Cello Lessons in Winthrop, MA

Instruments: Piano Cello

I am trained in the Suzuki method and will typically start my beginning cello students in this if they are not already interested in another method. If you are interested in a different method I will typically alter my teaching to accommodate. Early lessons typically work on establishing a strong technical foundation so the student will be able to pursue music that speaks to them. Pianists will typically begin with Faber's early music books. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Music Keyboard

I began teaching Piano and Violin at the age of 15 to people between the ages of 4 to 65. This eventually moved on to classroom settings for strings and Chorus. One thing Ive learned from all this time is that people want to be able to actually PLAY and have FUN. Music Theory and the Fundamentals are are important but the engagement and the motivation to maintain consistent work over the course of our time together! Read More

Instruments: Cello

My teaching philosophy is to inspire in my students a love and passion for discovering the musical possibilities of the cello, and providing engaging and enjoyable instruction with continuous support and encouragement is one of the primary ways I hope to achieve this. When I begin working with a student for the first time, I discuss with them to figure out their needs and requests, and we work together to set consistent goals that they can be proud of achieving, motivating them to continue learning and progressing. 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

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

For beginning students I start with the Suzuki cello books, and teach books 1 to 5. I reinforce the Suzuki with pop/ non-classical songs, depending on the student's interest. After Suzuki 5, which is well into the intermediate level, I introduce individual works (small concerto's, sonatas, etc.) and cater them towards the student's ability and interest. For younger or beginner students, I reinforce the Suzuki books with sight-reading, and as they progress, I add in etude studies.  Read More

Instruments: Cello

My teaching experience began when I took a course entitled String Pedagogy in college, where I was first introduced to the importance of an organized and effective pedagogical approach. Through that class, I was able to begin teaching private and group lessons to cellists in Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra's Intensive Community Program. I taught there weekly while taking classes in pedagogy for two years, and immediately was hooked on the challenging but rewarding experience of teaching music. Read More