Cello Lessons in Highland City, FL

Instruments: Piano Guitar Cello

I use the Suzuki method for strings. I was classically trained in this method. I find that this method is an excellent way for beginners to gain basic technique and learn at their own pace. It is also great for intermediate students as the transition into this method does not take long once I have evaluated the student's skill level. The most important part of what I teach is to HAVE FUN! Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Cello Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer Ukulele Double Bass Euphonium French Horn Tuba Piccolo Orchestral Percussion Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

The most important thing for me when it comes to teaching is knowing that my student is progressing but also enjoying their experience overall, another very important factor is overall retention of the information. Every person is different so there is really no cut and dry method of teaching, keeping this in mind the experience for everyone should be unique in a way. By setting routines together Im sure we could come to an agreement on how we could both help each other achieve our goals and succeed. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Fiddle Double Bass Music Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

When I finally signed up for professional guitar lessons, I found that there were not just many things to learn, but many things to unlearn. I went back to school to study music at Florida Southern College in Lakeland Florida where I learned Voice and String Pedagogy. After graduating, I taught in the public school system for several years and left to establish my own private studio where I had almost 30 students at one time. Read More

Instruments: Violin Cello Flute

My approach to teaching varies with the age level of each student. With younger students, imitation is often one of the best methods of learning and I prefer the Suzuki method for students up to age 8, especially with strings. For older children and adults, learning music notation and basic music theory for a full understanding of musical language are more important to get them to the level where they can learn any music that they want to play for fun. Read More

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola

I've also found that a combination of classical and popular music can go a long way in helping students enjoy any string instrument and motivate them to practice and continue to learn. If a student isn't having fun in their lessons, then I am not doing my job! I thoroughly believe in the practice cycle. If a student practices well, they get better, they want to play more, and they practice more. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola

For beginning cello students of all ages, I normally use one of my teacher's method books: Cellocity by Helga Winold of Indiana University. As my cello students progress, I slowly introduce smaller pieces that can normally be found in Suzuki method books. After my cello students have advanced significantly, I begin to introduce more complex pieces that are found in the standard cello repertoire. Eventually, my students reach a level where they gain the ability to gauge their experience level and select their own pieces with my approval. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Electric Violin Fiddle Double Bass

I begin with developing sheet music literacy in my students right off the bat if they have no experience in reading music. I believe music literacy is one of the most important aspects of learning an instrument. I've always said, "not being able to read sheet music is like trying to be a writer who can't read, it makes no sense". I also begin with teaching proper form. Meaning how to hold the instrument and how to use proper technique. Read More