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Active - Public

Cello

I love teaching cello! I’ve spent over 30 years of my life doing it and at this point, I think I’m quite good at what I do. :) I have a reputation for students with solid technique who have learned how to solve problems and play in tune, in rhythm, with good sound and musical understanding. Let me help you do so!

While a few of my students have gone on to study music with the goal of being professional musicians, most of my students are hobby-players. They're expanding their enjoyment of music by gaining a better understanding of it through hands-on work. They're enjoying the timeless pleasure of making music themselves rather than listening to someone else do it. My students are adults, pre-teens, and teenagers. They come from a variety of backgrounds. Some are entirely new to music study, others have played instruments besides cello, and some have been playing cello for awhile and were ready for a new teacher. My teaching style is flexible: we work on whatever your playing needs to succeed. 

I have a doctorate in cello from the University of South Carolina. I also have a master's degree in cello and a bachelor's in music history. In the past, I've taught cello at Clemson University, North Greenville University, Anderson University, and the University of South Carolina, as well as for 30+ years in my private studio Please note that I teach students age 10 and up.

News Flash: Cello bow holds are challenging! If your hand hurts, if your sound just isn't good, if you can't figure out what the person on that video is talking about, this is your class. I can help you fix your bow hold, understand how to achieve that elusive balance between first finger and pinky, stop squeezing and relax, and best of all, sound better.

Cello Bow Hold

Beginner

Intermediate

Advanced

The American String Teachers Association, founded more than 60 years ago, is a membership organization for string and orchestra teachers and players, helping them to develop and refine their careers. ASTA&#039;s members range from budding student teachers to artist-status performers. The organization provides a vast array of services, including instrument insurance, an award-winning scholarly journal, discounts on publications and resources, annual professional development opportunities, and access to collegial network of colleagues throughout the string profession.

I've been playing since I was 8 years old and teaching since I was 16. I'm a much better teacher than I was 30+ years ago, but I know I've connected with every student in some way and all of them have improved at the cello!

Private Studio Teacher

Section cello

English

German

I have over 35 years of experience teaching cello. Every student has different needs; I work with you at whatever point you are at; beginners through advanced students welcome. I have a doctorate in cello. 

I recommend lessons 30 minutes in duration for beginners, particularly children; adult beginners can choose 30 or 45 minutes. Students who can play longer pieces definitely need a little longer lesson so we get through everything. (Please note that I do not take children under 10 years of age; there are other teachers who are better teaching younger kids.)

I use Suzuki books for their inexpensive repertoire but I do not teach using the Suzuki method nor do I teach rote playing. I supplement these books with technique materials from Rick Mooney (Position Pieces, Thumb Position) and studies by cellist-composers of the past. If you have an interest in another area of playing, let's talk and find pieces that interest you.

Brenda is a great teacher. She is knowledgeable and friendly. Brenda takes the time for me to master a lesson or concept.
I’ve learned so much from her.

Brenda is a GREAT teacher. She is kind, patient, and motivating.  She makes every lesson fun, even for an adult student like me.  I have been with Brenda for more than three years and she has helped me greatly improve my playing techniques and understand the importance of musicality.  I look forward to continuing my music journey with her.

Brenda is a phenomenal teacher. She is patient and kind but also knows when to push to get you to play even better. She has tremendous experience teaching, and it comes through as she can pinpoint and coach on technique even via virtual lessons. I’m an adult learner and was apprehensive about returning to learning an instrument after years in my childhood struggling to learn piano because I couldn’t properly read the music. With Brenda, I went from not knowing how to read music to now playing pieces for fun. I am thrilled with the progress I have made under Brenda’s tutelage and cannot wait to continue my journey on cello with her. Highly recommend to both children and adult future cellists!

Brenda has been fabulous working with my 12 YO son on cello over the past (almost) 3 years! We started online with her at the beginning of the pandemic. We had initial trepidation, but online was the only option at the time for our son who had just started cello. She was great at motivating him and encouraging him at a tough time. We've stayed with her ever since as she's done such great work with him. She's patient, knowledgeable, fun and able to diagnose the most minute things and help him out. He loves working with her and has grown as a cellist thanks to her tutelage to play and progress in different audition ensembles over the time. We could not recommend her more for students of all ages!

Brenda is by far the best and most compassionate teacher I have had in my years of playing the cello. I had stopped playing when I was 17 and began again when I was 66. Brenda gave me the courage to begin playing again. She is very patient. I am now playing duets with friends and having fun! I give her all the stars in the sky! Thanks Brenda for your faith in me.

Great teacher! Pays attention to detail and makes the lesson fun! Highly recommend!

English is not my first language, however the communication is never a problem. She’s very kind and patient. 
I have learnt the cello with her for over a year and a half now and I can hear that I am making progress in musical interpretation, techniques and the intonation. She’s such an awesome teacher, highly recommended!

Brenda is such a lovely teacher. I learn so much each lesson. She is fun and extremely patient.

Brenda is an amazing teacher, our 7 year old loves her and looks forward to meeting with her every time! He says that she is so funny and makes cello feel so fun for him. He has grown and learned so much in just months and is excited to continue learning cello!

Brenda is an excellent teacher; she makes learning cello fun. 
 I look forward to our weekly lessons, and I’ve learned so much from her in just a few months.

Brenda is absolutely a great knowledgeable teacher. She is very patient. She has a gift for music. She is flexible with scheduling.

Brenda is a great cello teacher; she is a patient instructor,  superior in music theory, and actual playing. I feel at ease at our lessons and look forward to them weekly.

I'm on my 3rd lesson and already feel like I've learned a lot! She's very helpful and even though it's an online class, Brenda's really observant so she can catch things right away and correct them. She's also the nicest person with a good sense of humor. I'd definitely recommend her!

Very patient and encouraging. Good use of imagery to help me achieve and remember correct positions.

GREAT PACE. GOOD EYE FOR BENT FINGERS AND WAYWARD PINKIES!

Cello Bow Hold - Cello Class

About Brenda L.

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