Cello Lessons in Westford, MA

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola

Many times students have videoed me playing pieces i teach so they have an example to watch/follow. I use Josephine Trott double stoo books 1 2. I use Yaakov Geringas's "Shifting~Thirty Studies For Young Violinists " .there are a couple scale books i use with my students. I have quite a collection of fiddle tunes, klezmeh tunes, Gypsy music and more i like to mix in with the classical music. I have all my students perform in my student concerts or at least in some of them each year. 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: 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

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 believe patience and versatility are very important, as each student learns a different way. I set goals for each lesson and try to guide the student during the lesson into achieving them. Sometimes the goals are achieved during the lesson, and sometimes while practicing on hteir own time. I don't believe in achieving "perfection", but rather developing a solid understanding and connection with the piece, which is accomplished through putting in hard work and effort.  Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Cello Bass Guitar

I always try to guide my instruction in a fun and engaging direction to keep the student interested and motivated to get better. I am able to do this by being energetic and enthusiastic about my teaching and I feel its important to make the material matter to the student. When a student has confidence in their abilities they are able to achieve much success on their specific instrument. As I also previously mentioned, getting to know what inspires a student and knowing them on a more personal level helps develop a better student/teacher relationship and thus yields a better outcome on the instrument. Read More