College Of Cello
About
Are you an adult looking to learn cello for the first time? Or someone who’s coming back to it after a long spell and this time, you want to get it right? Do you want to learn with a Juilliard graduate who has spent 6 years researching and perfecting the art of teaching adults? Do you not want to have your precious supply of motivation sapped by learning with kid-focused methods, a kid-focused teacher, playing kid-sounding songs, around kids who play better than you? Would you rather learn surrounded by a group of likeminded adults, getting constant support, inspiration, and motivation, and being taught with a method created for adults by a teacher who’s goal to get YOU even further than you think you can go? Does the fastest progress available to an adult student, no matter their schedule, sound tantalizing to you? Does actually getting all the tools you need to meet your cello goal sound worthwhile to you? Does becoming a fully-realized, well-rounded musician excite you? If you answered yes to any of those questions, College of Cello was designed with you in mind. We believe in try-before-you-buy. Free introductory lesson for those on the fence or with questions. We look forward to hearing from you.
collegeofcello.com
Highlights
Specialties
Student's age
Lesson length
Able to read music
Years experience
Student has instrument
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Before our first official lesson, I like to have a conversation with the student, to discuss and determine their goals, and the time they have to devote to them. I then take all of this information and tailor a plan for the student to succeed in their cellistic goal, whether it be starting the cello from scratch, furthering their skill in a beautiful and satisfying hobby, jamming with their family, joining their local orchestra, or winning an audition.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
College of Cello professor Keith Williams: B.M. from The Juilliard School, studying with world-renowned cello pedagogue Timothy Eddy M.M. from University of Southern California, studying with celebrated international soloist Ralph Kirshbaum Master's Thesis on the Art and Psychology of Teaching Suzuki-Certified
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
First Lesson Free
$100 an hour (Special lessons.com rate - usually $150!)
How did you get started teaching?
I've always had a passion for teaching adults - one of my favorite things to hear my students say is "I'm playing way better now than when I was a kid." When I discovered during my research at USC a massive gap in how adults are taught stringed instruments, since I knew I loved teaching adults already, I decided to plug the gap myself and start the College of Cello. Earlier on in my career, I became a Suzuki - Certified cello teacher (a method normally used to teach children) which I credit for making me acutely aware of the different teaching styles adults and children need.
What types of students have you worked with?
Our students are professionals from all fields, beginners, hobbyists, amateurs, retirees, college students, mothers, fathers, grandparents, and even professional musicians branching out to a second instrument. Our students are a mix of every level. They have started from scratch, picked the cello back up after 30 years, played in their local community events, discovered the joy of playing with others, given their own concerts, and even won auditions!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
If you're an adult looking to grow your skill on the cello, I would urge you to find a teacher that specializes in teaching adults and understands the unique demands and needs of adult students! All successful music environments have teachers that specialize in one demographic: Conservatory students have high-caliber teachers who are skilled at mentoring the next generation of artists, and children have excellently-trained teachers who are passionate about working with kids. Adult students, you deserve the same! Don't settle for someone who has devoted their training, time, and passion to meeting the needs of a different type of student.