Carefree, AZ Cello Lessons

I have been teaching beginning cello for seventeen years. I teach both traditional western methods and Suzuki style. I have a Doctorate in Music. I am very experienced teaching all ages. I teach out of my home studio in Scottsdale. If you have ever dreamed of learning to play music, I can help you make that dream come true.

I am a string specialist. That means I teach and play violin, viola, cello, double bass, guitar, bass guitar, mandolin, ukulele and piano. I earned B.A. earned from the University of Northern Colorado, Greeley Colorado where I was a double major in classical guitar and double bass. In my senior year I was the recipient of the Annual Concerto Contest where I performed the "Concerto in A Major" on double bass with the University orchestra for the spring concert. I have played in both professional and semi-professional orchestras in Colorado and Arizona. I believe that any student will practice more if he or she likes the music they are playing. Periodically I will ask a student to give me a name of a piece of music that they would like to learn how to play. I notate it for them, often simplifying the rhythm and chords in Finale NotePad and give it to them free of charge. I teach students how to play music on their given instrument. Not just how to play the instrument but working on ...

Whether you're looking for a traditional Suzuki method experience or just want
to fiddle around, we can work together to make playing cello a great experience for you. In person or over Skype. Young and young at heart welcome.

I played the cello throughout high school and college. I use the same principles to teach the cello that I do the violin. We focus on correct technique and characteristic sound while developing musicality and a well rounded music education.

Ms. Nicole teaches students of all ages and skill levels. Students focus on rhythm, ear training and the geography of their instrument. Ms. Nicole then focuses on setting up a solid foundation of technique and understanding of the music being played. Having a solid understanding of what is being played, as well as the ability to effectively portray this on your instrument, opens up a more rewarding and effective experience with music.

Music is an important part of our lives, and thus I am not a one-style type teacher. I work with everyone at their current level and develop lessons for them based upon their desires. I believe that teaching the classics is just as important to teaching current music and inspiring each of my students to reach beyond their current comfort zone. I stress developing good practice habits and fundamentals, as these make any style of playing more enjoyable.

Have fun playing the cello! I emphasize beautiful tone and expressive playing. I am a patient teacher. Methodical yet flexible. All ages and levels!!

Each lesson is catered to the individual student and all students are held to an appropriately high standard.  Students not only learn how to play their instrument, but also proper technique, performance etiquette, and music theory.  Lessons are available to students of all ages and musical backgrounds.

I have been playing cello for 13 years, for the first 9 years in private lessons with a Julliard-trained cellist. I have served as principal cellist of Purdue University Philharmonic Orchestra (the highest level orchestra), and I have also played abroad in Europe with the Zurich Community Orchestra, performing in the Zurich Tonhalle Concert Hall (the largest concert hall in Zurich). I have extensive understanding of the cello. I can tutor students from the basics of holding a cello to the major concertos for cellos. I love the cello, and classical music in general, and I would love to pass on this passion to any student interested in playing beautiful music!

I have served as the Graduate Teaching Assistant to Tom Landschoot at Arizona State for two years, teaching undergraduate cellists.
In addition, I have over ten years of teaching experience, including my own studio in Iowa and Arizona, leading sectionals for Phoenix Youth Symphony, and faculty positions at Cellobration and Tucson Cello Congress.
As a performer, I am a tenured member of Arizona Opera and regularly play with The Phoenix Symphony.