teaching Philosophy…
My primary goal as a music teacher is to nurture a lifelong love of music with each student. In addition to helping students build strong technical foundations, I encourage students to:
Explore their creativity, interests and imagination
Learn different genres and styles of music
Improvise and create
Incorporate technology
Collaborate and work together
Be part of and contribute to the YQR music community
Learning music is a process, not an end goal. Music lessons are a wonderful way develop important transferable skills that students can carry with them for the rest of their lives, as well as a lifelong love of music.
In addition to private lessons, I strongly encourage my students to participate in at least one group music ensemble, whether that is a beginner group class, orchestra, chamber ensemble, rock band or even singing in a choir. Making music with others is one of the joys of learning an instrument and also teaches students collaboration, team work and how to give and receive feedback, all of which are important transferable skills that they can use in many areas of their lives.
2023 - 2024- Little Star Cello for Kids Ages 4 - 5 ***NEW***
Are you the parent of a little one between the ages of 4 - 5 years old? Is your child showing an interest in music and ready to embark on an exciting journey of learning and creativity?
I am offering Little Star Cello beginner class starting in September 2023 - May 2024! Students will learn the joys of music making using the Suzuki method and using a play and games-based approach that is fun and rewarding for both students and parents.
The Little Star Cello Program includes:
Weekly group lesson
Weekly private lesson
Group concerts and performance opportunities
Parent mentoring and practice support
Flexible approach that is adapted for each child
Recommended Supplies:
Suzuki Book 1 music and recording (for daily listening)
Small (1/8 or 1/4 size) cello and bow for student (available to rent through Long & McQuade). *This won’t be needed until later in Fall 2023 as we start with foam cellos and play “bows”
Full size cello for parent (not necessary, but recommended!)
Metronome and tuner (apps are also available)
Practice journal
Small chair or stool (we will size this at the first lesson)
If you are interested, please go to the contact page and send me a message! I encourage parents to reach out prior to registering for lessons to learn more about the program and see if it’s a good fit for you and your child. This program requires a significant amount of parental support, both at lessons and daily home practice, which can be a very rewarding experience and time together for you and your child. Parents who register for this course are also encouraged to read the book Nurtured by Love by Sinichi Suzuki and complete the Every Child Can! Suzuki course (available online here).
Private Lessons - In Person and Online
I also have a limited spots available for older beginner and intermediate students (ages 6+). Online lessons are only available for students who have already completed at least two years of in-person cello lessons and have finished Suzuki Book 1.
Practice Support and Exam Preparation - In Person and Online
I also offer practice support for students preparing for an exam or music festival. These sessions, in addition to your lessons with your primary teacher, offer the opportunity to “perform” for someone else and get in further practice and repetitions in a new setting. In these sessions, we go through scales, etudes, orchestral excerpts, etc. and do “mock” exams and performances.
Workshops
Currently there are no upcoming workshops.