Claudia Cramer

I am a cellist of 20 years and have 10 years of experience teaching children. I graduated from the Evergreen State College in 2021, where I studied humanities and education. My mission as an educator is to inspire those that I teach to become the most authentic, passionate, and dedicated version of themselves. Music is an outlet which fosters all three of these things, and it is a privilege to work with the unique and gifted minds of children. My approach to teaching children is play-based, but still challenges the student and covers traditional musical concepts. In my lessons I alternate between different areas that will foster a well rounded musician; music theory, ear training, healthy technique, music appreciation, and creativity. In both violin and cello lessons I use a balance of the Suzuki method and outside repertoire that will help students succeed in a wide range of musical settings.

My performance experience is diverse and ranges from traditional symphony settings to experimental performance art. I currently play with La Jolla Symphony in San Diego, California, and am one of the founding members of a small art collective that runs community art and music events. I have experience playing classical repertoire and improvising with indie artists, as well as performing solo works, both classical and my own compositions. My philosophy and approach to music is rooted in the belief that music is a universal language that it speaks to something inherent and inexplainable about the human experience. Music provides so many valuable things to the world. It is entertainment, an emotional outlet, it can foster community, send a message when words are not enough, it can inspire and motivate people. It is my hope that through teaching I can inspire others to bring more music to the world.