the "beginning with the end in mind" mindset for each individual student. Read More

Instruments: Cello

Besides performing, I have devoted most of my time to teaching. I have 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

For the Advanced Beginner to Intermediate students (both adults and children) I use a mix of the higher level of all series listed above and a series of pieces that will challenge my students to explore their musicality, expression, awareness, and technical skills. For Cello Students: My beginner to intermediate cello students are taught using a combination the the following method books: All for Strings, Belwin Course for Strings, The ABC's of Cello, and Strictly Strings. Read More

Instruments: Cello

For younger students and beginners, I like to keep lessons fun and short, allowing them to learns the elements of playing while enjoying the thrill of making beautiful sounds. I like to start with New Direction for Strings for fundamentals and short songs , while peppering in pieces from the suzuki books and fun exercises I've picked up along the way to facilitate learning away from the instrument. For more experienced students, I like to make a musical diet of etudes, scales, exercises, and repertoire to facilitate a well rounded technique, dexterity, and musical freedom. Read More

Instruments: Piano Cello Keyboard

I try to balance the needs of my students and work to strengthen their musical weaknesses for example working on Vibrato or bow distribution. Usually, I like to spend 10 minutes warming up both hands with long tones, scales, arpeggios, and other fun exercises. During the next 30 minutes, we tend to focus on fixing issues relating to the music such as rhythms or intonation issues. In the last 20 minutes of the lesson I tend to focus on musicality and finding inspiration to give to my students so they can exploit their potential. Read More