Cello Lessons With Angelese
About
Hello! I've been playing music basically my whole life and I also play the viola da gamba (like a cello + lute hybrid instrument!), violin, viola, piano, organ, and sometimes some wind instruments! I also conpose music! I am always curious about different instruments and techniques used to play, but cello is and will always be my prefered instrument. I feel that my versitility has not only informed me as a musician but also as a teacher, since I feel that musical breadth helps one gather as much information as possible to explore different teaching techniques and styles. I am not a one-size-fits all teacher, I am always tailoring to my individual students' needs and strengths.
I just love teaching! I'm always so satisfied when I see students' progress, or when they understand a certain concept, or when it simply "clicks"! And it's also fine if we don't get that or if it takes a while! Lessons and practice are all about progress, and if you come to a lesson one week not feeling fully prepared, there are always other things to work on (fundamentals, technique, or simply sharing music recommendations). I believe that progress only happens without resistance, and my lessons can be spaces where we solve issues, frustrations, and low self esteem. Music is tough, so give yourself a break sometime if you feel like you're not going anywhere- you really are! You just don't see it yet! :)
Highlights
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
"Trial" lessons are free of charge. The purpose of them is to see if the student and teacher are a good fit, and if scheduling, traveling, and payment would work out.
Have them prepare something ahead of time if they are experienced in order to evaluate their current level, and to ask questions to get to know their current journey with the cello/music and if they have any specific goals. I will also do a musical "get to know your new teacher" and play them a solo piece.
If they are completely new to the instrument, I like to ask questions first to get to know the student and why they are interested in taking on cello/music. I use this information to only talk and learn about positive experiences, ideas, and excitement from the student. If there is time, I dive right in and introduce the instrument and learn the open strings, the formation of the left hand, and perhaps learn a basic scale pizzicato (plucking the strings), and at the end would play them a solo piece so they can enjoy the sounds and also to hear me play.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Bachelor of Music degree in Cello Performance - Arizona State University (graduated May 2018). Barrett the Honors College. GPA 3.6
Master of Music degree in Cello Performance - University of Nevada, Reno (graduated May 2020). GPA 4.0. Graduate teaching assistant
One year of doctoral studies in cello performance - Arizona State University (2020-2021). Currently no longer a student.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$50/hour (student travels to me, within 10-15 miles)
$50/hour + gas offset (I travel to student, mileage varies)
$30/half hour (will not travel to student for half hour lessons)
$40/hr for online/Zoom lessons
$25/half hour for online/Zoom lessons
How did you get started teaching?
String Project at ASU! I began private teaching in my undergraduate studies at ASU, serving underprivileged students and families in the Phoenix area.
What types of students have you worked with?
All levels, skills, and backgrounds
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Working with a student and then seeing their face light up with realization is always so satisfying and I want to have many more of those moments!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Make sure you are ready to commit. Teachers want to help you progress through music and we understand it is a complicated and difficult task, but it only works when the student is ready to commit themselves to the work. Make sure you have time in your schedule to practice for at least an hour, or if you absolutely cannot find time on a given day, mental practice! Just think about your music and visualize how you would play it. Mental practicing can be helpful in tighter schedules, but ideally you want to be able to have time with your instrument every day. On the other hand, it can be frustrating when you don't feel yourself progressing when you feel like you've been doing everything and practicing vigorously, sometimes you also just need a break! Learning to strike a balance between practicing and working hard and also giving yourself enough breaks and time away from the instrument will help the most in your progress. You do not want to burn out nor do you want to take time away from living and enjoying your life!
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Your experience with the instrument/music (if any), any good or bad experiences with previous teachers (not necessarily music teachers!), what you like and don't like about playing music (if no experience, what type of musics you are most drawn to and what musics you don't like), schedules, diagnoses/neurodivergence/disabilities (absolutely no obligation to share if you are uncomfortable, but it will help me understand your unique self better and so I can make appropriate accomodations, and any information will always be only between us!), and if online, WiFi/connectivity strength. Please share all this information with me so we can tailor a positive and productive experience together, and be ready for related or follow up questions from me!