Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I am interested in online cello lessons, but this is all new to me. What platform do you use?
A: I teach on a platform called Takelessons, who is owned by Microsoft. They have all the resources we need from paying, booking and video streaming the lesson. The Takelessons Classroom is a lot like any video chat service with the addition of having a journal built-in to take notes as well as record clips of the lesson saved for future review. All that’s needed is a laptop with webcam, no special audio or video (tablets and phones also supported but laptop encouraged).
Q: What age do you specialize teaching?
A: I teach cello regardless of age! Students under the age of 18 require permission from a parent/guardian. I’ve taught beginners as young as 7 online with great success. Parent/guardian attendance mandatory age dependent. I’ve also taught college adults as well as adult beginners 30-80, all are welcome!
Q: How long/often should I have a lesson?
A: Beginners often start with 30 minutes, sometimes my adult students may start with 45 minutes depending on experience with other instruments/having lots of time to practice etc… Lessons should be weekly to develop good habits. I also have some adult students that are on a bi-weekly schedule because of career demands. If you are not a beginner, you are also welcome to touch base with me periodically if you’re looking for help working on a specific technique or preparing for something upcoming. I offer 30, 45 and 60 minute lessons.
Q: Do I need prior experience before taking lessons online?
A: No prior experience required! I have started plenty of complete beginners online. Younger students need a parent/guardian present to help relay setup and techniques that we discuss both during the lessons and during practice throughout the week.
Q: How much do I need to practice?
A: Those who practice more often progress faster. That being said, quality practice always yields better results. I will do my best to inform you of quality practice habits and what to practice. Daily practice will lead to the most consistency, no matter for how long the session is. Every other day is even better than last minute cramming. Waiting to practice just before the lesson will yield the least progress. 5-6 days a week is optimal. Students that practice what is discussed in the lesson and resist the urge to look ahead will also learn quicker than those who practice other songs that are not discussed in lesson.
Q: What teaching method do you use?
A: I teach from the Suzuki Books for beginners. Once a certain level is reached, we can play from any cello repertoire. If you used another method before, that’s fine, you can play for me what you last worked on and then I will recommend a Suzuki Book and songs that fit along with your current skill level. Regardless of age, I always use the Suzuki Books for beginners, as they use a very thought-out and step-wise progression of technique building to get someone from no experience on the cello to being fairly capable in a few years.