Cello Lessons in Rectortown, VA

Instruments: Piano Cello Double Bass Keyboard

My teaching style revolves around the interest of the student combined with my overall experience with one ultimate goal being that the student will develop the tools to teach themselves along the way. I like to use relevant recordings to play along with as well as simply recording the student and playing it back during the lesson. I will keep a written log of our progress and will have it available for the student as a reference as well as encouraging them to do the same. Read More

Instruments: Piano Cello Drums Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

I find that as useful as many of the methods that I have found most useful for my own performance are, almost every one of my students in drums, percussion and cello requires a different blend of study materials. As a general rule, I rely on providing a balance of classic (some teachers go as far as to say 'canonical') books, and a wide variety of unique listening and independence exercises I've developed over the years. Read More

Instruments: Cello

My teaching experience actually started with tutoring friends and classmates in math and occasionally other subjects. I find that most principles of teaching are cross-disciplinary though, and it did not take me long to feel comfortable teaching cello. I maintained a small personal studio for about three years, during which time I also had a temporary gig introducing music to children with disabilities. As much as I can obsess over mastering my own skills and hobbies, it somehow makes me even happier to see and nurture that growth in others. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Ukulele Mandolin Recorder Lute Double Bass Mallet Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

I started out at the age of nine playing the trumpet, and continued this for two years before switching to piano. Ultimately, I found my love in playing the guitar, and took lessons for two years. As time went on, I advanced as a guitarist and actually expanded into new musical instruments. I began playing in local rock and r&b bands at the age of 15. These were some of my most influential experiences, as they expanded my musical tastes into jazz fusion, swing, standards and Latin Jazz. After graduating high school, I attended community college and then went to New York to study jazz theory, where I played a few sets with Sweetback in 2000 that led up to being asked to play with the band. Read More

Instruments: Piano Cello

Beginner school-aged cellists:  I start this group off in the Essential Elements book 1 to ensure that the student is getting the fundamentals or theory and technique.  After the student feels comfortable playing with the bow, I add the Suzuki book 1 to the repertoire.  After completing Essential Elements Book 1, I then like to introduce the Schroeder etudes in addition to continuing to work our way through all 8 books in the Suzuki series. Read More

Instruments: Cello

In every student/teacher partnership I undertake, we work together to explore how the brain works consciously and subconsciously to interpret and assimilate information so that when we play the instrument we move and produce sound with integrity. Lessons are always based on questions, dialogue, feedback, and interaction in order to organically meet students needs in the most effective and positive way possible. Read More