Cello Lessons in Webster, MA

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

From July to December 2014, I taught individual and group lessons in the Somerville public school system. I also taught privately throughout college. Now, I am a private instructor at the Sistema Somerville program, and I also teach privately here at Musika! 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 center the way I teach technique around what "feels" good to a student, especially older students who have already started, to make sure that we are able to prevent and respond to injuries. So, I start with stretching and will frequently refer back to exercises that are meant to integrate physical ease into playing. Aside from that, I try to balance a consistent routine/expectation of things I want to cover (asking for things a week in advance, always playing a scale at the start of the lesson, etc), while also meeting a student where they are at on the day. 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

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 encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a students desire to progress, and makes students eager to learn more. By trying to find out what inspires the student, I can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs. Read More

Instruments: Cello

I try my best to lead all lessons with kindness and respect. If those foundations are there, I feel that is the best way to build trust with a student and motivate them to improve. I am very goal driven with my lessons, and want students to always be actively working towards both short term and long term goals while they practice. I also want to enforce the importance of repetition and consistency, as that is crucial for improvement on the instrument. Read More