Cello with Naomi R.

I am a performer and teacher, specializing in cello and English as a Second Language. I graduated with a bachelor and master degree in music performance (cello) from Ball State University (Indiana). While a student, I had a multitude of teaching experiences ranging from music theory, music history, ear training, and English as a Second Language. For the past three years, I have taught beginning/intermediate cello students. My teaching experiences began at a non-profit community music camp, Music for the Sake of Music, in Green Bay, Wisconsin. During this experience, I found a passion for teaching beginning students because of the fundamental need to provide a solid foundation. These early teaching experiences also inspired my teaching philosophy. Students can expect to focus on technique while simultaneously working on challenging and exciting repertoire. Although there is an emphasis on strong fundamentals, I strive to demonstrate the fun and beneficial qualities of studying music. Music should not be a chore but rather a source of creativity and enjoyment. I am open to teaching students of all ages and levels, although the majority of my experience is in beginning and intermediate levels. I've studied the cello for 14 years. I have experience in tutoring music theory, sight-ear (ear training), and music history. Also, I have been certified through the National College Learning Center Association, completing training that emphasizes engagement of students. Through this training I've learned how to help students learn independently and overcome challenges through trial and error. In music, these skills foster efficient practice techniques that often lead to a quickly developed technique. During my studies, I was also a classroom instructor of ESL. I taught academic English to university students with various proficiency levels. In these classes, I taught between 2-15 students. This experince strengthened my classroom management but also taught me how to prepare lesson plans catering to individual students. I have received a graduate level certification in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages and in doing so I have studied materials development, classroom assessment/creating assessments, and methodologies for teaching English as a second language. Lastly, I have tutored individuals in ESL, working closely to improve listening, speaking, and vocabulary. As a performer, I have played in many regional orchestras throughout Indiana such as the Lafayette Symphony Orchestra, Muncie Symphony Orchestra, and Kokomo Symphony Orchestra. I also have experience performing outside of a classical setting, especially in recording. In previous years I have recorded on pop albums for independent artists and composers. My most notable experience includes recording with Tony Award winning actress and singer, Sutton Foster on her newest album Take Me to the World. Studying music is not about achieving perfection; it is about creativity and joy and obtaining skills that transfer to numerous fields. I look forward to meeting you and helping you develop a wide variety of skills that will enrich many parts of your life.