About
For the past two years, I have been teaching at City College Academy for the Arts in New
York City, which has allowed me to continue exploring creative teaching style and provide guidance to a wide range of students’ needs and levels.
I have also had the opportunity to work privately with undergraduates at The Juilliard
School, as well as at Skidmore College, both of which have been very rewarding experiences.
I focused on both cello and piano throughout my university studies, and I currently teach
a small private studio in New York for students in both instruments as well.
I have learned that being curious and creative throughout my practice sessions has greatly enhanced my own development. Imparting that same excitement of discovery in my students as they journey into a new piece is central to my teaching style.
It is essential to me that they feel emotionally connected to the learning process.
I am a meticulous, challenging, but also warm and encouraging mentor. Creating a supportive environment is equally important to me, where someone may have the freedom to explore new concepts, take risks, try new techniques, ask questions, and, ultimately, form their own opinions to find out what their path with music may be.
More info:
www.andreacasarrubios.com
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I found that reflecting on my own development as a learner has provided me great
perspective regarding my own students.
I believe that a teacher carries an extremely important and beautiful responsibility, and
I am passionate about providing that commitment to those who seek my guidance.
In the first few lessons, I am curious to hear the student's goals, what they want to achieve, why they want to learn cello or piano. From there, we find a direction that is appropriate for each person.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I studied cello and piano through my undergraduate studies at Peabody Conservatory (Johns Hopkings University) and my masters (USC in Los Angeles). I also worked with Ensemble ACJW at Carnegie Hall and learned about the art of teaching.
I have worked with students of all ages and levels. I have taught individual lessons and chamber music at Juilliard, USC, Skidmore College, and strings and piano classes at City College Academy for the arts, as well as masterclasses on tour in Brazil, South Africa, Spain, China, the US (in both English and Spanish).
I feel very fortunate to have had extremely caring and dedicated mentors throughout my musical life. I started so youngthat, as far as I can remember, discovering music has been present throughout my whole existence.
Cultivating my excitement towards music making and welcoming the substantial influence
my mentors have had on me has been a very important part of my teaching philosophy.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$70/45 min
$80/1 hour
$90/1 hour and a half
How did you get started teaching?
I always loved helping others, and since I have been taking lessons myself and learning and performing with these two insturments for so long, I always felt the need to share the tips I discovered, to make someone else's journey a little easier.
When I was asked to teach for the first time a few years ago, I thought about it a lot, because I knew it was a big responsability. I only accepted when I thought I had the time and mental space to go for it.
What types of students have you worked with?
All ages, all levels!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Be open to learn and try things that might be uncomfortable at times, but also know what your goals are and what you are looking for. It is important to meet a potential mentor and have a trial lesson to see if you are suitable for eachother and to see if you are inspired by the mentor's personality. If you are, wonderful! If you aren't, know that it is totally your choice.
If you decide to keep going, do try to be constant with your private lessons. A craft like playing an instrument, is a skill that requires time, care and practice!