Cello Lessons in West Springfield, VA

Instruments: Cello

I am a recent conservatory graduate with a sincere love for both classical music and teaching. I spent much of my childhood and adolescence learning cello and piano, went into electrical engineering out of high school, and ended up somewhere in the middle studying audio engineering and cello performance. During my college years, I was given the opportunity to share my passion for cello with some children from my church, and after discovering how much I loved teaching music, I knew I had to enroll in some pedagogy classes. Read More

Instruments: Cello

I often try to get my students to hear what I hear in their playing by asking them questions. My goal is that the questions that I ask of them will be the questions they begin to ask themselves in their personal practice. Instead of telling a student directly that they may be playing a rhythm incorrectly or that they need to correct their bow technique, I ask them to reexamine that aspect of their playing and they often come up with the solution with some guidance. Read More

Instruments: Piano Cello Drums Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

I find that as useful as many of the methods that I have found most useful for my own performance are, almost every one of my students in drums, percussion and cello requires a different blend of study materials. As a general rule, I rely on providing a balance of classic (some teachers go as far as to say 'canonical') books, and a wide variety of unique listening and independence exercises I've developed over the years. Read More

Instruments: Cello

I have taught a full range of ages and abilities from adult beginners to music school bound high schoolers to classes of young children and know that every student has a unique frame of reference and set of goals. For everyone, I focus on making the instrument feel as comfortable and organic as possible calling on my background with diverse movement modalities from Feldenkrais to dance to sports. I often recommend a Suzuki track for beginner students (I am SAA certified) and I always work to find repertoire and styles which are relatable for each individual. Read More

Instruments: Cello

I am down-to-earth and laid-back, yet organized and focused in lessons. It is important to me that each student makes steady progress and their own pace, which I encourage through setting realistic goals for all students at each lesson. I find this a successful tool in students of all ages, from 3 thru adults. In breaking tasks down to small parts and building a foundation for solid cello playing, I find my students motivated, constantly progressing, and enjoying their time spent with the cello. Read More

Instruments: Piano Cello

My first experience giving private lessons was at a summer music camp right before my senior year in high school.  I have consistently taught piano and cello students for over 10 years independently and as an affiliate of local music stores.  My goal as a teacher is for each of my students to make gradual progress each week as they become more proficient with their exercises and music.  I hold at least 2 recitals a year which I strongly encourage everyone to take part in. Read More

Instruments: Piano Cello Double Bass Keyboard

My teaching style revolves around the interest of the student combined with my overall experience with one ultimate goal being that the student will develop the tools to teach themselves along the way. I like to use relevant recordings to play along with as well as simply recording the student and playing it back during the lesson. I will keep a written log of our progress and will have it available for the student as a reference as well as encouraging them to do the same. Read More