Cello Lessons in River Vale, NJ

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Electric Violin Fiddle

Although I can teach various genres of music, my musical personal favorite is classical, which had great influence on my style of playing. I love music because it has always been my passion and driving force in my life. I teach music because it's not only an essential subject in academics, but also provides students with a creative outlet to express themselves and create meaningful connections with others in an orchestral setting. Read More

Instruments: Cello

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music! Therefore, it's important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I emphasize the importance of basics therefore I usually spend more time developing a solid fundamental skillI that allows my students to progress faster later on when they start playing solo pieces. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. Read More

Instruments: Cello

I teach anyone who shares the passion for cello (or violin, or chamber music). I tend to attract many adults who always wanted to play the cello, but postponed it, and finally decided its now or never. Similarly, I teach a number of adults who played through adolescence, but quit, and now want to return to playing. Ive been teaching since I was a teen-ager, and fortunately, multiple decades later, Im still cherishing every student, every moment of music making. Read More

Instruments: Cello

As an educator, I create a safe and healthy environment for learning. Realistic goals are set in consultation with students and are dependent on a variety of factors (work schedule, home life, travel, etc.) With consistent attendance and outside preparation, students will understand the principles of proper cello playing technique, gain the ability to read music notation, understand basic concepts of music theory, and learn how to apply practical and healthy practicing habits. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Double Bass Keyboard

I use a variety of method books--Bastien, Hal Leonard, John Thompson, and Faber are all favorites of mine for piano. For strings, I stand by the Suzuki method and String Builder series. All lessons are supplemented with sheet music that I print out myself for free on imslp.org, so you get that free of charge! Young children (Ages 0-7), if they are mature enough to sit through a short lesson, learn mostly through play. 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

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