Northfield, CT Cello Lessons

um and Education; and Masters in Arts (2012) in Teaching English to speakers of other languages, and Bachelors in Music Education (2010), both from Florida Atlantic University, as well as a degree in violin performance from Chicago.
I studied piano in Chicago for 10 years & taught both piano & violin for over 20 years. I also teach flute & cello for the past 5 years, as I studied them during my Music Education program.
I have taught music for over 24 years using the traditional and Suzuki methods. I am fan of the Essential Elements method and I Can Read Music book for string instruments, and the Alfred's Piano Library for piano. Alfred's piano library can be used for any age as they also have books especially made for adult learners. I also like their music flash cards.
For teaching music theory I mostly used Fundamentals of Piano Theory (9 levels) combined with Master Theory (6 levels) books.

I personalize every lesson, and always set goals for my students. Most of my violin students are members of the Florida Youth Orchestra as well as the Gold Coast Youth Orchestra and my piano students participate in Pompano Beach Piano competition and the annual Piano Guild auditions.
I teach any age and any level, and always stress that learning a new instrument is very similar to learning a new language, it needs a lot of patience, persistence and repetitions. My lessons are customized to my students needs, and are work in progress as they needs may change over time. I always remind my students that music can give them instant gratification when they learn to play favorite songs.
I always encourage my students to tell me about their music preferences, so I can incorporate them in their music lessons.

*** Lesson Details ***
All my tutoring sessions include reviews of previously learned material and if possible the use of technology. I use students books but often bring extra study materials if necessary.
All my lessons include technique and reading music. I like to use the Finger Power for piano students and Essential Elements for my string students, and scales for both.
Music theory: I use Master Theory and Fundamentals of Piano Theory books for younger ages, Alfred's music flash cards to support learning notes and musical terminology, and of course the fun part performance.

Besides Essential Elements for strings I also use String Tunes and I Can Read Music to add more fun to the lessons as well as support reading music during the lesson. For piano students I use Holiday Treats book, which comes in 2 different levels: Beginner & Intermediate, so my students have a new songs for a specific holiday.

*** Studio Equipment ***
I always bring violin with me to be able to show what I teach.

*** Travel Equipment ***
The students need to have their books and assigned material ready for tutoring. Instrumental students needs to have their music books, flashcards & instrument available as well as a pencil. I always stress with my students to be organized and prepared for their lesson, this way they will be able to focus better during the lesson. I always bring my violin with me. I also ask that the room where the lesson takes place be free of any distractions, such other siblings or any other noise. The quiet environment helps in faster learning.

*** Specialties ***
I tutor most K-12 subjects and prepare students to take ACT, SAT, GRE tests.
Music genres: Classical, traditional, Suzuki, Popular, Celtic, fiddle, Blues

ls. I believe talent is not a factor in learning. Mastering an instrument is the result of effective instruction and step by step guidance toward foundations and skills. I love to teach private lessons because I believe in spreading the word to make the great gift of playing music available to many. It is an inherited right and gift to enjoy a lifetime of personal satisfaction from playing a musical instrument. I love to help students build confidence and make progress. I help them problem solve by going through problems with them. I teach "how to think" and how to become a life long learner of the instrument. I love the challenge of finding ways to help students become successful at every step of the way. I am excited and enthused to be apart of student progress. I am influenced by many 20th Century performers including Van Cliburn, Oscar Peterson, George Shearing, Erroll Garner, Yudi Menuhin, Issac Stern, Dave Brubeck, and Horowitz among others. I am passionate in my teaching about providing an effective solution to my student's needs. I am pleased to announce my teaching has awarded a cello student a spot at Del Sol music high school for the 2017-2018 school year. this student of mine passed an audition January of 2017 as a result of my teaching. The student worked very hard and followed my instruction very well. Congratulations!! I am also pleased to announce two of my cello students have both passed auditions to play in the Las Vegas Youth Orchestra starting in September 2017 and September 2018. They both auditioned during May 2017 and May 2018. Congratulations to both of you!!! I also had a violin student who passed auditions for LVA (Las Vegas Academy) a couple of years ago. I have no connection to these organizations. These students all worked hard and followed my instruction. I can help you learn as well. Recently with the development of "octave" strings, if you have been split between learning violin, viola, or cello; these strings installed on a violin or viola make the instrument sound like a cello. It is really something. They are tuned an octave below, so they sound very low. A lot of cello music will have to be transcribed for owners of these instruments installed with "octave" strings. Videos can be found on YOU TUBE of these instruments played. They are ordinary violins or violas strung up with thicker strings to sound an octave below.

I am a professional educator who works with both children and adults, and has the patience to help them. I am a performer who has over 30 years of public experience in solo playing as well as ensemble work. I have performed at Nordstrom for nine years, and performed at many private functions. I have performed classical as well as jazz music as part as my performance experience. I have taught private lessons for well over 17 years. I'm sorry, as of Summer 2016 I do not travel to student locations. I teach at my studio as well as online. If you are among the many parents who home-school your children, you should consider music lessons for them. There are many benefits of home-schooling, but unfortunately students miss out on specials. Practicing an instrument can make up for that and also teach critical learning habits and personal skills toward learning in general.

*** Lesson Details ***
I believe in personalizing your approach to the strangeness of the instrument. You need to learn much about posture, and proper tone production within the first year. Method books are not "how to" books. You need a teacher to guide you toward becoming familiar with the instrument. You also need to learn how to listen to the sounds you make as you play. To develop "musical independence" you need to become musically literate, develop tone production skills, and internalize a steady beat. Rhythm and tone are basic concepts that must be mastered to maximize pleasure in playing your instrument. Learning how to problem solve is another skill I teach so you can help yourself toward progress.
I believe in using the instrument in daily activities such as playing "Happy Birthday" at family get together. Christmas Songs or Hanukkah Songs can bring much joy during December family parties.
A musician in the house brings much joy during holidays and celebrations; and the families are brought closer together. Memories are created and last forever. Playing an instrument is exciting and expresses what can not be said using words. I believe in teaching students based on their strengths, and building upon them. I am excited to help you learn!!

I only teach in my own studio and online. I do not travel anymore.

You can advance quickly if you are taught to listen to yourself and follow my instruction. I will guide you every step of the way to understand how music making works. Music lessons are fun and enjoyable. I am pleased to guide you through your learning every step of the way. My students in Las Vegas have had much success with my teaching and guidance. I will succeed where others fail. You will reap the benefits of my professional instruction. I bring a wealth of teaching experience, teacher training, and professional playing experience to every lesson. Most music store studio instructors have very little or no teacher training. Playing experience does not make one a helpful teacher. Failure to learn "how to" teach along with not earning any teaching credentials will not make a satisfying music instructor.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Grand Piano 5'1', Digital Piano 88 Keys, Violin, Viola, Bass Guitars ( 5 String Fretless), electric guitar (Fender), Upright Bass 3/4 Size French/German Bows.

*** Specialties ***
Suzuki for string instruments. Thompson, Schaum for piano. Blues, Jazz and " Real Book " for jazz piano as well as Frank Mantooth books for chords. I also create materials to suit individual student needs. Classical Piano Volumes.

ills that can be beneficial in every aspect of our daily lives. Whether you are new to the cello, picking it back up after some time off, or at a more advanced level, I hope to hear from you! If you have any questions at all, please send me an email. I look forward to hearing from you!

BIO:
Born in Minneapolis, MN, Victor Mooney began playing cello at the age of 7. While in Minneapolis he studied with Tom Austin, former member of the Minnesota Opera. Victor completed a Bachelor of Music Performance degree from Iowa State University, where he studied with George Work. Upon graduation he was awarded the Outstanding Senior in Music award, the highest honor the Music Department at Iowa State gives. While in undergrad he also received a scholarship for excellence in performance. In the fall of 2015, Victor pursued a Master's of Music degree in Cello Performance at The Boston Conservatory, where he studied with Andrew Mark. He has participated in master classes with Anthony Ross, Tanya Remenikova, Narek Hakhnazaryan, Hong Wang, Bruce Uchimura, Wes Baldwin, Theodore Buckholz, and Joshua Koestenbaum. From 2013 to 2015 he played regularly with the Des Moines Symphony Orchestra. While at Iowa State University he had the opportunity to sit Principle Cello in both the Iowa State University Symphony Orchestra and the Iowa State University Chamber Orchestra. Along with teaching privately in his Boston Studio, Victor also teaches for the Brookline Adult and Community Education Center. Outside of music, Victor enjoys reading, cooking, watching hockey and soccer, and visiting with family and friends in Minnesota.

hed Service in Education Award, 1993 and Outstanding Middle School Teacher- Utah Rural Schools, 1990.

c that YOU want to play!

I also teach composition and music theory (which is beneficial skill set for performers and composers alike).

Please send me a message and let me know your musical goals. I'd love to work with you!

it organization An die Musik NYC and currently serves as its assistant director. AdMNYC is a concert series bringing the people of New York City high-quality classical music at affordable prices. It presents internationally renowned performers alongside rising talents from the NYC community.

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