Cello lessons. All ages and expertise (Kensington / Any)
offered in person
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Being sensitive to the need for more time to work out how advanced cellists, who desire to adopt the advantages of my technique, and how all beginners of any age hold the instrument, which in my teaching depends on the length of torso, legs, arms, and possibly neck, I'm offering a first cello lesson without charge.
If you're reading this, you may appreciate my interest in eliminating handicaps to musical expression and fulfillment. I want all my students to eliminate as many disadvantages as possible, including the inability to play by ear. Music theory, as I teach teach it, is not as dry as I expected when I was a student, and as your playing and ear develop, will see the direct impact of music theory in your musical development and inspiration. Aside from that, the basics are fun, if you're into music.
Similarly, I have something to say about taking up the cello: Unless you as an adult are at least 5'10", or alternatively, shorter but extremely strong in your hands, or as a child, have the genes for such stature or strength, I most strongly encourage you to play violin, piano, or alto violin (vertical viola of the New Violin Family (NVF) tuned exactly as a viola) rather than cello, standard viola, or the baritone of the NVF (tuned exactly as a cello, but larger).
Violin, which I also teach, was my second instrument, cello my third (piano first, which I teach). I worked very hard on the cello to overcome the disadvantages of a small frame (5'07") and hands which are far better suited to playing the violin. The technique I developed for the cello is a tremendous advantage regardless of physique and height, but requires some modification of the usual cello setup, as well as your trust that I know what I'm doing. You're the judge on this, as on any matter I bring up - I never insist on anything for mature musicians regarding technique or interpretation, but only offer my observations, predictions, and recommendations.
That said, I want my students to become their own "master teacher," and not take ten years to do it! Some may be only a step away...a visit to the biography page of my website will give additional insight concerning my teaching.
Whether you're professional and want some feedback or tips, or you're moving into professional playing, or you're an ambitious beginner in need of guidance and a foundation that will take you to the stars...My intention is to provide the tools for realizing the swiftest musical growth and acquisition of technical skills that indeed, will allow you fullest expression.
One student described me as "results oriented." My approach integrates holistic and (non-sectarian) spiritual perspectives and is extremely effective for those who intend virtuoso performance or have strong motivation for personal transformation. Except for musicians whose playing shows no technical weakness or lack of musical resources, I emphasize development of form and technique as a tool of the spirit. Regardless of musical development, I revel in revealing or discovering with my students the most expressive and apt interpretation. As in creation, discernment, and emergence of form from formlessness, the revelation of sublime artistic expression is a function of the artist's state of being. I am adept in assisting discovery or enhancement of your musical presence, a poetic term for an ineffable attribute, at times mistaken as courage.
So! Whatever your musical expertise, age, or background, if you are ready to write a new chapter in the adventure of your life, or aspire to open your eyes to a new experience of yourself through music, I invite you to schedule a free consultation.
Sincerely,
Peter Metcalf
Musical-Presence.com