Cello Lessons in Sterling, MA

Instruments: Cello

With beginning students, I use exercises from Suzuki and Essential Elements books as a basis for note reading, but I also frequently use "echo" or "call-and-response" playing. I find this is especially important in developing a student's ear for pitch and tone early on. As a student progresses and their musical interests develop, I combine standard classical repertoire that I grew up playing with song transcriptions of film, jazz, and rock music formatted to match each student's ability level and current technical goals. Read More

Instruments: Cello

As student, I always took note of ideas that were mentioned to me in my lessons and then experimented further with those ideas teachers gave me.  I believe that a student should take on self-initiated approach to their instrumet.  Guidance is key during my lessons.  I have limited experience with younger children; however, my same ideology would apply for any age.   I aim to make music intuitive, conversational, and practical. Read More

Instruments: Cello

For beginning students I start with the Suzuki cello books, and teach books 1 to 5. I reinforce the Suzuki with pop/ non-classical songs, depending on the student's interest. After Suzuki 5, which is well into the intermediate level, I introduce individual works (small concerto's, sonatas, etc.) and cater them towards the student's ability and interest. For younger or beginner students, I reinforce the Suzuki books with sight-reading, and as they progress, I add in etude studies.  Read More

Instruments: Cello

I do not use any particular "methods" of teaching, although I did begin out on Suzuki. And while I do believe this is an important methodogy, Suzuki does have its flaws as do most of its kind. As I mentioned earlier, theory, harmony, and music history (as rudimentary as they may be at the beginning) are crucial for all students regardless of their level. The more one knows about the piece, the easier it will be to interpret and understand what the composer is asking for. Read More

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola

I taught at the Boston Conservatory extension program when it existed. I went to japan and saw Suzuki as part of my training for teaching the Suzuki method. I belong to ASTA and SAA , SMS and AFM I've had students playing in the suzuki festivals. Students I've taught are now having excellent careers as professional musicians. I love to coach my students in chamber music. Several of my students have played in some excellent youth orchestras I have been giving lessons for almost 4 decades. Read More

Instruments: Cello

I recently began registration with the Suzuki Association of the Americas, and am in the process of becoming a Suzuki certified teacher for Book 1. I find the Suzuki method extremely helpful for starting young students, however I also like to use other resources such as the Essential Elements book for beginners. I also want to focus heavily on note reading and sight reading at a younger age, so students have a solid foundation if and when they become members of orchestras or other ensembles. Read More

Instruments: Piano Cello

In addition to my private studio, I have taught as a private instructor, both through music schools in the central NY area and at Ithaca College in Ithaca NY. I have maintained a private studio since early in my undergraduate degree (6 years ago). I am most experienced in classical cello at all levels of experience and all ages, but will adapt my teaching depending on the interests of the student. Read More