Cello Lessons in Pleasantville, NY

Instruments: Piano Cello Drums Orchestral Percussion

My approach to teaching is completely different for each and every student. First and foremost, I first try to understand the student's pace and his/her previous knowledge in the respective instrument. That way, I can assign personalized practice routines to get them started. From there, I start to set goals, push their potential, and leap towards challenges that pushes the student's passion and curiosity. Ultimately, the goals I set for myself as a teacher is to provide the student with the ability to practice smart, diligently, and push their own creative minds into the music. Read More

Instruments: Cello

I grew up as a cellist in El Sistema, a huge educational system in Venezuela thats famous for its innovative process and for creating among other great musicians, Gustavo Dudamel and the Simon Bolivar Youth Orchestra. El Sistema relies heavily on the buddy system, which means that as I learned and was taking lessons from cellists who werent that much older than me, I was also teaching lessons and translating for masterclasses by the time I was 12. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Keyboard

My work with the DCYOP, an El-Sistema inspired program, involves teaching the basics of playing the violin, viola, cello and music theory, adjudicating students’ progress, leading sectionals and full rehearsals in various DC schools, some from the most underserved communities. Highlights are having all the different schools come together for a large performance at the Kennedy Center and the students performances with Yo-Yo Ma, Joshua Bell and Esperanza Spalding. I’ve also facilitated many youth orchestra performances and summer camps as string teaching artist in DC and Maryland showcasing that I can motivate the students to a high quality performance regardless of the amount of time. Read More

Instruments: Cello

I have always liked this statement: "The only difference between a student and a teacher is that the teacher gets the student to where the teacher is only quicker." Sometimes students would feel agitated about practice. I would try to instill the desire and patience into the student to make them realize the rewards of hard work and practice. I also understand the importance of embracing the diverse cultural backgrounds. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Bass Guitar Synthesizer Double Bass Music Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

Adult students can opt to go to the next book in the series (Book II and III of the 'modern' piano course). For String students I am comfortable in the 'Essential Elements' series, 'String Builder' series and 'All for Strings' methods as an excellent base with which to start. For Guitar Students I am a fan of 'Alfred's Basic Guitar Method' Books 1-3. For Bass guitar students I prefer 'Mel Bay's Bass Guitar Method. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Bass Guitar Organ Accordion Ukulele Double Bass Keyboard

The learning process should be, for the most part, fun and based upon a strong relationship between the teacher and the student. Curriculum and lesson plans are based on student's abilities and aspirations with appropriate balance between theoretical and practical work. The lesson material is always carefully chosen, and when necessary, adapted to specific learning needs. With a proper approach, everyone can learn to play music. Whether you want to pursue a music career, or just play for fun and enjoyment I can help you attain your goals. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music! I strive to find an individual approach to each student and it's important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. While daily practice is necessary for quicker progress, not every student has the time for it. So I teach my students how to use the time allocated for personal practice more effectively and how to develop good practice habits. Read More