Cello Lessons in Mahwah, NJ

Instruments: Cello

My teaching experience dates back to my college days, as I began teaching private lessons 25 years ago. Encouraging regular practice on a consistent schedule is one of the key points I like to emphasize for younger students, as it tends to help the student progress and gain a passion for the instrument. If a student isn't having fun in their lessons, then I'm not doing my job! My students are encouraged to enter competitions and recitals, as well as work on composing their own original material, so they can feel good about their accomplishments and stay motivated to learn. Read More

Instruments: Cello

I'm all about being honest with my students, and I love it when my students are honest with me--even difficult questions such as: do I really like the cello? I want my students to enjoy our lessons, and I will be doing all I can to show you how fun it can be. Questions that might be helpful for students to think about are: what kind of music do you like? how much time could you practice every day? what other interests/sports/activities do you pursue apart from school? Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Cello Bass Guitar Recorder Double Bass Keyboard

I have seen how music education helps my students become great thinkers, community leaders and artists themselves. As a teacher, I strive to engage students by nurturing their passion and curiosity for the arts and learning as a whole. It is my goal to help my students take what they learn through music and apply those skills to other areas in their lives, much as many of my mentors have done with me. Read More

Instruments: Cello

For beginning students, I typically start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements and "I Can Read Music" to get acquainted with the basic techniques of the instrument and note reading. It is always more fun to play with others, so I typically start playing duets with students as early as possible. For older and more advanced students, I begin with scales and etudes suited towards their needs, followed by a solo or concerto piece for cello, and then end the lesson with a duet or time to work on orchestral music, improvising, or any fun piece that the students request. Read More

Instruments: Piano Cello

I believe that I'm an understanding and kind teacher, but I will also be strict enough where students will end up slacking off. It's important that students advance at an appropriate pace - I don't want students to end up wasting their money, their time, and my time. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson, and give them tips on how to further improve their playing. Read More

Instruments: Cello

I very much believe in a dialogue between student and teacher - the relationship is very much a two-way street, as we can both learn from one another in many ways. I dont have a dogmatic, one size fits all approach; rather, I adjust to each individual student and his or her own needs. I do believe in laying the groundwork through fundamental technical training, however I approach this in different ways with each student based on learning styles. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Double Bass Keyboard

I use a variety of method books--Bastien, Hal Leonard, John Thompson, and Faber are all favorites of mine for piano. For strings, I stand by the Suzuki method and String Builder series. All lessons are supplemented with sheet music that I print out myself for free on imslp.org, so you get that free of charge! Young children (Ages 0-7), if they are mature enough to sit through a short lesson, learn mostly through play. Read More