Isaiah's Cello Lessons

New students come to me from all different backgrounds, experience levels, ages, and with different goals for their cello lessons; so, it is always important for me to get to know you! I want to make cello lessons an experience that is enriching, challenging, and enjoyable in the ways that are most tailored to you. Some students are looking to begin their musical endeavors and aren't sure where to start, and others have very clear objectives for what they want.  Knowing you better allows us to determine the kind of music we want to learn, how long our lessons should be, and what exercises and techniques are best suited for your expedited learning.

I hold a Bachelor of Music from The Meadows School of the Arts and will complete my Master of Music from the Mannes School of Music in May 2020. In the course of my studies, I have trained with many of the most esteemed classical musicians of today, including soloists such as Andres Diaz and Marcy Rosen, quartets like the Escher, Juilliard, and Orion quartets, and leading orchestral members from America's top orchestras. Additionally, I have taken intensive coursework in pedagogy, teaching artistry, Alexander Technique, and related educational courses. I have taught privately for several school districts, youth orchestras, non-profits, and similar organizations. I currently am sectional coach at Fordham University, play in the Montclair Orchestra, and teach for several New York teaching services. I incorporate all of this experience into the private lessons I teach!

I began teaching from a young age by leading orchestra sectionals of several orchestras for which I was principal cellist. Eventually people who knew me began to ask if I would teach their children beginner cello lessons. When I attended college, I began teaching private students in the Dallas school districts and was eventually hired as Richardson High Schools private lesson instructor. I began to work with non-profits and youth orchestras to teach cello lessons and sectionals.

I work with all students! I teach children as young as 3 and am always receiving requests from senior citizens looking to begin lessons. I have very advanced students and as well as students who just started to learn the cello from our first lesson.

I recently performed Brahm’s iconic Cello Sonata in E minor at The National Opera Center of America.  This piece embodies for me all the greatest aspects of the cello. Brahms captured the richness and warmth of the cello in this work perhaps better than anyone ever has! Performing this work is always a highlight for me and having the chance to do so at Opera America alongside a close pianist colleague of mine was a real treat.

Find someone who seems to have a personality you connect with! I have been in the position of selecting a teacher or helping others select a teacher countless times before, and there is no substitute for a teacher who you are able to connect well with. Find a teacher who is dedicated to you and will give you the time and consideration you deserve.

What kind of music do I like and what kind of music would I like to learn or learn more about?

How much musical exposure have I had? This doesn’t just mean playing experience! Have you sung in a choir? Gone to see the symphony? Been in a musical? There are a lot of musical experiences we can draw on as teachers to help you learn!

What amount of time per week am I willing to commit to learning the cello? This includes time out of your day to have a cello lesson, as well as how much time you are able to spend a week playing your cello.