Music Lessons in Burgettstown, PA

Instruments: Cello

How do I know if my child is ready to start lessons?
In my experience, when a child can speak and say their ABCs, they can start learning a stringed instrument. Their are many games and songs that help little ones learn while having fun!

What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
I recommend writing down your game plan before starting a practice session. Take into consideration not only what your teacher assigned, but the amount of time you have allotted for your practice that day. Break down each assignment into manageable chunks and don't worry if you don't get through everything! It's more effective to have quality over quantity!

When did you decide to become a professional musician? Was it a gradual decision or was there a defining moment for you?
I started playing the cello at age 9, but it wasn’t until I was 15 years old that I decided I wanted to be a professional musician. The defining moment was when I was performing in my local youth orchestra. We were performing a piece called The Pines of Rome. In one part of the music, I was so moved that I tears came to my eyes. It was so overwhelming and I knew then and there that I wanted to turn my music-making into a career.

Do you use specific teaching methods or books? (Ex: Alfred, Bastion, Suzuki, Hal Leonard) Why did you choose them if you did?
I have a few standard books I use for most of my students. For scales, Technical Studies, Volume One by Klengel. The author was also a cellist and I like his various options for scale study. It keeps things interesting! For facility, I like a book by Cossman. It may appear tedious, but the exercises are super effective! For more musical etudes, I like Sevcik, Duport, Piatti and Popper. I prescribe these fro my more advanced students and continue to practice them myself. The teach many techniques while remaining beautiful pieces. The book series I assign my beginners is called "Artistry in Strings" by Robert S. Frost. I love how they color-code the strings in the Introductory book. This is particulary useful for little kids beginning the cello. I also use the Suzuki Cello School books. I am certified iin Book 1, but really love using all of the volumes as they are pieces that coincide very logically with students' technical progress. A series that supplements the Suzuki books is called Position Pieces by Rick Mooney. These last two go hand-in-hand for successful skill development.

When will I start to see results?
WIth consistent practicing, you will see/hear progress every week. Sometimes the progress is slow, but it is there! Sometimes, a student will have breakthroughs and giant leaps are accomplished in a short period. No matter what, I tell my students to “trust the process”. By that I mean, follow what your private teacher assigns and you will become better and better!

What musical accomplishments are you most proud of?
When I was little, I had terrible stage fright. Not only on the cello, but also in little roles I had in school plays. I could barely stammer out my lines! As a cello player, my hands trembled so much when I performed that I could barely play! I was so determined to be a professional cellist, so I read all the performance books I could get my hands on. Many of the techniques I learned to train for the stage were found not only in books for musicians, but also for sports. Between those mental toughness techniques and just pushing myself to get out there, I have conquered stage fright! Not only am I comfortable performing on stage, but also with speaking to the audience. I have grown to love being a performer!

Read More