Cello Lessons in Spotswood, NJ

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola

For beginning students, I typically start with the Suzuki Method while combining it with the Essential Elements Method. As the student learns the fundamentals I gradually add scales and exercises to further develop the student's technique. After further progress, I begin to introduce solo repertoire and add other pieces. I'm fairly flexible on what pieces the student may play in the lessons, as long as the rudiments and classic repertoire are covered. Read More

Instruments: Cello

For beginning students, I typically start with the Suzuki method books, because I think they lend themselves well to both kids and parents who are practicing with them. These books also come with accompaniment CDs which I find very important to learning. For adults, I like to have a conversation about what the student's goals are and what they are interested in and guide my instruction accordingly. For all, I want lessons to be engaging and fun, but to make real progress both in solo playing and collaboration. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Ukulele Recorder Electric Violin Double Bass Euphonium French Horn Tuba Piccolo Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Oboe Bassoon English Horn Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Effective music education is both developmentally and culturally appropriate: By working with the student to understand their interests, I hope to provide them with an experience that will enrich their musical and social life outside of the work we do together. Through infancy, I believe Music Learning Theory is effective for developing musical and linguistic skills. If a student in toddlerhood/childhood shows that they have a preferred way to express themselves musically, I will tailor lessons around the Kodaly (voice), Orff (instrumental), or Dalcroze (dance) philosophies. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Violin Cello Viola Bass Guitar Electric Violin Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For my students learning guitar, bass guitar or ukulele, I recommend the Hal Leonard Series. Depending on the age and level of the student, there are a number of options to pick from, which allows me to get just the right fit! Along with the method book, I recommend what's called a blank TAB book which is used to write down chords, exercises and songs. Although the method books are important in guiding the students' progress and developing their technique, they are just a piece of the bigger picture. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Electric Violin Fiddle

For beginner students, I use the Essential Elements for strings (books 1 and 2). In conjunction with these books, I select a repertoire that corresponds with their current abilities, and work my way up from there. For adults and more advanced students, I use various technical studies such as Sevcik, Kreutzer, and Rode, and standard Rep using the International editions. Regardless of the age or skill level, I always strive to maintain constant engagement and motivation throughout my lessons, whether online or in person. Read More

Instruments: Cello

We should be cautious about what we say to avoid any miscommunication. All students should be treated the same. The important aspect would be its ability. Standards would remain the same for all based on individual abilities. In addition, encouragement with some gentle push is crucial. I encourage my students to participate in performances even if they are scared. They improve much faster by practicing or even competing along with their peers. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola

However, I do not teach the Suzuki method. I use the book for the songs and exercises in the book. I also like all students to work from a theory book. When we learn how to speak, we also learn how to read and write in our language. I believe that the same is important for music. I use different books for adults and children. As for continuing students, I will see what they know and continue from there. Read More