teaching philosophy
Love of Music
At the heart of my teaching philosophy is the desire to nurture in each student a life-long love of music. I have seen again and again how a deep love of music can overcome every obstacle to learning and transform playing an instrument into a powerful source for good in the life of the individual, their family, and the community. Students of the cello would be well-served to cultivate out of a love music the following:
- Purposeful Practicing ~ make the most of each practice session by focusing on specific sections and techniques. Work small sections until they stop improving using a variety of methods to simplify the task.
- Lots of Listening ~ listening can create a blueprint in your mind of the music or sound you are working towards. It wets our appetite and widens our horizons. You can't play better than you listen.
- Performances to Push ~ working towards auditions and performances pushes us closer to our potential. BE BRAVE - schedule a recital, join an orchestra, upload a video, use your music to serve in the community!
- Healthy Habits ~ a healthy approach to the instrument as well routines that reinforce progress will motivate you to continue learning, listening, and loving music your whole life long! Learn to play without tension and make practicing, listening, and attending music events part of your life routine.
Quality Instruction
My approach carefully builds essential technique using time-tested exercises, scales, and tutorials. I incorporate ubiquitous, motivating repertoire to challenge students and reward practice. I highly recommend students seek out performances to push them and a private teacher to guide them along their unique path. No website or tutorial can replace the transformative relationship built over years between a private teacher and student.
Natural Ability
Innate ability certainly impacts the rate of progress, but more often than not it is the student of average or just above average ability who has an abundant love of music frequently emerges as the superior musician.
“Achievement is talent plus preparation. The problem with this view is that the closer psychologists look at the the careers of the gifted, the smaller the role innate talent seems to play and the bigger the role preparation seems to play”
-Malcolm Gladwell from Outliers
Equipment That Enriches
If you don’t like the way you sound sometimes it’s not your fault.
Cellos are fickle, tricky, constantly-changing, and expensive — BUT OH SO WORTH IT! It can be challenging to find just the right instrument, bow, rosin, strings, endpin, bridge, pegs, tailpiece, wolf eliminator, sheet music and more. Today it is easier than ever to purchase counterfeits and subpar equipment that can sabotage your efforts. It’s also easier than ever to find quality equipment, expertise, and expert reviews to enrich your experience. If your cello isn’t calling to you from across the room, begging to be practticed — it’s time to take a closer look at your equipment!
