FAQs
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
The first time I meet a new student, I spend time getting to know them personally. It is important for me to know about their experience with music, their goals, how committed they are to studying cello. After that, we can discuss an approach depending on whether they are beginners or advanced students. When they are beginners, I like to start out with some basics and then work through the Suzuki books. I am not an expert in the Suzuki method but I like the way the content is organized in the books. For more advanced students, I like to have a balance between developing musicality and solidifying technical issues. All of my students are given a combination of scales and other exercises specifically designed for each of them while working on repertoire.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a Bachelors degree from the Peabody Conservatory of the Johns Hopkins University, a masters from the New England Conservatory, and a doctorate at the University of Southern California. As a teacher, I have worked in several LA area music schools, I have my own private teaching studio, and I have been an instructor at USC teaching cello and chamber music to non-major students for the past six years.
- What types of customers have you worked with?
I have worked with all kinds of students: kids from the age of 6-18, college students and adult students. I have a good experience starting beginners who don't know anything about the cello. At the moment, most of my private students are adult students some of which I started on the instrument, but I equally enjoy teaching younger students. Currently, I am a teacher at Pepperdine University and I also teach the adult program at Fried Music.