Teaching

Teaching Philosophy
The cellist’s freedom of individual expression and the fostering of personal artistry are foremost in my teaching approach. I strongly believe that technique is a vehicle for musical expression and creativity, as well as a necessary and integral part of the student’s advancement as a musician. My approach to cello technique is standard and based in logic; hearing, visualizing and anticipating the shift, passage, or phrase before it occurs. Foundation studies, etudes, scales, and efficient practicing are all ingredients for technical fluency.

While technique is important to the student’s success as a cellist it is, however, only part of the equation. Understanding music in its conceptual, theoretical, and emotional aspects is equally important in the interpretation and performance of a particular piece. Therefore, it is my goal in each lesson to combine technique, musical understanding and artistic interpretation, tailored to the individual student’s growth as a cellist and performing artist.

I conduct lessons as an opportunity for communication and sharing; the student’s ideas, questions, and experimentations are certainly valid, encouraged, and expected. In facilitating this collaboration, I frequently suggest and demonstrate different technical and musical aspects for the student. I believe lessons and practice time should be efficient, productive and enjoyable, and I often allow students to suggest a specific piece or a musical genre they would like to play and study. I take a special interest in each of my students, and invest myself in their musical and intellectual growth, as well as their potential and future success.

Teaching is something I very much enjoy, and it has become a vital part of my career as a cellist. I have over 10 years of experience teaching all ages and abilities. My students have distinguished themselves in state and regional competitions and orchestras, and in school and scholarship auditions. I have helped beginning cellists build a solid technical and musical foundation, and high school and college students prepare for and hone conservatory auditions. In addition to private teaching, I have led master classes, taught group lessons, coached small ensembles, led sectionals, taught beginning theory, ear-training and music appreciation, and judged competitions.

As a cellist and instructor, it is my privilege to be able to help, guide, and encourage others to realize their own artistry through this beautiful and expressive instrument.