Play Cello Beautifully! Online Or In My Pittsburgh, PA Studio.

I always send an introduction email, welcoming the student to my studio. I also include a list of supplies needed for lessons with me, as well as general information such as my cancellation policy. For our first lesson, I like to get to know the student's background a little, such as how long they have played cello (if they are not a beginner) and why they chose the cello.  If they are not just starting out, I have them play something they have prepared or that they have been working on on school. From there, I can estimate what the next steps should be and what music books to order. 

I have played the cello since age 9. My focus throughout my studies has been music and both of my degrees are in cello performance. I received a Bachelor of Music from The Baldwin-Wallace Conservatory and a Master of Music from the university of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music.  I have studied with some of the best cellists from the U.S. and Germany. I earned my Suzuki Book 1 certification. I have cultivated my own teaching style based on this education as well as my own sense of what each student's individual needs may be.

My fee is $40 per half hour, $60 for 45 minutes and $90 for a one-hour lesson. 

I started teaching in the preparatory department of my undergraduate conservatory. My undergraduate school fostered and promoted students to get experience as private teachers early on. One-on-one teaching has always been a big part of my career and I have found it extremely rewarding! 

I have worked with students of all ages and levels. Some of my students have gone on to pursue music in college and many have simply kept playing cello for their own enjoyment. I always encourage my students to keep music in their lives as I know how vital it is to a well-balanced, healthy life.

I loved seeing my son play trombone in his high school jazz band! He has such a great ear for improvisation and I was so proud of him!

Know that I always have my students' best interest in mind. I advise my students to be ready to work hard and carve out space for personal practice. I always tell my students that playing an instrument is not like riding a bike! It is a craft that will always need to be honed, no matter what level you achieve. But the rewards are priceless! Being able to play the music you've worked on at a higher level than when you started is such a great feeling! Worth every ounce of effort!

I have been in the music industry for many years and know first-hand what is needed to become a professional. For those not pursuing music as a career, I can also attest to how life-enriching studying a musical instrument is, no matter what your other interests may be. It is important for my students to keep the lines of communication going with me. I like to know what challenges are arising, whether it is an upcoming audition or a concert...I always want my students to know what it means to be prepared.

I think a student needs to take into consideration what they want to accomplish. Once I know this, I can work with them to achieve this goal. For all of my students, I want to impart how vital it is to practice consistently. The student can expect to share with me what their day-to-day schedules are like so that we can strategize where to fit in their cello practice.