Cello Lessons From CSULB Conservatory Student Based In Santa Cruz, CA
About
I've been doing music for about ten years now. Currently, I attend the Bob Cole Conservatory at Cal State Long Beach, where I'm studying with David Garrett, a member of the LA Phil. Some of my accomplishments/experiences as a cellist include:
-Third place finalist at CALASTA LA Senior Division
-Winning the Santa Cruz County Youth Symphony Concerto Competition in 2017
-Multiple honors and awards at schools, summer festivals, and competitions
-Professional-level gig and orchestral work
-Tutoring high school and junior high school students
I will bring this experience to every virtual and in-person lesson that I teach. I know a lot about playing in orchestras, giving auditions, and studying solo repertoire, and I'll be able to pass this knowledge onto my students.
Music is one of the most widespread and versatile forms of expression available to us. In the current age, we musicians are more than vessels through which composers' voices are heard - we are educators. It is our job to bring music from various styles and cultures to a larger audience. This is why we study a diverse range of repertoire - including solo suites, orchestral excerpts, concertos, sonatas, and contemporary works. As a musician, I love the opportunities I get both to learn and to teach others about various individuals and cultures through the music I study. Just in this semester, I've gotten to learn a Bach Suite, a Haydn Concerto, excerpts from Romantic orchestral pieces, and a contemporary piece inspired by Armenian folk music.
Reviews
Charlotte V.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
If it's a student who already plays the cello, then I ask them to play something they're currently working on that represents their skill level. From there, I'll help them work on their technique and whatever pieces they already have, and assign new exercises and repertoire as appropriate.
For a student who's never played the cello before, I like to spend the first lesson helping them get acquainted with the instrument. This includes talking about cello literature that they like, figuring out the different strings, learning how to hold it, tune it, etc. This is more difficult with Zoom, when it's impossible to reach over and manually make adjustments, but that's an obstacle that can be overcome.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Lessons will be priced at $30/hour or $15 for the half-hour. I offer a free trial lesson to help students decide if they want to commit.
How did you get started teaching?
My first teaching experience came through my high school, where I was asked to tutor younger cello students. I also coached members of my school's band and orchestra classes.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with students in middle and high school, mostly cellists but also other instrumentalists.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
If you can, ask around about a teacher you're interested in. Make sure they're worth your time. You want a teacher who's reliable, experienced, and of course good at what they do. Look them up on YouTube. Get in touch. Get a trial lesson if you can. Anything helps. And don't settle for the first teacher who comes up in a search. Finding the perfect teacher can take a lot of work, and a teacher who isn't a good fit for you can potentially set you back.