In this class, we will either learn to play the cello, learn new techniques on the cello, or expand your knowledge of the instrument.

Attendance Policy:
-When I enter the classroom at the scheduled time, I will wait 10 minutes, and if no one shows up, I will leave, and I will not 
 reschedule the class.
-If you email me ahead of time and let me know that you can't make the class, I will cancel the class and reschedule.
-If there is no attendance in class for three weeks, the class will automatically be canceled.

Based on your skill level, what we'll cover in this class will vary:

If you are starting the cello, we'll learn the following:
- Read music
- Play the C and D major scales
- Read different types of notes
- Read key signatures and time signatures
- Hold the bow
- Play with the bow
Week 1. 01/04/21: Learn the parts of the cello, learn about notes, staves, and rests, learn to pluck.
Week 2. 01/11/21: Learn to finger on the fingerboard, learn new notes on the D string and the A string
Week 3. 01/19/21: More practice with plucking and fingering on the fingerboard
Week 4. 01/25/21: Learn to read music without the letter assistance
Week 5. 02/01/21: Practice learning to read notes without the letter assistance
Week 6. 02/08/21: Learn to play with the bow
Week 7. 02/15/21: More practice with playing with the bow, Learn about key signatures and time signatures
Week 8. 02/22/21: Learn about eighth notes
Week 9. 03/01/21: Learn about half notes
Week 10. 03/08/21: More practice with complex rhythms
Week 11. 03/15/21: Learn notes on the G string, learn the G major scale
Week 12. 03/22/21: Learn about dots and dotted half notes, learn about ties and slurs
Week 13. 03/29/21: More practice with ties and slurs
Week 14. 04/05/21: Learn F natural and C natural, Learn about half steps and whole steps
Week 15. 04/12/21: Learn the C major scale, discussion about scales
Week 16. 04/19/21: Learn the notes on the C string
Week 17. 04/26/21: Learn to play staccato and hooked notes


If you are not starting, but just beginning, we will learn the following:
- How to tune the cello
- New Major scales: F, B flat, and A major
- Learn about minor scales: D minor, A minor
- Read and play new types of notes
- How to play in extended position
- Read key signatures other than D and C major
- How to play solo pieces
Week 18. 05/03/21: Review how to read key signatures and time signatures. Review C and D major scales, Play through Essential Element 
book pg. 2-7
Week 19. 05/10/21: New rhythm-dotted notes, Learning extended position pg 8-15, Suzuki book 1 Minuet No. 2 pg 21
Week 20. 05/17/21: New rhythm-sixteenth notes, syncopation, and B flat and F natural pg 17-21, Suzuki Book 1 Minuet No. 2, Suzuki Book 2 
Hunter's Chorus
Week 21. 05/24/21: Learning half position, New scale B flat major, New time signature 6/8 time Pg 22-27, Minuet No. 2, Hunter's Chorus
Week 22. 05/31/21: New scale D and G natural minor, New time signature Cut Time Pg 28-33, Suzuki book 2 Hunter's Chorus, 
Week 23. 06/07/21: Sight-reading and Natural Harmonics pg 38-39, Minuet No. 2
Week 24. 06/14/21: Minuet No. 2
Week 25. 06/21/21: Minuet No. 2, Final performance on last class


If you are more of an intermediate player, we will learn the following:
-Review Extended Position
-Learn about 3rd and 4th position
-Learn more keys signatures and scales
-Learn more complicated rhythms and bowings
-Learn how to vibrato
-Play more solo pieces
Week 26. 06/28/21: Learn C and D major scales, Learning 3rd and 4th positions on the D string and Natural Harmonics and Shifting Review. 
 Essential Technique Book Pg. 
 2-5 number 2-28 
Week 27. 07/06/21: 4th and Extended 4th positions on the D string: ET Pg. 6-7 number 29-40. Begin Suzuki Book 3 with Berceuse and 
 Gavotte
Week 28. 07/12/21: Learn F major scale, Shifting on the D and A strings: ET Pg. 8-9 number 41-56. Continue work with Suzuki pieces.
Week 29. 07/19/21: New positions on the G string: ET Pg. 10-11 number 57-68. Continue work on Suzuki pieces
Week 30. 07/26/21: 2nd, extended 2nd, and 2nd 1/2 positions on D and A strings: ET Pg. 12-13. Continue work on Suzuki pieces.
Week 31. 08/02/21: 3rd, extended 3rd, and 4th positions on C string: ET Pg. 14-15 number 82-93 Begin Schroeder Etude number 36, Suzuki 
 Book 3 Minuet
Week 32-35. 08/09/21-08/23/21: Learn Vibrato and continue working on Schroeder Etude number 36 and Minuet

If you are an advanced player, we will learn the following:
-Thumb position
-Three Octave Scales
-Play more advanced solo pieces and etudes
Week 36-40. 08/30/21-09/20/21: Suzuki Book 4 Sonata in C major Movement I--Jean Baptiste Breval Schroeder Etude #53
Week 41-45. 09/27/21-10/25/21: Sonata in C major Movement II Jean Baptiste Breval Schroeder Etude #53
Week 46-52. 11/01/21-12/06/21: Chanson Triste--Tchaikovsky
Week 53-58. 12/13/21-01/17/22: Adagio and Allegro--Benedetto Marcello Schroeder Etude # 55
Week 59-65. 01/24/22-02/28/22: Sonata No. 5--A Vivaldi Schroeder Etude #55
Week 66-72. 03/07/22-03/28/22: Arioso--J.S. Bach

Attendance Policy:
-When I enter the classroom at the scheduled time, I will wait 10 minutes, and if no one shows up, I will leave, and I will not 
 reschedule the class.
-If you email me ahead of time and let me know that you can't make the class, I will cancel the class and reschedule it.

What We'll do:
At the beginning of each class, we will do a quick warm-up with a few scales. Next, depending on your skill level, we will work through either the Essential Elements book or we will move to the Schroeder Book. And lastly, at the end of class, we will work out of either the Suzuki book you are on. We will not have any quizzes or assessments in this class.

How I teach:
I am an easy-going person, and I understand how difficult it can be to learn new techniques. Because of this, I know I have to be very involved in each class. In my view, teaching a new instrument takes a hands-on approach, so I will model different hand techniques through the computer and have the students copy me. Before we begin to play, I will have the students show me their hand positions to make sure their technique is correct (Example, modeling the correct technique for new positions). When we start a new song, I will play through it first, then, we will play together, and lastly, the students will play together as a group without me. This creates repetition which allows them to remember new pitches and rhythms, and it allows me to observe their technique and make changes if necessary.  As long as the students give their all in class, they will be just fine.

Interactions in Class:
On the first day, I will introduce myself, and I will get to know my students a little. We will have a conversation about their expectations of playing the cello, whether they want to pursue a career in music or play the cello as a hobby. I will do an informal check up at the beginning of each class to see how everyone's day is going, and then we will get started.

This class is by request only, so if you are interested in this class, send me an email, and we can talk about scheduling a section.