- Rent or purchase a cello:
- Hammond Ashley Violins
- Sten Olsen Violins
- Henry Bischofberger (Kirkland)
- Bischofberger (Capitol Hill)
- Purchase Suzuki Cello School Volume 1 and CD.
- Purchase an endpin strap (rock stop).
- Purchase a cello stool (ask me which is best for your child):
- Adjustrite (short)
- Adjustrite (medium-tall)
- AODSK keyboard bench (medium-tall)
- Carex shower stool (medium-tall)
- Read Nurtured By Love by Dr. Suzuki. I have copies to lend out to parents.
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!