Woodside, NY Cello Lessons

ot only with a wide variety of students, but also of instruments; specializing in Strings and Percussion. He has helped students achieve excellent NYSSMA scores, as well as prepare for recitals and gigs of their own, and to equal merit has helped dozens of passionate hobbyists discover the delightful inner workings of the music they love. With such a wide variety of experience performing not only different styles of music, but also on several different instruments, he is well equipped to help any student grow to their fullest potential, from young beginners to adult professionals.

*** Lesson Details ***
I take a great amount of pride in what I do, and I am very proud of the results I have achieved with every single student. Lessons are planned on an individual basis, in order to facilitate success for every student, based on their own needs, requirements, interests, and goals.

With me, students will learn Etudes, Scales, Pieces, and anything else they wish to know! (including instrument upkeep, music history, ext.)

*** Studio Equipment ***
Piano, Two drum sets, electric basses, guitar and bass amplifiers, guitars, two double-basses, over a dozen music theory books and music encyclopedias, and a Mac book.

*** Travel Equipment ***
students should have their own instrument for piano, guitar, bass lessons. I can provide a bass for double-bass lessons. I can provide an amplifier for all lessons, though I recommend the student have their own. I do own a travel drum set that can be transported to lessons upon request, but all drum students should own their own drum set to practice and perform on.

*** Specialties ***
I am experienced with Strings, (orchestral as well as electric guitar and bass), piano, and percussion.

Vermeer Quartet. From 2012 to 2014, Michael served as principal cellist of the Symphony Orchestra at Hunter College while concurrently earning a Masters degree in Music Education. He graduated with summa cum laude honors in 2014 and began his teaching career with the New York City Department of Education later that year.

At present, Michael is director of Orchestral activities at P.S. 205 Clarion in Brooklyn N.Y. and principal cellist of the Riverside Orchestra on the upper west side of Manhattan. He runs a full private teaching studio and actively gigs in and around the greater New York City area. He has also played in numerous master classes for world renowned cellists such as Lynn Harrell and Andres Diaz, and has had the privilege of working with esteemed conductors such as Marietta Cheng of the Southern Finger Lakes Orchestra, Paul Hostetter, Chair of Orchestral Activities for the Schwob School of Music, and Rueben Blundell, current Conductor and Music Director of the Lansdowne Symphony Orchestra, the Hunter Symphony and the Riverside Orchestra.

While Michael does enjoy a busy academic and teaching schedule, he believes that part of the joy of being a working musician is having the ability to share his love of music with others, something he feels both honored and privileged to be able to do.

*** Lesson Details ***
My teaching philosophy is one that tailors to the specific needs, interests and abilities of each individual. Throughout my years of private instruction, I have learned that no two individuals learn and/or think the same way. Thus, for some students I have found the Suzuki method to be highly effective, while for others I have been more comprehensive with my instruction, incorporated scales, etudes, sonatas, concerti and Bach suites for a more well rounded approach. Regardless of the methodology employed, all of my students will attest that I set clear and high expectations for every lesson, yet am very understanding, friendly and approachable right from the start. My goal is to provide every individual with the tools necessary for becoming a well-rounded musician, so that they too can share their love for music with others.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Two music stands and chairs.

*** Specialties ***
While I do specialize in classical instruction, I am able to instruct students in a variety of genres, including Jazz, Pop, and alternative rock. In addition, I tend to tailor my lessons to the needs of my students. If they are more comfortable learning by rote, then this is how I tend to instruct. My lessons are loosely structured by beginning with scales, moving on to etudes, then finishing with Bach suites, a sonata and/or a concerto.

and
Variety Magazine. He is a composer and
improviser versed in many styles of music, often
in demand for studio work in the New York
metropolitan area. Peter has collaborated with
artists in every genre of music, from folkies
like The Roches, Frank Tedesso and David
Massengill to rockers like Nada Surf, Neon Leon
and Mark Johnson, to jazz musicians like Jaco
Pastorius and Bucky Pizzarelli. Pastorious, the
legendary jazz bassist, called Peter "the best
improvising cellist I've ever heard." Peter's
CD's, "Now and Then," and "Some Other Way" are available at
cdbaby.com, "Now and Then" was a recipient of an ASCAP award. It
features his own works for solo cello and for
four cellos, as well as the first Suite for
unaccompanied cello by J. S. Bach. His music has
been characterized as intense but accessible and
has been featured on radio stations around the
world. Peter is Principal Cellist of the
Brooklyn Chamber Orchestra, the Bronx Symphony,
and the Regina Opera Orchestra and freelances
actively. He has given numerous solo and
chamber recitals in the New York Metropolitan
area, including at Bruno Walter Hall at Lincoln
Center.

her countless opportunities to perform, to participate in event planning, and to experiment with new music and arranging. She grew up participating in her mother's studio recitals at home and enjoys an annual family tradition of organizing and performing Christmas programs at church. One of Catherine's projects during her studies at the Manhattan School of Music was the Symposium Concert Series, which has led her to perform in apartment homes around the city and build a community of young artists. She has made countless arrangements for solo viola and viola with various ensembles which she often performs.

Catherine resides in Brooklyn, New York with her husband, Lawrence. She plays on a Raymond J. Melanson viola made in 1987.

*** Lesson Details ***
I'm able to travel to the student's home or teach at my home. Parents are welcome to sit in the lesson.

*** Studio Equipment ***
N/A

*** Specialties ***
Patience

eative power and freedom is one of the best things about learning to play the cello. I teach students not only to read and play, but to interpret and understand. Once you put your soul into the music, it begins to sound truly amazing.

As a jazz, hip-hop, and electronic artist I have pushed the cello beyond its usual classical music settings. I bring a cross-genre expertise to the cello that most don't have, and I love to work with students who want to expand their musical experience and horizons.

My personal taste in music leans heavily towards more contemporary styles but it is essential to have technique and musicality when playing in any genre. I look forward to meeting you and helping you become an amazing musician!