Jodi Beder

I have been featured in cover stories about my playing for the community and online throughout the pandemic, in cover stories at Washington Post, WJLA-TV, and in Washingtonian and feature articles worldwide (even on the NFL Draftathon!).I have very deep knowledge of chamber and orchestral music, both as a performer and as a music theorist (with a PhD in music theory). (I also work professionally on college music textbooks.) I am an active chamber and orchestral player, with a broad knowledge of musical styles, and a member of non-classical groups in folk, rock, and other styles. I improvise and arrange music constantly, and encourage students to develop abilities for playing by ear, improvising, or composing. I feel strongly that a good understanding of music is essential for good performance of any kind of music. https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2020/03/26/many-people-are-doing-good-combat-fear-isolation-coronavirus/

Prince George's County cellist plays music everyday on her porch during pandemic

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iD9ho9W-4MOEQnJJQZ8zG3nVAYzDuON6/view

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDUS3O8H9DU

I love watching how the lives of students change as they learn more about music, and become able to make music with others or simply express themselves, or even just become better listeners. I love helping students finding their own voice both through classical repertoire and through improvising, and especially, discovering the joys of communicating musically with other players.