Cello Lessons in Oakland, CA

Instruments: Cello

For beginning students, I usually begin heavily with physical technique, music theory exercises, and scales. From there, I use Rick Mooney's Position Pieces as well as solo repertoire from the Suzuki books to develop musicality and efficiency. The solo works chosen are designed to work toward the interests and goals of the students (competitions and/or genre interests). For advanced or adult students, I treat our lessons more broadly, integrating cello playing, music history, and an exploration of the genre as a whole to establish passion and long-term goals. Read More

Instruments: Cello

My goal is not to make my students play like me but to play more like themselves. I aim to give useful tips, exercises, and musical options as opposed to rigid rules. The beauty of playing is in the nuances that an individual can bring to a performance, so I try to let that individuality shine. I encourage this freedom more specifically through a strong technical foundation. The more secure a player's technique becomes the easier it becomes to express their ideas. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Cello Viola Mandolin Recorder Orchestral Percussion Music

I use various methods, books that will fit the student's needs. For instrumental, I use theory book with written activity that helps the student understand the fundamentals of music. In addition, I use various exercise and performance books that will develop the student's skill and master the instrument. For voice, I teach various vocal exercises and vocal techniques that will develop the student's voice. I have been passionate guiding students across various musical genres, including classical and contemporary, and languages such as English, German, Italian, French, and more. 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: Cello

I believe a student's progress depends on how motivated they feel during practices, so I work with students while putting emphasis on patience and encouragement. As a usual protocol for beginning students, I start with one active scale and an easy Suzuki solo piece (ex. Twinkle Twinkle Little Star), slowly introducing simple etudes when progress is noted. I usually demonstrate a piece before assigning it to the students for homework so that they have a better idea of what the piece should sound like in terms of both tempo and how the notes should be carried. Read More

Instruments: Cello

My teaching was primarily during my time as a music student in college, I have since taken part of various community orchestras and teach as a side hobby. My primary job is in the medical field. I have taught middle and high school students and lead multiple sectionals in my previous college years as a cellist. I graduated with a doctorate in Audiology, pursuing a career involving the sense of hearing. Read More

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

Teaching is a passion of mine that I hope to further expand upon in my post-graduate educational studies. I do my best to provide a personalized lesson that is designed to suit a students playing style.I like to acknowledge a students accomplishments to help encourage their accomplishments. By acknowledging a students accomplishments it helps them thrive and eager to tackle further challenges both in music and their lives. I want my students to enjoy practicing and grow their love for their respective instruments. Read More