Cello with Jessica G.

***Playing Experience*** I have 30 years of playing experience along with a Bachelor's degree in Cello Performance. I was the section leader of my university's orchestra as well as a full-scholarship member of the university quartet. I also studied for a year at a conservatory in Germany. As a professional gigging musician, I have played with Il Divo, Mario Winans, La Jolla Symphony, Doctor's Symphony, Dream Orchestra, Porta Caeli Chamber Players, and the quartet La Dolce. I still perform weekly with a group that was formed during my college days. We play for churches, weddings, corporate functions, and other fun events. ***Teaching Experience*** I have been teaching full-time since 2011 and am committed to my students rather than considering it a side job. Early on I took a few Suzuki Method courses and have discovered over the years what works for me as a teacher. I still have a mentor that I work with weekly to keep up to date on my playing and teaching skills. ***Performance Opportunities*** I offer recitals twice a year. Online they are done via Zoom and in person is at a local church in Altadena, CA. They are not mandatory, but suggested as preparing for a recital is a great way to really push yourself to polish a piece. I am also a member of MTAC (Music Teacher's Association of California) and can sign any of my students up for Certificate of Merit. This is a music study program with an annual evaluation and written assessment. *** Lesson Details *** Lessons differ slightly depending on the student. For those brand new to music, we'll use Essential Elements to learn note-reading and general music theory knowledge. Others with some music background, The ABC's of Cello and Suzuki books usually offer a good range of beginning pieces that progress at a good pace. Scales will always be a part of lessons - they are like what the alphabet is to language and are completely necessary. I am also open to outside pieces that students are interested in learning once they reach the correct level. ***Cancellation Policy*** I am really flexible when it comes to scheduling as I completely understand life throws things our way that we can't control and sometimes students just can't make it to lessons. But after years of having some students cancel an hour before the lesson starts, I had to implement a policy. If you give me more than 24 hours notice, it can be cancelled no problem. If it's less than 24 hours, I am happy to reschedule the lesson to a different day/time that week(or if the student is sick, to whenever they feel better). Or if you choose not to reschedule, I will mark the lesson as "missed" and it will be considered a paid lesson. If I need to cancel for any reason I'll always offer to reschedule, but if that doesn't work for you, I will cancel the lesson and it will not be considered a paid lesson.