Cello Lessons in Mountainside, NJ

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: Cello

Even while getting my Bachelor and Master’s degrees at The Juilliard School, I knew that I wanted to explore more kinds of music. Strong fundamentals are necessary for every student, but from there every student should be able to explore the music that inspires them! I’ve spent over 13 years fusing my classical training with other genres: pop, rock, funk, EDM, folk, world, jazz, you name it. With my violin/cello duo, ARKAI, I’m on a mission to expand the possibilities of what a cello can do. Read More

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola

For very beginning students, I usually start with the Suzuki Method Books and All For Strings Comprehensive String Method Books. I usually encourage my students to read music, but for the youngest students I start by playing with them and having them copy me. Once they are ready, I start teaching them basic music theory that will help them read music. For intermediate to advanced players I institute a routine of practicing scales and etudes as well as a solo piece that is appropriate for their ability level. Read More

Instruments: Cello

One of the keys to learning a musical instrument well is patience and comfort. So regardless of age or experience, I begin with scales. As the famous cellist Paul Tortelier said, "Scales are the language of music." Once there is a solid grasp on this fundamental, I progress to teaching simple etudes, and at the same time solo pieces within the student's ability. Read More

Instruments: Piano Cello

I am a senior at Northwestern University's Bienen School of Music. I have experience in cello performance, piano performance, orchestral music, and chamber music. I have studied with various prestigious music instructors and attended various music festivals, including the Interharmony Music Festival, Meadowmount School of Music, and the Aspen School of Music. My cello instructors have included Anthony Kitai, Brinton Smith, Lachezar Kostov, Michael Mermagen, Hans Jensen, Vagram Saradjian, and Misha Quint. Read More

Instruments: Cello

In private lessons, through the assignment of scales, arpeggios, technical exercises, etudes, and solo work, students gain a progressive yet sound understanding of technique. Students develop an internal map of the fingerboard, learn how to accurately and consistently arrive in positions, have the flexibility of creating their own a fingerings, understand the fundamentals of sound production, bowing styles, and how to use these techniques as an aid to music making. Read More

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