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 only teach beginner and intermediate cello.

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 ...

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.

My teachings will assist you in working on orchestral repertoire, solo pieces and any other musical interest you would like to learn about. Students of mine have gone on to advance to audition-only groups.

My goal as a teacher is to help you reach your musical goals! My lessons consist of scales, duets, and solo repertoire. Each lesson is different depending on the student I am working with, but the core of my teach is based around these 3 areas.

My students in the past have described me as fun and inspiring. I always do my best to ensure that my students are being challenged to their highest potential. I inspire confidence in students and my love of music is contagious! My focus is always the student and I will go the extra mile to ensure that young aspiring musicians reach their dreams. Whether you are yearning for the most advanced violin techniques or are just learning to play Twinkle, I can help you reach your goal.

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 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.