Cello Lessons in Western Springs, IL

Instruments: Guitar Violin Cello Viola

My teaching philosophy is that of encouraging and inspiring my students to do their personal best in a creative, positive and enriching learning environment. I teach students of all ages using various teaching materials, focusing on the individual student’s learning style. I enjoy teaching students at various stages in their development whether they are preparing for University auditions, studying for their own enjoyment or preparing to join a local community string ensemble or orchestra. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Electric Violin Fiddle

My teaching style is a balance of a casual and relaxed attitude, and an environment that nonetheless encourages excellence and achievement to the highest level possible. I like to establish a friendly and fun atmosphere where the student feels at ease, but always help my students set goals, and hold them to standards of excellence. I also recognize and value that importance of a student enjoying lessons, and that may sometimes mean that s/he wishes to learn and play music not covered by the books and materials we use for lessons; thus, I encourage students to share with me any such music they want to work on, and we then incorporate it into our lessons. Read More

Instruments: Cello

I believe that playing the cello should be effortless natural . A student will play their best when they feel at ease with the instrument and discover how naturally and physically rewarding playing the cello can be. The materials I use with students depend completely on the student’s current playing level. With complete beginners I tend to work from the Suzuki Books or Hal Leonard’s Essential Element books and in addition supply a collection of specialized exercises, scales and warm ups focused on developing fluid technique from the start. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Ukulele Recorder Euphonium French Horn Tuba Electric Guitar Djembe

The most important philosophical concept about private lessons is this: proceed in a way that will maximize your potential to achieve an excellent goal that you can call your own. Although I am not limited to one method book or another, I typically use Arban's for trumpet lessons - with other books and repertoire along with it. My background is Suzuki violin, followed by music literacy and transposition. So, whatever method book we select, we must consider basic furthering of direct musical perceptions, in addition to achievement of stated goals. Read More

Instruments: Cello

For beginner students, I use the Suzuki method. This is what I learned on and I find it is an incredibly effective method. With the later suzuki books, I begin to incorporate the staples of the cello repertoir. I focus very heavily on scales and excercise. I believe very strongly in forming a strong basis of technique and form before conquering the greats of the repertoir. Once a student has advanced to intermediate and advanced level playing, I focus very highly on musical experession and understanding, as well as teaching the importance of stage presence and performance. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Clarinet Bass Guitar Synthesizer French Horn

At this point in time I've been blessed with the opportunities to teach in both private one-on-one tutoring settings as well as with large groups of children through volunteering, student teaching and substitute teaching. It was through the summation of these experiences that I predicted- and have ultimately discovered- that I love being a music educator. The height of what fulfills me about being a music educator is the essence of the work: Exploration and nurturing for both the student and the teacher. Read More