Mikaela Elms Cello Lessons

As a teacher, I always encourage basic skills including scales, sight-reading, technical exercises and rhythmic training. I aim to provide my students with the tools necessary to become competent cellists and well-rounded musicians. Making sure that students have a firm grasp of fundamental skills is my top teaching priority, especially with beginning students. The ability to read music with ease, and basic technique to produce a good sound are the foundation that I build upon with my students. As students progress, I encourage them to reflect on their playing, asking them questions such as “what did you think of this passage?” The goal of contemplating what is happening in the moment encourages more cognitive practice sessions, influencing students to become their own teacher, and make the most effective use of practice time.

Away from the cello, I also teach my students basic music history, theory, and rhythmic training. These tools can help influence how a student decides to phrase a piece and is extremely beneficial in the practice room. Music from different time periods also place a wide variety of technical demands on a cellist. It is important that students become acquainted with these techniques to enhance performance interpretations and to develop into mature musicians. I encourage all of my students to perform works from all major musical eras and to listen to many musical examples as well.

I am a strong believer in the benefits of chamber music so I make a point to include opportunities for all my students to play duets and learn chamber music skills. Chamber music demands a great deal of responsibility of one’s own part while simultaneously being aware of everything else that is going on and adjusting to each other as they play. It also encourages teamwork and leadership roles while making music, encouraging the interactive exchange of musical ideas and most importantly, it’s fun! 

Parental awareness and encouragement are keys to helping students practice successfully. I keep lines of communication open with parents at all times, and encourage their input to help me be a better teacher for their children. Parents are always allowed to sit in on a lessons. Especially with young students, I encourage parents to be involved in their child’s learning process, to help reinforce what the child is learning in lessons during at-home practice time. 

Finally, I am most interested in what each individual wants to learn on their instrument. Getting to learn concepts that you have chosen yourself will help encourage practice and will make the finished product and process of learning all the more rewarding. Above all, while many of my students may not pursue a career in music, I hope to help them identify skills that can be applied in all walks of life through cello lessons. Most of all, I want my students to enjoy making music! 

 I have over 22 years of playing experience and over 7 years of teaching experience. I am currently finishing up my Bachelors in Cello Performance at Eastern Washington University. Among my achievements as a cellist is winning the string division Young Artist Concerto Competition and performing with the Spokane Symphony. I was also the first place winner of the Eastern Washington University Concerto Competition as well. Next, I have won multiple gold medals for chamber performances in MusicFest.

I have spent the last five years exploring a deep passion of mine by studying contemporary music under the direction of pianist, Kendall Feeney. I've collaborated in several different chamber ensembles and has explored many areas of contemporary music including improvisation, jazz, tango, Avant garde, as well 20th and 21st century classical repertoire. Because of this love of contemporary music, I strive to open up doors for students to pursue whatever genre strikes their interest. 

 I also sub with the Spokane Symphony when needed. and have held the principle cellist position for 5+ years in the EWU Symphony Orchestra. 

• Payment is due at the beginning of the first lesson of every month.
• However many days of the month that the lesson falls on is how many lessons must be paid for in the first lesson of the month (for example: if a student has a lesson on Thursday, and there are four Thursdays in a month, then four lessons must be paid for. If the next month only has three Thursdays, then only three lessons need to be paid in full at the first lesson).
• Lessons are $45 per hour lesson (recommended). $30 for half-hour lessons (reserved for young students). Lessons are paid for at the beginning of the month for the number of lessons held that month.

I have always wanted to teach cello students. Watching each student grow is extremely rewarding and I love the challenge of constantly figuring out new inventive ways to teach different techniques and concepts. I began teaching beginning students right out of high school to help pay for tuiton costs of my own private lessons and schooling costs. Now, I teach a wide range of ages and levels. Through my own growth as a musician I strive to encourage my students to explore many different styles of music and wherever their interests take them. If I am not familliar with a topic I am more than willing to take the time and learn it myself so that I can better guide my aspiring students. Cello is fortunate enough these days to be found in a wide variety of music and is no longer strictly just a "classical" instrument. Therefore I open the doors of my studio to all styles of music. 

I have worked with students of all ages and levels. I am a firm believer that it is never too late to start pursuing an instrument. I enjoy working with kids, middle schoolers and high schoolers. I also find the unique relationship between teacher and student for adult students to be very enjoyable as well. 

When looking for a teacher it is important firstly that both the student and teacher work well together. I also believe it is important to find a teacher who is flexible with their teaching style to meet the students needs and encourages good habits. Also, it is vital that when looking for a teacher that the teacher is willing to share the same goals as the student.