About
Hello! I have played classically for over 20 years, and I also play electric cello in the indie rock band Post Paradise. I teach with a classical basis with a customized lesson plan, but love to add contemporary songs and teach students to compose their own music and improvise as well. I teach in a supportive and positive environment, and believe that above all you should enjoy playing your instrument and have fun with it! I have recently added online/ZOOM lessons and my students I switched over to that are still loving playing and making great progress. I am constantly trying to find fun new ways to motivate :)
I have taught private lessons for +15 years, and teach all ages (7-82 so far) and all musical backgrounds, and specialize in beginner and intermediate levels. I studied with private teachers growing up, toured internationally in the Colorado Springs Youth Symphony, and studied music at Colorado State University.
www.PostParadiseRock.com
I absolutely love teaching! It is so rewarding to help students work on a new technique or song and get to see them light up when they master it. Or hear that my student rocked their audition or got first chair. I love hosting recitals and seeing my students improve at performing and get to show off their accomplishments. I also love being able to provide an example of playing cello in an alternative setting, not just in a symphony. Playing in Post Paradise allows me to showcase the cello in a new way, and inspire my students to do something unique with their instruments.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
In our first lesson I teach a beginner student the basics of their instrument, apply tapes to help finger placement, bow hold and basic bowing technique. I have a couple of books I like to work out of depending on the students musical background and skill level. The first couple lessons are also a time to get to know each other a bit and gauge if the student and I are a good fit. After the first month or two of lessons I customize lesson material depending on what the student would enjoy learning, while still working through the books together.
(This process has changed slightly recently due to Covid limitations, but we can find a way that we all feel comfortable to get together and address basics and techniques or apply tapes, majority of my lessons occur on ZOOM for the time being and it works really well)
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I studied music performance at CSU in Fort Collins, have taught lessons since 2010, and play professionally in the rock band Post Paradise as well as some classical groups. My varied musical background enables me to teach different styles and to showcase the cello in a different setting than most people have seen. I think it really motivates my students to see me performing in such a unique way!
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I do have standard pricing, I charge $30 for half hour and $40 for full hour. I prefer to do hour long weekly lessons to increase productivity and for scheduling.
How did you get started teaching?
I had been playing cello in Post Paradise and fans kept asking if I taught, so I figured I would give it a try since so many people I met wanted to learn. It turned out to the best job I've ever had and absolutely love it! I started with one student, then got a few more, and have since had an average of 20 students at my studio.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have taught from ages 7-82, some as brand new beginners, some with no musical background at all, and some who used to play cello and wanted to come back to it and relearn. It's never too late to start!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
I would suggest meeting and trying a lesson with your teacher and making sure you are a good fit in both playing aspirations and personality. Students should enjoy going to their lessons. You've got to find the right teacher for YOU. Renting a cello to start is a great way to get into it without spending a ton of money up front. There are multiple places in NOCO that offer rent to own options!
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Think about why you want to learn cello and what you want to do with it. Are you learning just for yourself, for fun, for school? Do you need help prepparing for auditions? What type of music do you want to learn? Classical only? Do you want to learn to compose your own pieces or improvise?
All teachers have different backgrounds and styles of teaching, so make sure you choose someone who is capable of helping you achieve what you want to with cello and can be accomodating to your learning style!