Cello Lessons
Welcome to my studio!
It is a very special part of my life to share the knowledge and experiences that I have with my students. My mission is to pass on the joy of playing, the outlet for creative expression, the challenge for the mind, and above all, my mission is to inspire.
What to Expect
I teach students from all ages and levels and teach with both Suzuki and Traditional approaches depending on what is best for the student. Lessons are a one-on-one (with the exception of Suzuki lessons with parent involvement) and take place at my home or at The Musical Offering community music school (wherever student is registered). Lesson lengths are 30-minute, 45-minute or 60-minute.
Topics covered in lessons are: tone production, cello technique, repertoire, review, note reading, memorization skills, theory, history, practice skills, performance skills and in some cases ensemble skills. Non-classical concepts and techniques such as improvisation and percussive playing can be taught to those interested as well.
There are typically two recitals a year and if a student is taking a Suzuki approach then they may have book recitals as well. Additional performance opportunities are always encouraged!
We work hard and we play hard!
Choose Your Path
Kids
Suzuki and traditional instruction tailored for young musicians. Build strong foundations with patience and fun.
Adults
Tailored instruction for beginners, returning players, and advancing adults.
Beginners
Patient, encouraging first steps for kids and adults with no prior experience.
Online Lessons
Virtual instruction for students who prefer learning from home or live outside the Chicago area.
The burning question I am so often asked:
What is Suzuki anyway?
Suzuki is a method that applies to students learning from a young age, having a parent or guardian present in lessons and as a practice buddy at home, learning to create a beautiful tone with sound posture and technique in a way similar to how we learn to speak (The Mother Tongue Approach) which emphasizes listening to other great sounding cellists. The Suzuki method also develops supportive community with group classes and has multiple performance opportunities including peer recitals and book recitals, developing dedicated practice habits while being in a fun and loving environment.
Then what is Traditional teaching?
Basically everything else! Really, many “Traditional” teachers use several concepts that Suzuki teachers use and many Suzuki teachers are pulling from the many backgrounds that form “Traditional Pedagogy.” The big difference is that Suzuki is so effective with young children with the parental involvement to help support and guide practice at home. For myself, I use a bit of everything and adjust each lesson to the student's needs.
On the first day with Veronica, she immediately put me at ease. I already see many changes in my playing.
Kay Y., Adult returning student