Cello Lessons

Teaching Philosophy

As a cello instructor, I aim to encourage and inspire my students to be their own artist.

 I embrace the fact that every student is different and I teach to their strengths and needs.  My role as an instructor is to guide each student through their musical learning, regardless of age or ability level. I strive to create a safe and creative environment for my students. 

Proper and consistent habits along with strong technique are key.

Like a house, if the foundation isn’t strong, the structure will not be strong.  It is important that I teach my students how to practice properly.  Practice does not make perfect, but PERFECT practice makes perfect.  I let my students set goals for themselves.  Sometimes the goals are specific pieces they want to play, sometimes it’s learning a specific technique, sometimes it’s conquering an audition.  Each student is allowed their different motivations.  Commitment, optimism, patience, and effort are the keys to success.  

Mistakes are okay to make.

We laugh at them, we learn from them, and we become stronger and more confident in the end. 

Creating characters, colors, and stories within music is a great adventure.

I encourage my students to bridge the gap between technique and musicality.  It’s great to be able to play notes on a page, but it’s even better to give those notes purpose.  Every student has their own musical voice, and it’s my job to help them discover what they want to say and how to say it.  

I don’t teach music with the expectation that my students will become professional musicians.

I teach music because it creates joy.  I teach music to help build self confidence in my students, to appreciate the value of small successes along with large successes.  

I teach music to create understanding and appreciation for art and humanity.