Berkeley Parents Network: Cello Lessons

Berkeley Parents Network

Cello Lessons

Berkeley Parents Network > Reviews > Classes & Lessons > Cello Lessons

Cello teacher for 7 year old
Cello lessons for 10-year-old boy
Cello teacher for 13-year-old
More reviews
Where to Buy a Cello
See also: Violin Lessons

Cello teacher for 7 year old

Nov 2007

I'm looking for a cello teacher for my (beginning) 7 year old. I'm wondering if there are any great ones that come to your house for the lesson (North Oakland) or are located around North Oakland? And anyone have advice on Suzuki or not to Suzuki? Thanks!

I don't have a specific teacher recommendation but do about the Suzuki method, as I grew up playing cello and piano starting around age 5 or 6 and did so through college. I would NOT do the Suzuki method. A 7-year-old is old enough to grasp the concept of reading music, and every single one of my friends in the symphony and orchestra and conservatory that I played with or in who did do Suzuki had a VERY steep learning curve when it came time to actually read music (they were helpless; the equivalent of needing remedial reading, almost, and I don't say that to be un-PC). Maybe Suzuki is done differently now, but I doubt it. I would get a teacher that can help your child learn to read music, because that's what the goal actually should be. Plus, it would be transferrable to other instruments, whereas a Suzuki-trained student has only memorized by rote how to play one specific instrument, and doesn't even really know why they're doing what they're doing. Just my opinion. I'm su! re there are a lot of pro-Suzuki-ers out there though. --First chair cellist and could read music

We like Monica Scott, 595-8448. She's very good at finding a variety of ways to teach, and is able to make it fun. My child started studying with Monica in 4th grade, and I have also seen her work with some very young students. Carol

There are two teachers, both Mills College graduates, who teach cello in our school as well as home visits. The first is Theresa Wong at tree_wong[at]yahoo.com and the other is Agnes Szelnag at agnesszelag[at]pacbell.net. They are both in high demand and have been featured in a current Oakland Magazine for their incredible works through Mills. Krista

Monica Scott teaches cello at our school to both preschoolers and lower school students. She captivates the students and is fantastic in concert. She performs as a duo with a pianist. I would recommend her highly. She is available to teach at her home in North Oakland, and on site. tina

Three of my kids play strings. Both my sons play cello. For an advanced student I would recommend Eugene Sor who teaches out of Crowden Music School and at his own studio. For a beginner, especially a boy, I would highly recommend Cathy Allen or Julie Feldman. They are excellent with children, even hyperactive ones. Two of my kids did start with Suzuki at Holy Names which I do not recommend. Most all string teachers do use the Suzuki books for beginning pieces but not necessarily the aural method. Cathy Allen can be reached at the Crowden Music Center in Berkeley. It is worth the drive if you do not live nearby. We initially rented from Ifshin. Cello sounds good even if the kid can not play!

Cello lessons for 10-year-old boy

Sept 2003

Can anyone recommend a cello teacher for a ten year old boy? He has learned some from his 4th grade group instruction at Emerson School but I'd like to supplement the 5th grade group class. He seems to have a feel for the instrument. I think he'd work best with a relaxed teacher who is happy to take on a beginning student. We live in Berkeley's Elmwood neighborhood, not far from Rockridge. Geographic convenience is a plus for me! Thanks. Tisha

Rob Shafer is a very patient and kind teacher for young cellists. He is on Virginia St. in Berkeley. His number is in the phone book as spelled and under ''Key Route Music'', Both he and his wife teach cello and also rent instruments. parent of former student

I am a violin teacher in the area (and my daughter goes to Emerson!) and I would highly recommend Julie Feldman to teach a beginning cello student. She is a lovely person and has taught for a very long time. She even has cellos to rent if your son needs one. You can call Berkeley information. Good luck. Irene Sazer

Elaine Kreston is a fabulous cellist and cello instructor. She came highly recommended to us, and we couldn't be happier. Elaine is patient, clear, and inspiring. She provides opportunity and support for public performance, and frequently announces concerts (hers or others) appropirate for younger audiences. I believe she is taking new students. You can reach her at elaine AT elainekreston.com. broque

Cello teacher for 13-year-old

Aug 2002

Can anyone recommend a good youth cello teacher somewhere between North Berkeley and Richmond/El Sobrante? Even better, one who will come to your home! My son is 13, has played for two years and is in need of a local teacher. Thanks. Susan

The thing about cello teachers who are in the wrong location for you is that they know other teachers who may be in the right location for you. Thank goodness we live in a cello rich environment,here. I would suggest you call any one of the teachers recommended in the archived listings, and ask that person for advice. But the most important ingredient is the rapport established between the teacher and student. I've travelled miles and miles for the right music teacher. It is worth it. If you're still stuck, write to me. I'm a cellist and know cellists and teachers who all have connections with those who have connections who have more connections in the area. I'm sure you can find someone. Good luck. Tobie

Rob Shafer in Berkeley has tutored my two daughters for the last five years. I highly recommend him. He's very flexible, his prices are reasonable, and he is very dedicated. His phone number is 548-6658. lkline

Before you look for a cello teacher you need to ask yourself a number of questions about you and your child's goal with the instrument. How serious is your child, what kind of music interests him/her, how much is he/she willing to devote to learning the instrument, what sort of person does he/she work with best, and so on.

You can get a list of local cello teachers from Ifshin's. Crowden can also give you some names. Call them and speak with them about their philosophy and yours. Then have a sample lesson with the teachers who fit your requirements. You and your child together can then make a decision.

As for some Albany / El Cerrito teachers, here are a few:

Elaine Kreston 558-6889
Eugene Sor 528-8994
Cathy Allen 528-5195
Lucy

More reviews

Nov 1999

The Crowden School and Center for Music in the Community (CCMC) is located at Rose and Sacramento in Berkeley and has an excellent reference list of bay area violin, viola, cello and bass teachers; CCMC offers after school classes for children and young adults, from solo instrument training to advanced chamber music. CCMC can be reached by calling 559-6910. Ask for Elisabeth.

I recommend Gianna Abondolo as a fine cello teacher. She was recently hired by the Crowden School to teach their after school cello classes. She is a wonderful cellist and has a supportive, enthusiastic approach to teaching.

I highly recommend Matthew Owens, north Berkeley. He seems to have a gift for keeping teenage girls connected to cello playing. My daughter studied with him for about three years, made very good progress and basically hung in there until she felt she had accomplished what she wanted with the instrument.
Editor note: phone number corrected to (510) 215-7294 Sept 2004

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