About
Hi! I am currently on faculty at Palm Beach Atlantic University in West Palm Beach, Florida. I am very passionate about teaching the cello and would like to engage with as many students as possible. I have taken Suzuki Teacher Certification courses for cello pedagogy and have been a member of Sudbury, Thunder Bay and Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony Orchestras in Ontario, Canada.
In my teaching, I bring about the importance of technical basics that cultivate skills students need to become well rounded musicians. I believe in learning fundamentals of technique so the cellist has freedom to express their musicality.
I enjoy helping students of all ages and levels. As long as the student can focus and practice, I am very eager to help. I have been teaching for about twenty years now and I have had many accomplished cello students. Many of them have gone on to have careers in music but my main goal is to develop my students love for music.
Details
Student's age
Lesson length
Able to read music
Years experience
Student has instrument
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Karin K.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I start with their musical experience. If they have had piano before, learning to read notes on a staff is much easier. I use flashcards to match the note on the staff with the note on the cello. I'm a big believer in technical setup. Bad habits are hard to break so I spend time in the beginning making sure everything is working right.
I use a variety of methods in my teaching. I start with a lot of scales and open strings before moving on to more advanced pieces. I do like using the Suzuki method but I will also incorporate other pieces into the student's repertoire.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a Bachelor and Masters degree from Lynn Conservatory in Boca Raton, Florida. I also hold a Performance Certificate from Mount Royal Academy and an Artist Diploma from The Glenn Gould School of Music in Toronto, Canada, where I studied with John Kadz and Desmond Hoebig. After graduating, I performed with three professional orchestras in Ontario.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
30 minutes - Cello lesson @ $50.00
45 Minutes - Cello lesson @ $75.00
60 minutes - Cello lesson @ $100.00
How did you get started teaching?
When I was in high school, I use to play in school orchestra. I was pretty far advanced for my age so I would help other students in the section. During my lunch hour, I would give lessons to my friends that needed help. I wouldn’t charge for my lessons and knew I would really enjoy doing this in the future.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with little beginners around the age of 5 all the way to 80 year old adults. I have helped special needs children and also have helped students pursuing music in college and beyond.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I’m currently preparing to record Schubert’s arrpeggione sonata and perform it in a church. I’ll post the video on YouTube once I’m done. I’ve enjoyed the polishing process for this piece. It still has a few months more of work but I’m happy with the current results.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Make sure they know how to teach. I make sure each student is set up with great technique and are able to play the cello free from pain. Not all teachers have the training and expertise to teach this.