Cello Lessons in Westwood, MA

Instruments: Cello

 This text can be found on IMSLP.  When using this text, I like to have a dialogue with my student regarding the ideas in order to sort through any confusion or comfort problems so that we can begin refining the priniciples this text lays down from beginner to virtuoso cellist.   Advanced to Very Advanced/ Adult Etudes: -Popper High School for Cello Playing -Piatti 12 Caprices for Cello -Various Virtuoso Repertoire -Scales in universal fingering 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: Violin Cello Viola

I taught at the Boston Conservatory extension program when it existed. I went to japan and saw Suzuki as part of my training for teaching the Suzuki method. I belong to ASTA and SAA , SMS and AFM I've had students playing in the suzuki festivals. Students I've taught are now having excellent careers as professional musicians. I love to coach my students in chamber music. Several of my students have played in some excellent youth orchestras I have been giving lessons for almost 4 decades. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Cello Bass Guitar

Depending on the level of the student and what they are looking to achieve through the lessons I would use a few different methods. I like to use guitar books if at all possible for beginners because its a great place to start. The fundamentals are where you have to start to build a scaffolding and practice books are great for doing this. I also like to use songs and tunes as a way of teaching different concepts. Read More

Instruments: Cello

Teaching should never revolve around the notion that "perfection" is the ultimate" goal. This way of thinking not only provides my students with a false sense of hope, but more importantly is simply unattainable. In the modern age of playing, too often do I feel students losing sight of what is most important: the music. While good intonation and rhythm are certainly important, what I hope to instill in each of my students is a level of understanding far beyond learning the "notes" on the page. Read More

Instruments: Cello

Every student has different pace of of growth. The most important goal in my teaching for both students and myself is making a progress. Little encouragement helps students to not to lose their interest in music, and continue to work harder to improve. However, sometime little bitter reality is also needed. With a good combination of both, I lead my students to set their realistic goals and help them achieve them. Read More

Instruments: Cello

I've been teaching the cello and music to individuals and ensembles for ten years. During my undergraduate degree, I taught with the Virginia Tech String Project. From conducting, coaching sectionals, and helping students with technique during rehearsals, I gained many of the teaching methods and practices I keep today. I also co-taught string ensembles at the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra Summer Music Institute. In these camps, teachers and students together had a week to program, practice, and perform a concert. Read More