Ryan D
Instruments: Piano, Cello
Styles: Classical, Electronic
Ryan D
Instruments: Piano, Cello
Styles:
Classical, Electronic
Where I Teach:
Ages Taught: 3-80
I've been studying cello for 16 years and have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from Drake University. I am also on the substitute list in the Des Moines Symphony cello section as well as the Sioux City Symphony cello section. I enjoy teaching cello lessons because I can help students become better while also giving them a greater appreciation of music. In addition to this I enjoy how music can be interpreted different ways and I can teach the basics while also helping students create their own interpretations to music. Interpretation is what makes them a unique cellist and that is my goal with my students.
My teaching experience started in college. I learned cello pedagogy from my cello professor at Drake University and have continued teaching cello since then and after I graduated. I also have extensive orchestra experience. Throughout elementary, middle, and high school I was a member of the South Dakota Symphony Youth Orchestra cello section. During college I was member of the Drake Symphony Orchestra. Currently, I am on the sub list of the Des Moines Symphony Orchestra and Sioux City Symphony Orchestra. During high school I won several competitions, including the Lucy Weed competition and MTNA competition.
For beginners I use the first suzuki books while also teaching scales to teach theory as well as hand positions. After the first suzuki book, I assign my own pieces based on the students interests or what I think would help their technique. Since all students are different, assign pieces based on what I think would help them improve the most. I also assign music from a variety of composers to teach students different styles and different musical periods. For example, Brahms has a different tone and vibrato than Beethoven, so I would teach that to students.
I help students have an efficient position in order to play in tune and feel relaxed. I also focus on intonation, rhythm, and musical interpretation. In order to teach interpretation I show different ways to phrase the music with dynamics, tempo, bow stroke, and tone. For beginners, I focus on tone quality because most beginners do not know how to correctly use the bow to make a warm sound. For more advanced players, I would focus on more phrasing techniques in order to create a more original interpretation of certain pieces.
Check out our A+
Rating from the Better Business Bureau
100% Risk-Free Trial Lesson
If you are not satisfied after your trial lesson, you will not be charged and we can match you with another teacher.