About
I started playing cello at the age of 4 and by 14 I was my private teachers teaching assistant. I have been working with students ages 6-adults ever since. My expertise is in cello performance, but I also have given many clinics on successful practice techniques, audition-taking skills, and I also currently work as a mentor to whole families who have young musicians in the family working to attend school for music.
I love working with cellists of all ages and really enjoy giving them the tools to help themselves both with the cello and in life.
Highlights
Payment methods
Specialties
Student's age
Lesson length
Able to read music
Years experience
Student has instrument
Photos and videos
Reviews
Jennifer W.
Monica
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I don't have a typical process because I like to approach every student as their own person and work towards improvement on the instrument. I really enjoy helping students find their own practice routine so that they are able to get the most out of their week away from just the lesson.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I took my first lesson at the age of 4, by 7 I was playing in my first orchestra, by 10 I was playing chamber music, and by 14 I was teaching. Music has been so much of my life for so long. I studied at the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University for my Bachelor of Music and Graduate Performance Diploma. During that time I was offered a spot in the Civic Orchestra of Chicago as well as the Chicago Sinfonietta and have since played with countless ensembles all over the country.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
30 min - $45
45 min - $60
60 minutes - $75
How did you get started teaching?
My favorite part about music has always been about making music with others and teaching is just that for me. I started teaching when I was 14 and haven't stopped since.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have taught in many different capacities as a teaching assistant I helped students between their lessons to really nail the issues they were having. I have worked in public school classrooms as a coach, with entire families as a mentor, and in my private teaching I have worked with students who play cello as a hobby to supplement other activities in their life and others who had the intention of becoming a professional musician.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
My last concert before the pandemic was a 100th Year Anniversary concert for my orchestra, the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, and at the end of the orchestra concert, 3 cellists from the orchestra joined Yo-Yo Ma to play a cello quartet encore for a sold-out audience in Orchestra Hall at Symphony Center in Chicago.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Have a clear idea of what your goals are and how you want a teacher to help you achieve them. Teachers are not here to push you into shape (while they can do that!) they are there to help you achieve what you want from the instrument. (Remember: these goals can change over time). And be upfront with your teacher about these goals.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What are my needs? Why are they my needs? And how can someone support my needs best right now.