Cello Lessons in Hopedale, MA

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola

When i teach a student who is just starting on a string instrument and has never played before i usually start them with the Suzuki books and cds. I find having a cd or recording to listen to and play along with is a great help. Other books i use with beginners in addition to the Suzuki books that have recordings too are Solos For Young Violinists, solos for young violists, and Fiddle Sessions by Charlie Hall, and Bela Bartok's 44 violin duets. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Music Keyboard

Methods will be by case to case basis. Children with be asked to purchase the John Thomson Piano Book series as we first dive into reading music notation, learn our Keys, and begin basic music history. If parents are interested I suggest learning alongside children to help with weekly practice. Adults will be depending on resources and goals - What makes you want to take lessons? - Who and what inspired you to do it -What genre are you looking to play *Classical Music ( My expertise) is a lot of fun but can be very demanding, I will not introduce this material unless requested* Read More

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

Teaching should never revolve around the notion that "perfection" is the ultimate" goal. This way of thinking not only provides my students with a false sense of hope, but more importantly is simply unattainable. In the modern age of playing, too often do I feel students losing sight of what is most important: the music. While good intonation and rhythm are certainly important, what I hope to instill in each of my students is a level of understanding far beyond learning the "notes" on the page. Read More

Instruments: Cello

I believe a major key to success in learning music is finding the methods and concepts that click for you. There are infinite ways to think of a phrase or harmonic relationships and I work to learn which connections make sense to you. One major takeaway from my own education has been how to listen to my playing objectively and free of self-judgement. I constantly encourage my students to develop a similar mindset, since I see self-encouragement as much more important than encouragement from a teacher or an audience. Read More

Instruments: Cello

Every student has different pace of of growth. The most important goal in my teaching for both students and myself is making a progress. Little encouragement helps students to not to lose their interest in music, and continue to work harder to improve. However, sometime little bitter reality is also needed. With a good combination of both, I lead my students to set their realistic goals and help them achieve them. Read More

Instruments: Cello

I try my best to lead all lessons with kindness and respect. If those foundations are there, I feel that is the best way to build trust with a student and motivate them to improve. I am very goal driven with my lessons, and want students to always be actively working towards both short term and long term goals while they practice. I also want to enforce the importance of repetition and consistency, as that is crucial for improvement on the instrument. Read More