About

About

I grew up in the Chicago area and was a product of the wonderful free music lessons and orchestra ensembles offered through the District 89 schools. With a degree from the University of Illinois and 12 years of experience as a professional symphony cellist with the New Mexico Symphony (Albuquerque), my primary joy is working to bring the magic of music-making to new players.

Cello female teacher

Cello Pieces and Performances

I perform in the Chicago area. Along with a deep love of classical music, I enjoy “ethnic” music, Celtic, classical guitar, and a smattering of virtually everything else, including jazz, bluegrass, and movie scores. My tastes are wide-ranging, and I used to perform with a “jazz-fusion” original music group. 

Music Arrangements for Cello Ensembles

A new-found excitement in music arranging has enabled me to arrange numerous pieces for ensembles for my students. Tunes from movies like The Pirates of the Caribbean and themes from video games and films are frequently an option. 

Kids cello recital

Teaching Information and Policy

My students receive half-hour, 3/4-hour, or one-hour lessons as a coach. Lessons are the same price every month, due by the first lesson. If you take lessons year-round, you pay for only 48 lessons but receive 49 or 50 (depending on the lesson day and when vacations occur).

Vacation Days/No Lesson Days:

  • New Year’s Day (January 1) 
  • Memorial Day (Last Monday in May) 
  • Independence Day (July 4) 
  • Labor Day (First Monday in September) 
  • Thanksgiving Week 
  • Winter Break (December 23 to January 3) 

Practice and Lesson Preparation

For lessons to be fun and successful, a general guideline of 30 minutes per day, six days per week, is a reasonable effort for a beginner. For younger beginners (kinder to 4th grade), 15 to 20 minutes may be more appropriate.