I maintain private studio lessons at the Suzuki
Music Institute in Thornleigh (NSW).
Previously I was Head
of Strings and taught cello at Browning
Street Studios (QLD). In addition to private tuition my students
meet as a class once a month.
My teaching method is built upon Suzuki Method, in conjuction with
continual pedagogical research. For more information, please read my
teaching philosophy below or feel free to contact
me.
If you are interested in studying the cello with me please fill out this
form. You will be placed on my waiting list and I will be in contact
with you as soon as possible to discuss lesson details and arrange a
consultation lesson/lesson observations.
It is my belief that well grounded and solid technique is an essential
foundation for enjoyable and rewarding musical experiences. For this
reason I am totally committed to dealing systematically and creatively
with the technical issues of ‘cello playing.
As a Suzuki Method teacher I believe that talent is not inborn, but an
ability which can be developed; every child has an unlimited potential to
be educated. Dr Suzuki called his teaching method the Mother-Tongue
Approach, inspired by the fact that children so effectively learn to speak
their native tongue. Prompted and encouraged by a mother’s love and the
family environment, a child responds and develops this most difficult of
skills, that of intelligible speech. When a child learns to speak, the
following factors are at work: Listening, Memory, Motivation, Vocabulary,
Repetition, Parental Involvement, Step by Step Mastery and Love. In the
Suzuki approach each of these principles is used in the learning of an
instrument. Ideally music education should start from birth and formal
cello lessons can often start from 3 years of age.
In addition to developing students musical language and technical
proficiency, I ensure that my students understanding of music theory,
history and aural skills are expanded alongside their instrumental
development. But most importantly I strive to develop a lifelong love of
music in my students.
It is my hope that through their ‘cello journey students will obtain life
skills that promote a sense of humanity, and an appreciation of beauty in
all things.
This allows both parent and child to observe other children learning to
play the instrument and will provide your child with incentive to learn.
It will also provide Motivation, Imitation and Encouragement etc. It will
bring your children many benefits. Your child will understand more rapidly
what is expected in their own lesson. You will also be preparing them for
future learning.
Observation of lessons is one of the most important things you can do for
your child.
“If your child listens well to the records, ”an inner ability”
growing inside of him,
- Dr. Shinichi Suzuki
it becomes easy for him to play, and his progress becomes much faster.”
By beginning listening at an early age the child develops an
understanding of musical language, In the same way that they learn their
native language.
The more frequently the students listen to the recordings, the more easily
they learn to play. Constant listening to music performed with beautiful
tone provides children with a role model for their playing.
In the lessons, the production of fine tone and sensitive playing is
stressed from the beginning.