Orchestra Clinician
&
Conductor
Private
Cello
Teacher
Now available for in-person cello lessons in the Indianapolis area or for virtual lessons using high-definition equipment and Zoom software. Contact me for more info and lesson rates!
I have more than a decade of experience teaching cellists of all ages and abilities, from beginners to emerging professionals. My pre-college cello students' accomplishments have included Steinway Young Artist selection (Illinois) and membership in the Illinois All-State Honors Orchestra. I have taught advanced college music majors at Andrews University and the University of Notre Dame, where my students have won university concerto competitions, and I've been invited to lead Master Classes at multiple universities. Components of my teaching philosophy and strategies include:
- Using universally-recognized teaching materials for developing students, including Suzuki Method repertoire and etudes by Popper, Dotzauer, Piatti, Sevcik, Mooney, etc.
- Creating customized technical strategies for each student's needs, including using my self-published technique books
- Comprehensive approaches to performing traditional cello repertoire, including familiarity with multiple styles and periods and unlocking students' creativity and imagination
- Writing feedback during lessons so that students can set and keep track of their goals and my suggestions on an ongoing basis
- Supplementing studies with chamber music experiences, including playing duets with cello and/or piano, with cello choirs (video from 2021), and public performances
- Finding and arranging music in any style, as relevant, to provide students with relevant and versatile experiences
- Advanced studies for pre-professional cellists may include focusing on orchestral audition excerpts, repertoire in contemporary styles, or other creative activities such as improvisation
Pre-college student in Illinois (2017)
Student at Andrews University (2022)
As an orchestral conductor and educator, my studies and adventures in music education influence how I approach working with students. When rehearsing with students, I prioritize sharing skills and concepts that can be applied throughout their playing and in their lives beyond. At times, our work together has been reportly fun! My ensemble experience includes:
- Guest Conductor for multiple professional and university symphony orchestras
- Conductor, Andrews University Symphony (2018-2022); Assistant Conductor, Northwestern University Chamber Orchestra (2016-18); Assistant Conductor, Peninsula Music Festival (2018)
- Conductor, Music Festival orchestra at Andrews University (students from throughout the Midwest, 2020)
- Previous chamber music faculty (string quartet coach) at Midwest Young Artists in Highwood, Illinois
- Orchestra Director for grades 6-12 string and symphonic orchestra students in DeKalb, Illinois (2007-14)
- Director and Arranger of music, DeKalb High School String Band; Assistant Artistic Director, Saline Fiddlers (alternative styles performance groups)
- Cello Sectional Coach for the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras and University of Michigan Philharmonia Orchestra
- Trained in multiple approaches to rehearsing ensembles (eg. participant for WMEA workshop "Comprehensive Musicianship Through Performance;" conducting apprentice, Civic Orchestra of Chicago)
Interested in collaborating? Contact me to discuss potential projects!