My teaching philosophy has stemmed from many different experiences in my life. During my last 34 years teaching I have worked with students from all walks of life, all with varying interest in the cello. I have taught disabled students, those diagnosed with ADHD, Aspergers, ODD, even a deaf student.  All of this has only left me with one conclusion. Labels are simply just that...labels. I don’t let labels influence what I think a student is able to achieve, and because of this my students are capable of reaching heights that would have been limited if I had had a preconceived idea of their ability.

 

All people are capable of learning to play the cello.  For some it is easier, some harder. Yet isn’t this how it is for everything in life?  The student who practices diligently and truly wants to learn to play the cello will always succeed over the one, (who although may find it easier in the beginning), does not. To me an important factor is whether the student has chosen the cello, or the parent.  Playing an instrument you have no interest in is not enjoyable.  I know this because although I asked for cello when I was 3, I played violin for almost 6 years first (age 2 ½ to almost 8.)   Switching to the cello was one of the best days of my life.  As a parent myself, although I introduced both my boys to the cello when they were very young, they both, at age 4 choose their own instruments that they connected with. Having this kind of love for the instrument is a better guarantee that the student will continue to play.

 

It is not my ambition to develop a studio consisting only of professional cellists.  My goal is to increase students’ knowledge of the cello, and of music in general.  I want them to enjoy music and be the audiences of tomorrow. If a student happens to go on to pursue a career in the field, well, that’s just icing on the cake.

 

As long as students try, cooperate in lessons, and show me respect I give them that same respect back.  In my opinion teaching is not just about lecturing and putting information in like a computer.  It is a two way street where communication needs to be open between the student and teacher, (and parent as well if the child is younger).  It needs to be where the teacher strives to not just “educate” the student, but truly get to know the person behind the instrument and plan the lesson structure in a way that the student will respond positively and enjoy playing   In this way we have yet another generation of music lovers no matter if they choose cello as their livelihood, or just love going to concerts.