Cello Lessons in Upton, MA

Instruments: Piano Cello

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with teaching basic music theory, scales, and start with John Thompson's Easiest Piano Course for the piano students. For Cello beginning students, it's very important to have a correct playing position. Therefore, we will spend some time on knowing cello, position for both hands, and then we will start with Suzuki. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. 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: 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: Violin Cello Viola

When i teach a student who is just starting on a string instrument and has never played before i usually start them with the Suzuki books and cds. I find having a cd or recording to listen to and play along with is a great help. Other books i use with beginners in addition to the Suzuki books that have recordings too are Solos For Young Violinists, solos for young violists, and Fiddle Sessions by Charlie Hall, and Bela Bartok's 44 violin duets. Read More

Instruments: Cello

I primarily use Hal Leonard's Essential Elements books for all of my beginner and intermediate students, and for adult students, I supplement them with Gabriel Koeppen's Cello Method books. For more advanced students, I will work with their current repertoire to determine what skills they can further develop by assigning them new and more challenging pieces or etudes (such as Popper or Piatti) based on their needs. I assign all of my students age and level-appropriate pieces at regular intervals in addition to their books or etudes, ranging from short and simple pieces to highly technical showpieces or concertos. Read More

Instruments: Piano Cello Trumpet Trombone Flute Clarinet Double Bass Euphonium

I have over 15 years experience teaching privately as well as teaching band and orchestra in public schools. At one time I taught thirty-eight, half hour band and orchestra sessions every week. This included private Jazz ensembles and orchestra—all at the Elementary level. I taught 4th and 5th grade band and orchestra for the San Ramon Valley School District for 5 years as well as after-school ensembles for 9-11 year olds. Read More

Instruments: Piano Cello

I am trained in the Suzuki method and will typically start my beginning cello students in this if they are not already interested in another method. If you are interested in a different method I will typically alter my teaching to accommodate. Early lessons typically work on establishing a strong technical foundation so the student will be able to pursue music that speaks to them. Pianists will typically begin with Faber's early music books. Read More