TEACHING PHILOSOPHY

My goal is to foster a love of music and the cello while building the skills and technique to support and express that love. I aim to create a welcoming environment where students can be themselves, make mistakes, and grow at their own pace. I use a mix of Suzuki and traditional techniques and teaching methods that I tailor to the individual student. I allow students to have input on what they would like to learn, as that often inspires and motivates them to practice.

My cello professor, George Neikrug, instilled in me a strong belief that technique is the basis for all we do. Neikrug was well known for teaching students how to play in a fluid natural way, in order to prevent injury. Many students, including myself, went to him with injuries that he was able help by revamping our technique. He believed, as I do, that technique can be taught not through dry exercises, but through music. Technique supports the music and helps us to bring the music to life. 

Mr. Neikrug also firmly believed in teaching his students how to teach. He taught us to be critical thinkers about how to play well and how to express that knowledge to others. In his master classes, he would chose a pupil to play, and then a pupil to teach the player. He would then work with both students on their playing and teaching technique. These classes were invaluable for us as players and as future teachers. I use the knowledge he gave me every time I sit down to play or teach. I’m always thinking about how I can improve my playing and my teaching. For me, teaching is never a one size fits all approach. I have to take what I know and find a way to express it to each individual student so they can find their voice on the cello.

Read more about George Neikrug’s life and teaching philosophy here.