MY CELLO TEACHING PHILOSOPHY

Having worked with some of the finest cello teachers in the world, I am eager to pass on the knowledge that has helped me grow as a cellist and musician. I have had the privilege to absorb their musical principals, where spontaneity and passion occurs within the framework of a consistent technique and faithful interpretation of the score.

For me, the first priority in teaching a string instrument is cultivating a tension-free physical approach that will enable the student to freely express himself or herself and ensure many years of healthy playing habits. Much of my work with young students involves the search for proper balance, maximum weight, and minimum effort to easily produce an ideal sound. My methods in this area include identifying the natural body weight and exploring how it can be harnessed, identifying unwanted pressure (or tension) and the extra-musical sounds it creates, incorporating circular motions and counter-pressure, and physically molding one’s hand, arm, and fingers to an ideal shape.

My breadth of experience enables me to teach well-rounded cellists of all ages in the areas of solo, chamber, orchestral, contemporary, and popular music performance. It is important to bring a perspective on the “real world” of music, which includes work in the equally rewarding trenches of community outreach and public education. In my opinion, young cellists should acquire sight-reading, pedagogical, and interpersonal skills that will be valued as much in the profession as a solid technique.