Cello and Violin Lessons

Hartford, CT        |        Amherst, MA

LESSON LENGTHS


All lessons are taught as private, one-on-one music instruction and are available in lengths of 30, 45, and 60 minutes. Children can start with 30-minute lessons and progress to longer lengths as they learn more material. For teenagers and adults who have some previous experience, I recommend starting with 45- or 60-minute lessons. Because each student is unique in their aspirations, lesson plans are tailored to each student by taking their goals, experience, and learning pace into consideration.


KIDS & TEENAGERS


Because I understand that young children need extra encouragement, I strive to be patient and understanding, and to make lessons fun and engaging. Lessons include fundamentals – such as posture, a proper position at the cello, bow and left-hand technique, as well as reading music – and I mix in enjoyable songs and games to keep young students engaged.


Intermediate and advanced lessons focus on performing repertoire from all musical periods. More advanced bow and left-hand techniques, such as spiccato, shifting, and vibrato, as well as advanced note-reading, listening, and theory are covered.


AUDITION AND COMPETITION PREPARATION


Those preparing for auditions for all-state orchestras, music schools, or serious international competitions will benefit from my experience as an active performer and college-level teacher. I offer a marathon-like style of preparation, with paced progress designed to be at the performance peak just at the right time. This kind of program is designed separately for the most advanced and ambitious players with lessons spread out or condensed, depending on their needs and goals. 


STYLE


I put a special emphasis on learning the art of music while learning the instrument. After all, it's just an instrument to make this art! I start introducing color and nuance early in the development through very simple devices and comparisons. Intermediate students learn about form and expression. Advanced students learn how to read the music of each composer differently. Lessons include music appreciation and understanding of styles appropriate for each period of classical music. I also work with students’ eclectic personal tastes in music, whether it is an arrangement of a pop song or an exploration of a certain genre or style. 


ADULTS


Beginning adult lessons work on basic ideas, such as technique and note reading. Intermediate and advanced students focus on repertoire and advanced techniques. 

Free TRIAL Lesson

I offer trial lessons in order to give you or your child an opportunity to learn about my teaching approach and to ask questions about starting to learn an instrument.


Please contact me if you'd like to schedule a time to meet. You can learn more about my teaching philosophy here.


I offer chamber music coaching to pre-formed ensembles and help students who would like to start a new group. Amateur string and piano players are welcome.


I offer challenging but satisfying repertoire, or simply help the group get to the next level or prepare for competition. Chamber music students can also participate in my curriculum to play classical music from a historically informed perspective. 

Cello Lessons

CHAMBER MUSIC

I offer chamber music coaching to pre-formed ensembles, and help students who would like to start a new group. Amateur string and piano players are welcome. I offer challenging but satisfying repertoire, or simply help the group get to the next level or prepare for competition. Chamber music students can also participate in my curriculum to play classical music from a historically informed perspective.