Category: Cello Lessons

Cello LessonsEach student in my studio receives a weekly Private Lesson and a weekly Group Lesson. Schedule here.

Private Lessons

Each student receives a weekly lesson at their pre-arranged time. At the lesson, we cover the assigned material from the previous week that will consist of pieces, exercises, scales, note reading, theory and ensemble music. I will then assign new material for the next week to be practiced at home. Assignments will be clear and specific, which valuable to the student and parent in helping ensure success. The parent or adult attends every lesson, is expected to take detailed notes, and is the “home teacher” as they practice with the child daily. The length of the lesson depends on the student’s age and level of advancement, varying from 30 to 50 minutes. As a student advances, their lesson time may also increase. Please let me know if you wish to observe an individual lesson or arrange a trial lesson, and I will be more than happy to help you make arrangements.

Group Lessons

Group Lessons take place on Monday afternoons.  Group lessons are an integral part of the Suzuki Method and my pedagogical philosophy.  In Group Lessons, students play and perform repertoire (with a piano accompanist) either as a class or individually. Students also develop and learn about cello technique, study music theory, practice note reading, learn ensemble music and prepare for concerts and recitals. Group lessons serve as a motivator for students and help develop their self-confidence. They also serve as one of the main venues for early ear training. Most importantly, group lessons are FUN!  Ensemble music is often popular or “current” (outside of the standard Suzuki repertoire) which can be highly motivating to the student.

To begin the enrollment process and to arrange a complimentary trial lesson or class observation, or if you have any questions, please contact me!

Parent responsibilities

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Parent role in the lesson

  • Please arrive no earlier than 5 minutes before your lesson.
  • If needed, assist your child with unpacking his or her cello.
  • Please sit behind your child and take complete notes, preferably with pencil and paper. Use my practice charts to take lesson notes – they help with staying organized and practicing at home.
  • This is my time to work with your child, so there should be no interruption unless asked.
  • Pay on time.
  • The parent that practices with the child at home, or the “home teacher,” should attend every lesson.

Parent role at home

  • Practice regularly with your child — 5-7 days per week.
  • Use my practice and listening charts for motivation and to stay organized and engaged in practice.
  • Choose a regular practice time — preferably in the mornings when your child is not tired.
  • On busy days, remember that a short practice is better than not practicing at all!
  • Listen to the CD daily.
  • Display an interest in your child’s practice and stay engaged!
  • Learn how to tune the cello.
  • Do not allow your child to progress beyond my speed.
  • Use specific praise, not general praise.
  • Praise the smallest progress! Playing the cello is not easy, so their perseverance depends on positive reinforcement. Remember – it is a marathon, not a sprint.
  • Make it fun! 

Online & in-person lessons

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Online lessons

My studio offers online lessons in many formats, including Zoom (link here), FaceTime and Duo. Instruction remains the highest quality. Please read parent testimonials below regarding their experience with online lessons.

Testimonials:

  • “Peter is especially skilled at making online lessons engaging and fun. He maintains a balanced pace that takes into account the challenges of teaching remotely. Peter understands that it takes extra effort to keep students excited about learning via Zoom.” -Janie B.
  • “Since switching to online lessons, I am amazed at the energy and connectivity that Peter is able to convey through the screen. My son hasn’t missed a beat in his progress because Peter is able to clearly and effectively work with him during the lesson. Not only that, but he takes the time to listen to what’s going on in his life and makes him feel like the priority. I feel like we’re getting so much more than just cello lessons. It’s beautiful to witness.” -Sarah O.

Contact me if you would like to set up a complimentary, online trial lesson to see if it is right for you.

In-person lessons

In-person lessons are offered at my home. Please adhere to the following guidelines when attending an in-person lesson.

  • Wear a mask if you are not vaccinated.
  • Do not attend if you have symptoms or have been exposed to someone with symptoms.
  • Please use hand sanitizer before you enter and after you leave (provided).

Contact me if you would like to set up a complimentary, in-person trial lesson.

Group lessons

Group lessons will be in person in September 2021.

Summer Schedule 2019

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Here is the Summer Schedule 2019.  Please read the clarifications, below and email with any questions or changes you need to make!

  • There is plenty of availability if you haven’t signed up yet.  See the Summer Schedule 2019 and choose from the highlighted times in yellow.
  • Please carefully note your lesson times – missed lessons will not be made up.
  • July tuition is due on your first lesson in July.  August tuition is due on your first lesson of August.  Summer rates are on my homepage.
  • I increased lesson times for some of you.  If you prefer a shorter lesson, no problem – I will reduce the time.
  • Summer Jam #1 is on 7/26 @ 5:00-7:00 with a rehearsal on 7/25 @ 4:00-6:00.  Summer Jam #2 is on 8/2 @ 5:00-7:00 with a rehearsal on 8/1 @ 4:00-6:00.  The Phinney Ridge Farmer’s Market can fit a maximum of six students, so please email me to sign up.  Rehearsals will be at my house.
  • Cello X members, our performance is at the Crossroads Mall in Bellevue on July 20th at 6:30-8:30 as part of Northwest Folklife’s Crossroads Cultural Arts Series.  More info to come, such as the rehearsal date, etc.  There may be other gigs – stay tuned.

Studio address and arrival procedures

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  • Address: 9750 4th Ave NW, #A.   I live across the street from the QFC on Holman Road.
  • Parking: street parking is available.
  • Arrival procedures:
    • Enter without knocking.
    • Remove shoes and leave music by the door.
    • Go upstairs with your cello and unpack.
    • Please wait in the living room until I call.
    • Use caution going up and down stairs with your cello.  Parents of younger students, please assist.
  • Group lesson location: Amazing Grace Spiritual Center in Ballard.