Cello Lessons in Ridgewood, NJ

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola

I typically begin a piano student's first lesson, with the Bastien Piano series. This is geared at kid's, but, for adults, I use various other beginner books! In addition to this, I pride myself on teaching all students, how to best play popular music, using a full range of chords, not typically taught. I get students learning quickly and more importantly, correctly, so they are prepared out there, in the real musical world! 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: Cello

I truly appreciate all efforts to produce sound. I am never bored or impatient! My approach to my students is informal, unpressured and encouraging. I play with my students all the time, creating occasions for performance and giving my students contexts for taking pride in their musical achievements. I feel that playing should not be an isolating experience but something to be shared. I organize groups every year: beginner and advanced kids; beginner, intermediate and advanced adults. 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: Cello

For beginners, I usually start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements books and Suzuki books 1-3 and supplement them with technical exercises. Once the student is comfortable with the fundamentals, I introduce appropriate cello solos and etude books. For children, I like to assign a well-rounded repertoire from various time periods and styles. Students of all ages can request to learn music that they find exciting. With adult students, I prefer to let the student direct repertoire choices according to their particular musical passions. Read More

Instruments: Cello

For beginning students, I typically start with Suzuki repertories with classical cello training. I have received Suzuki training at Cleveland of the Institute of Music. I emphasize on scales and etudes which are foundations for cello playing. In addition, I will begin to introduce a solo repertoire appropriate for their first performance. I try to make lessons effective and fun. For advanced students, I would also emphasize musical ideals with techniques. 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