Cello and Viola da Gamba Lessons
Cello and Viola da Gamba Lessons
I am currently accepting students at any age and experience level. Foster a lifelong love of cello and viola da gamba!
For lesson pricing and inquiries, click here.
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What We’ll Work on in Your Cello Lessons
Technique: I love working on technique with my students! I use etudes by Rick Moody, Schroeder, Gruetzmacher, Popper, Yampolsky, and Sevcik. We will also work on scales and arpeggios as well as working together to form a better understanding of music theory.
Repertoire: You’ll enjoy an extremely wide and varied range of solo repertoire; my specialty is in baroque music and historical performance practice, which means that we’ll work on from the beginning of the history of the cello (Gabrieli, Vitali, Ortiz, Bach) as well as romantic standard cello favorites (Popper, Saint-Saëns, Dvorak, Kummer) and other non-classical styles (fiddling, pop music, extended techniques).
How to Practice: Learning how to practice successfully when on your own is one of the most important skills that you can learn from your teacher. I think that efficient practicing is a thousand times more useful than spending hours with your cello. With over 25 years of cello practice clocked myself, I have a couple ideas of how to speed up your process. I’m also a huge proponent of mental practicing.
Performance Preparation: Getting ready to audition for your school’s advanced orchestra? About to play a solo recital in Carnegie hall? Either way, we’ll work together to learn how to prepare successfully with tricks for performance anxiety and in-the-moment mental focus, which can help remove a ton of stress.
Music History, Theory, and Performance Practice: To be a well-rounded musician, it’s important to understand more about the music that we play then just “This is Bach… and that note is and F# and you should probably play it with your third finger.” Classical music is an art form that we can participate in; we can place the music we play in the larger context of history. Knowing about the music and why, how, and when it was written and performed will not only inform how you might play it but also how you might enjoy it.
Qualifications
Degrees:
The Juilliard School - Masters in Historical Performance with Phoebe Carrai (cello) and Sarah Cunningham (viol)
San Francisco Conservatory of Music - Masters of Music in Cello Performance with Jean-Michel Fonteneau (modern cello) and Elisabeth Reed (baroque cello and viol)
Rice University - Bachelors of Music in Cello Performance with Norman Fischer (cello)
Teaching Experience:
Private Cello Studio for over ten years
Cello Faculty at The Woodlands Chamberfest in The Woodlands, Texas
Baroque Workshops with Bitterroot Baroque in Hamilton, Montana
Cello Teacher at Amabile Music School in San Francisco
Specializations:
I have degrees in historical performance with a focus on baroque music, which means we’ll work together to make your playing stylish and place each piece in its historical context.
Cello Lesson FAQ
I want to learn cello (or viola da gamba). What age should I start?
Any age! I have taught students of all ages and levels of experiences. No matter what your cello or gamba goals are, now is a great time to start.
Do you teach cello lessons virtually?
Yes! Take cello lessons from anywhere in the world via zoom. I’m based in New York City but I have students as far away as Montana and I will continue teaching cello lessons online even after Covid-19.
How long are cello lessons?
I offer 30, 45, and 60 minute lessons. Send me an email to inquire about pricing: sarahabigaelstone@gmail.com
What is your teaching style? What method do you use?
I use my own method which is tailored individually to each student’s interests and skill level. For etudes and technique, I use books by Rick Moody, Schroeder, Gruetzmacher, Popper, Yampolsky, and Sevcik. My specialty is in baroque music and period performance practice, which means that you’ll enjoy a wide range of solo repertoire.
I’ve taken a break from cello but want to start playing again. Why should I take lessons?
Think of your cello teacher as your musical guide that not only builds your cello technique but helps you explore a whole new range of music and styles while expanding your interests and tastes. Together we’ll find your purpose as a cellist; whether its to help foster or rekindle your love and understanding of classical music, play chamber music with friends, or prepare for upcoming auditions, competitions, and concerts.
What payment methods do you use?
I take Venmo and PayPal.