Category: Cello Lessons

Cello LessonsEach student in my studio receives a weekly Private Lesson and a weekly Group Lesson. Private lesson schedule here and group 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!

Fall Concert 2020 Info

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  • When: Sunday, October 25, 2020 at 2:00-3:00 (1:45 arrival).
  • Where: Your home.
  • Pre-concert tasks:
    1. Add the Vimeo app to your Smart TV. If you do not have a Smart TV, add the Vimeo app to your computer.
    2. Add the ‘Seattle Suzuki Cello‘ channel to your favorite channels on Vimeo. The concert will be debuted there. Note: the video won’t unlock until shortly before the concert.
    3. Tell you friends to tune in!
  • Day-of concert tasks:
    1. Log in to the Zoom Meeting at 1:45. The Zoom Meeting is for pre-and post-concert talk. It is NOT for watching the concert – you will do that on your television or computer through Vimeo.
    1. Please stay for the entire concert, and give each piece your full attention! The concert will last less than an hour.
    2. After the concert, please return to the Zoom Meeting for acclamations and congratulations!

Upbeat app settings

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Thanks for your patience and perseverance at the group lesson! I’ve become more acquainted with the Upbeat app. Please follow the steps to make it work better and reduce glitchiness!

Pre-class to dos:

  • Find a location with a strong WiFi signal.
  • Get the latest Chrome version at chrome://help.
  • Close all windows and internet tabs.
  • Plug in your computer during class.
  • Chromebook users, turn on Hyper-Threading:
    • Go to chrome://flags.
    • Search “Schedule Configuration.”
    • Choose “Enables Hyper-Threading on relevant CPU’s or Performance.”
    • Restart.
  • Enable Hardware Acceleration:
    • Go to chrome://settings.
    • Search “Hardware Acceleration.”
    • Toggle on “Use hardware acceleration.”
    • Restart.

Setup and Calibration (during class)

  • Enter room.
  • Plug headphones into the computer and put them on.
  • Click Setup
  • Click Get Started
  • Click Start Recording.
  • Wait for the 8 beat count-off.
  • Play or pluck on the beat.
  • Click Continue or Redo if needed.
  • Listen to playback.
  • Calibrate: slide the yellow sound file to abut the first bold green line.
  • Click Done.
  • Video instructions if you prefer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Olbn_ZJDuZo

Recording yourself (during class)

  • This info is for Cello Jellos only. Cello Phil will use a different recording method.
  • Put on and plug in headphones.
  • Click Record.
  • Click Continue.
  • My video will appear.
  • Click Start Recording.
  • Wait for count-off and start playing when I do.
  • While you play, I will be on your screen and you will hear me through the headphones. Play along with me as best as you can.
  • Click Stop Recording.
  • Click Continue or Redo if needed.
  • Calibrate: slide your yellow sound file to match with mine. Listen and slide until it matches perfectly.
  • Click Done.
  • An uploading announcement should appear.
  • Video instructions if you prefer.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=naCkgq0407Q

Important info for 2020-21

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Welcome, or welcome back! Despite the many challenges and unknowns caused by the pandemic, I am very excited about this year of cello!

Group schedule and studio calendar

The group lesson schedule and studio calendar is here. It is also posted on the Students and Families Category.

You will notice that groups and concerts are virtual for 2020 and in-person for 2021. This is subject to change, but it is my hope. 🙂 Please take a moment to mark down all of the concert dates.

Group lessons

Group lessons begin Monday, 9/14. Below is the music we will be working on in preparation for our Fall Concert. Cello Philharmonic members, please print the attached music.

Cello Jellos:

  • Taka Taka Tee Tee
  • Twinkle Theme
  • Lightly Row
  • Allegro (92)
  • Long, Long Ago (58)
  • Rigadoon (96)

Cello Philharmonic:

  • Advanced Twinkle (at 66)
    • Cello I: BeBo, BrCz, ChBl, DrLu, HeCu, LuFr, MaTa, MaGr
    • Cello II: AmPe, ArRa, MiTa, SaPo, SeMo
    • Theme: Peter
  • King William’s March (at 84)
    • Cello I: AmPe, ArRa, BeBo, ChBl, HeCu, LuFr, MaTa, MiTa, SaPo, SeMo
    • Cello II: BrCz, DrLu, MaGr, Peter
  • Swing Low, Sweet Chariot (at 92)
    • Cello I: ArRa, BrCz, ChBl, HeCu, LuFr, MaTa, MaGr, MiTa, SeMo, SaPo
    • Cello II: AmPe, BeBo, DrLu, Peter
  • Fisher’s Hornpipe (at 108)
    • Cello I: BeBo, BrCz, DrLu, LuFr, MaGr
    • Cello II: Peter

Upbeat Music app

Groups will be virtual on a new app called Upbeat Music. Every Monday afternoon, you will be emailed a room invite. You needn’t download an app; simply join the room using a PC or iPad. The app has some cool features that will enhance learning, but it will require parent assistance at first. Please read instructions and complete steps here.

Cello X schedule

The Cello X schedule is posted on the Cello eXperiment Category. Please mark your calendars and let me know asap if you have conflicts. Members are allowed three absences per year. Our first rehearsal is this Friday, 9/18, at 6:30-8:30 (note the new time). Please bring a stand, your Cello X binder and follow the arrival procedures.

  • Members will enter and unpack one person at a time. Do not enter when you arrive, but call me at (206) 715-1272.
  • Apply hand sanitizer before entering (provided).
  • Wear a mask at all times.
  • Remain distanced during rehearsal. Chairs will be placed 6 feet apart and the space will be ventilated.
  • Apply hand sanitizer when you leave.

Tuition

Tuition is due by the 7th of each month. Please pay on time to avoid a late fee. Tuition rates are on the front page of my site here (scroll to the bottom).

  • I accept Venmo payments @Peter-Williams-111.
  • Checks may be mailed to me at 9750 4th Ave NW #A, Seattle, 98117.

Parent info

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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.

Cellopalooza 2020 – Concert Info!

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Cellopalooza goes virtual! See below for instructions.

  • When: Sunday, May 31, 2020 at 2:00-3:00 (1:45 arrival).
  • Where: Your home.
  • Pre (day before) concert tasks:
    1. Pay me the $100 concert fee if you haven’t yet. I accept Venmo payments @Peter-Williams-111.
    2. Add the Vimeo app to your Smart TV. If you do not have a Smart TV, add the Vimeo app to your computer.
    3. Add the ‘Seattle Cello X’ channel to your favorite channels on Vimeo. The concert will be debuted there. Vimeo.com/Channels/SeattleCelloX
    4. If you can’t add the channel, go here or search for “Cellopalooza 2020” in the Vimeo app, and the concert video should pop up. Note: the video won’t unlock until shortly before the concert.
    5. Tell you friends to tune in!
  • Day-of concert tasks:
    1. Log in to the Zoom Meeting (link below) at 1:45. The Zoom Meeting is for pre-and post-concert hellos and announcements. It is NOT for watching the concert – you will do that on your television or computer through Vimeo.
    2. Please stay for the entire concert, and give each piece/performance your full attention! The concert will last less than an hour.
    3. After the concert, please return to the Zoom Meeting for acclamations and congratulations!

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.

Seattle Young Artist Music Festival

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Seattle Young Artist Music Festival is March 25 through March 30, 2019 at the University of Washington Music Building.  The deadline to register is Wednesday, 1/16.  Please go to syamfa.org to do so.  Registration forms must be signed by me, so register right away!  🙂

Attached is the piece(s) your child will be performing, their running times and Sarah’s and my information.  Note that the fee for Sarah’s accompaniment services has recently been raised to $80 an hour.  Please email me with any questions.

Young Artist info 2019

Summer Schedule 2018

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Attached is the Summer Schedule 2018. Please read the clarifications, below and email with any questions or changes you need to make!

  • If you have not signed up yet, do not fret – there is plenty of availability.  🙂
  • Cello X members, there will be summer happenings – stay tuned.
  • Please note lesson dates & times carefully as missed lessons will not be made up.  Contact me with any changes you need to make.
  • Tuition for July is due on July 12th and tuition for August is due on August 9th.  Summer rates are on my homepage.
  • I increased lesson times for some of you due to camp preparation needs and higher levels.  If you prefer a shorter lesson, no problem – I will reduce the time.
  • Let me know if you can do the Recital at the Dunn Gardens.  I noted who responded, but there’s plenty of space – I hope that most can participate!

Practice assists for Cellopalooza

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Recent video uploads to assist with Cellopalooza practice.  Note the metronome markings.  🙂

Dear Theodosia (metronome at 80):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Ox3qeu4bC4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73hZ3alkVk8

 

You’re Welcome (metronome at 96):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djKjfMagBTg

 

Banish Misfortune (metronome at 88):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjiZcZD9_4E

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDGgTDrIWxA

Hedwig’s Theme, Cello I and II (metronome at 120):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIcFsYcbBzM

Advanced Twinkle (metronome at 76):

 

Minuet No. 2:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqYCUh2olXQ

Rigadoon:

Long, Long Ago:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KF1IaEm2wd4

Song of the Breeze, Wind & Tornado:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dt_qXdcQBEg

French Folk Song 3 Part Harmony:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ahI7Kr2Q5w

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kNBfXWnHfKs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=myokC5_MJwI

I Love to Tango / Somewhere Over the Rainbow:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NpRW6XfVZs

Twinkles:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOpQ-2zyIl4