Cello Lessons in Mar Vista, CA

Instruments: Cello

Each week at the end of their lesson, my students and I will sit down without the cello and discuss everything that they learned and everything that they need to work on for their next lesson. Together, we set small realistic goals and acknowledge accompishments with small rewards in order to nurture and embolden each student. I always encourage students to enter competitions, festivals, and other programs, as setting larger end goals can be the ultimate motivators! Read More

Instruments: Cello

I've found that keeping an open mind about methods is really helpful when dealing with beginning students, young and old. I've tought from various method series including Hal Leonard's Essential Elements, Emily Wright's A Modern Cellist's Manual, Muller Rusch, and more. While I'm not a certifited Suzuki instructor, I do teach from the Suzuki method when students or parents request it. What's important is matching the right method to the right student which I tend to determine at our initial lesson. Read More

Instruments: Cello

I began teaching at a very young age in church for various children's program. After seeing how rewarding working with children is, I began teaching music in an elementary school's after school program. I soon expanded into teaching at the middle school level, and adults. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Accordion

I use All for Strings, Suzuki, Klengel (scales) at the beginning level. I proceed to Concerto repertoire, Popper, Dotzauer etc. The usual classical repertoire. I will also transcribe popular pieces or pieces that the student enjoys to really increase motivation. I also test weekly to inform students of where their practice ability is at and what they need to improve on. I have a very effecient practice style that I have developed on my own and am quite proud of. Teaching is my life and it makes me happy to see students improve. Read More

Instruments: Piano Cello

I encourage my students to write their own pieces and perform for one another in my "musical get togethers" held in my studio or sometimes in larger venues. I have also organized 'cello ensembles that would often incorporate a singer, similar to what Pablo Casals did, 50 years ago. I tend to make learning more fun than just teaching in a strict manner - it is too much work to learn an instrument so the student might as well enjoy what he/she is doing otherwise, why do it???? Read More

Instruments: Cello

I like to create goals with the student, not just for them. In other words, I make sure the student's opinion is always taken in consideration to ensure that every goal set is within reason and that the student genuinely thinks it is realistic for them. I encourage students to keep a practice journal where they write down the amount of time they practiced, what scale and technique exercise they practiced, and the pieces they practiced. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola

I have extensive experience as a teacher as well as a performer. I bring these two accomplishments together to provide a well rounded experience for my students.  In High School, I performed with the Kansas City Youth Symphony for 8 years, the Kansas City Cello Choir for eight years, the Missouri All-State for three years, and various other honor orchestras throughout her career. While still attending Drake University, I played in the Drake Symphony Orchestra, the Des Moines Symphony and the Encore String Trio. Read More