About
I have been teaching for over 30 years - beginners to advanced students of all ages. I have played since the age of 9; have a degree in Literature from Yale University and a Masters degree in Cello Performance form The Juilliard School. Since coming to Seattle in 200, I have been Assistant Principal Cellist of the Tacoma Symphony, Principal Cellist of Philharmonia Northwest, and play regularly with several chamber ensembles and in recitals. I have extensive experience working with adult players of all levels and coach every year for the Puget Sound Chamber Music Workshop and for the Chamber Music Madness Aduly Chamber Music Retreat. I include aspects of many methods in my teaching, including Suzuki, but lessons are tailored and proceed according to every students' individual needs, strengths, and goals. I choose from a wide range of repertoire, working closely with my students to find studies and solo works that address the most important general skills and fundamentals, specific technical areas where need work, and then solo and ensemble pieces that match each students' style, background, choices and ambitions. Lessons are lively, intense in a good way, interactive, goal-oriented, and positive. Please give me a call and we can speak about all of this, and/or set up a lesson.
Details
Student's age
Lesson length
Able to read music
Years experience
Student has instrument
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Reviews
matt N.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
At a first lesson, we introduce ourselves. I find out about a student's background, experience, skill level. I do this through simpe questions if they do not already play or want to play just yet; or I choose some appropriate cello duets so that we can be a team right from the beginning. I go through some simple sight reading or teaching the basics of holding and first gestures on the instrument, if they have never played before. A good part of the lesson is then spent on givng them something to take home to work on and making sure a first assignment is clear and understood. I write verything down as we go along. It can sometimes take several lessons to establish an appropirate amount of work per week and to choose materials we will comtinue with for some time.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
30 years of teaching and coaching experience; 20m years of studying myself; ongoing connections to teachers and latest methods and close observation of others in action. I myself studied with some of the most important teachers of the last 50 years or so - George Neikrug, Aldo Parisot and Harvey Shapiro.