Cello Lessons in Fleming Island. Amazing Teachers.

My name is Jerry. I LOVE music and passing my knowledge on to others. I have played many different instruments in many different kinds of bands. It all one major thing in common, it was FUN! If you are not having fun while learning an instrument you won't want to learn. Lessons can be fun AND educational at the same time. I have had many parents tell me I'm one of the best teachers they have ever seen. (A couple of them were public school teachers themselves). I truly want my students to succeed and I will do everything in my power to help them accomplish that!

In my lessons, my primary focus is helping students learn cello at their own pace, and developing their love and appreciation for music! Cello can be challenging, but anyone can learn with the right guidance! I have a conservatory training, and years of experience teaching people of all ages how to play. Students will learn technique, music reading, scales and arpeggios, and basic music theory in a comfortable and encouraging environment!

I teach beginner cello primarily using the Suzuki books, but supplement with other materials when needed. My students work on scales and rhythm constantly to improve their tone and musicality as well as technique. I teach classical, religious, fiddle, and more. I also teach group ensembles, trios, quartets, and I work with students on their school orchestral and audition pieces.

First and foremost, it is so important for me to get to know you and your musical interests (favorite songs, artists or bands). Once I know a little bit more about you and where your musical interests are, I help you build goals based on what you’d like to accomplish...that could be anything from “just wanting to learn something new and to have fun” to “playing my sister’s favorite song at her wedding in 3 months” or “to join an orchestra and make it my professional goal”. My style of teaching over the last 25 years incorporates technique, reading music, ear training, and improvisation. In addition to the violin, I teach viola, cello and piano/keyboard. The genres I love to teach are classical, rock, pop, jazz, film/tv music, and fiddle!

I'm a recent grad of University of Michigan, where I received both my bachelors and masters degrees in cello performance with Anthony Elliott and Richard Aaron, respectively. I've spent years honing my craft and I'm excited to share with you everything I've learned!
My teaching style is a blend of all the teaching philosophies that I've encountered over the years. I emphasize good technique and a holistic approach to cello playing, as I believe those two are the foundation to building musicality. However, I believe the ultimate goal is to simply instill a love for music into my students and to encourage them to have fun. I look forward to making music with you soon!

I have been playing viola for 17 years and teaching violin, viola, and cello for 8 years. I graduated from the University of West Florida in 2016 with a Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance - Viola. My viola instructor was Dr. Leonid Yanovskiy, current and former concert master of the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra, Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra, and many others.
While earning my degree, I also learned how to play violin and cello and am able to teach them up to an intermediate level.
My teaching ideology is that ANYONE can learn an instrument at any age. I have taught students as young as 4 and as old as 65! Many adult students of mine have expressed difficulty and even shame in trying to find a teacher for them who would take them on, simply because they were starting as an adult.
We don't have to train for the symphony (unless you want to!); your goals are my goals and I will help you reach them!