Cello Lessons in Moraga, CA

Instruments: Cello

I am a lifelong student and teacher of music, and I love sharing what I've picked up over my many years of learning and performing. I have degrees from 4 institutions including The University of South Florida and The Boston Conservator, but my experiences in music extend beyond academic pursuits. I have performed classical music in Boston, Banff, Montreal, San Francisco, and Carnegie Hall, traveled to Germany to perform rock n roll, and recorded on soundtracks for movies and video games. Read More

Instruments: Cello

For beginners I like to meet the student where they are. I enjoy using unconventional training methods like using analogies and items to build the basic foundations. I also believe in methods aside from a rigid Suzuki book but playing into a student's interests. There are a number of ways to teach learn. My favorite students are those open to learning from the basics and utilizing unique exercises to build a strong foundation for success. Read More

Instruments: Cello

I graduated with a Master's Degree in Music from New York State University at Stony Brook and also earned a performance certificate from Northern Illinois University in Dekalb. My instructors include world celebrated Beaux Arts Trio cellist Bernard Greenhouse and Russian cellist Raya Garbusova. During my college years, I had toured and performed extensively with Young Artists’ Concert Chamber Music Group, which also includes televised performances. In addition to that, I was selected to appear regularly in a chamber music series in New York City with many renowned artists including violinist Raphael Hillyer, bassist Julius Levine, and clarinetist Charles Russo. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Cello Viola Ukulele Recorder Music Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

The skill level of my students range from Beginner to Intermediate. For Piano Students: My beginner students start with the Bastien Piano Basic Method Books. I assess what book level is necessary during our first lesson. Other beginner material I use are: Alfred's Basic Piano Library Lesson Books, Older Beginner Piano Course (For Adult Beginner Students), and Piano Adventures series. Book levels vary per student and some additional material may fall to the responsibility of the students family to purchase. Read More

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola Electric Violin Music

I've also found that a combination of classical and modern music can go a long way in helping students enjoy the piano and motivate them to practice and continue to learn. 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: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Viola Bass Guitar Organ Ukulele Electric Violin Music Keyboard Electric Guitar

Each student learns at their own pace and it's important to understand that not everybody learns the same. Setting both short and long term goals with the student helps me understand what they want out of lessons. This makes it easier for me to engage with them and bring it back to something relevant to them at the end of the day. For example, no child understands advanced rhythm unless you disguise it in familiar terms e.g. using the phrase "run po-ny run" to describe two eighth notes sandwiched in between to quarter notes. Read More

Instruments: Piano Cello Keyboard

For beginner students I like to start them with basic principles such as how to properly hold the bow and how to properly sit with the cello. I like to use methods such as Suzuki to work on musicality, and Essential elements to work on basics. For intermediate I like to work with the Popper etudes and the Bach Cello Suites, I also add some of the more advanced Suzuki books. Read More