Corey is very talented and I have known him for years now. Not only does he help with technique, intonation and other things, but he also teaches different ways to practice so you can improve while you're not in a lesson. Just a very friendly and helpful teacher.

Corey worked with my daughter for four years, beginning her freshman year. He began by helping her with music assigned for her orchestra class, finding specific techniques to improve upon as they went. By her senior year they were working on advanced techniques, resulting in her reaching State for Solo & Ensemble.
Throughout her entire time with Corey her confidence grew tremendously. As a parent I appreciated the strong relationship and mutual respect they developed. I have recommended Corey and would continue to do so.

As an adult beginner, I appreciate Corey having the patience in addressing my adult frustrations. I’ve learned and developed skills in theory and listening skills as well as technique. While he primarily teaches younger students, I would recommend him to any adult interested in taking up or improving their cello playing.

Our ten year old daughter was being exposed to string instruments in a school situation. We decided at the beginning of the year to engage Mr. Averill on a private basis. It is truly astounding the progress she has made. He has introduced her to a variety of material and motivates her such that she practice literally every day. He is helping her with musical theory as well as playing the instrument. He has the perfect balance of insistence on excellence while praising and motivating. She will no doubt gradually increase her daily practice time as more is asked of her as her competency improves. It is hard to over state the progress she has made while maintaining an ability to have a positive motivated attitude. Mr Averill is a master at reading her. A true gift for a music teacher

Corey has been working with our children for over 4 years. My son took three years of violin lessons and my daughter is on her second year of cello lessons. He is always a lot of fun to work with and helps his students develop a love of music early on. They have learned so much working with Corey and are advanced for their age/class, have participated in honors orchestra, a local youth symphony, and All-State. Corey is an enthusiastic dedicated professional, is always on time and has adapted his teaching methods well for working online. He has always been great working with our busy schedule and providing make-up lessons when needed. We look forward to many more years of lessons with him.

Corey has been an amazing teacher and friend for the past 10 years. He is super funny and fun to work with and he is very good at balancing hard work and fun! I started with him when I was in 4th grade and have been with him ever since, I cannot say how great of a teacher he is!

We couldn’t be happier with Corey. My son has taken lessons from others in the past that we thought were good...we didn’t know what we were missing! Corey communicates clearly, gives tangible things to practice and work on, and is friendly. I also appreciate that he takes time to check in and see how my son has been. During this quarantine kids are needing asl the connections they can find. My son looks forward to his lessons and I enjoy listening to him play.

I am a prominent professional musician in Portland and retired public school music teacher, and have had the opportunity to observe Corey teach on several occasions. Having evaluated several teachers during my career, I can honestly say that Corey is among the finest teachers of elementary school students I have EVER seen. Corey has a rare talent with children, and he teaches music with an easy going style and manner that brings out the best in all of his students--both young and old. Corey is likeable, professional, and easy to work with. I am pleased to give him my highest recommendations with no reservations.

My daughter has studied with Corey for five years in studio and now online amid the Covid situation. Corey is absolutely amazing at making playing the cello fun for the students, so much so my daughter wants to study cello in college. He is able to work with the students to find curriculum that is enjoyable and challenges the students.