| Author |
Subject |
Bobbie
Registered
User
(2/6/01 4:38:42 pm)
Reply |
What do
you like about your cello teacher?
I thought we needed a new topic
here. What two or three things do you like best about your cello
teacher? I'll start:
1) I love that my teacher is organized and
has a set order for lessons (scale, etude, etc, and then piece).
This is a style which works very well for me.
2) I also like that
she is willing to take things out of order occasionally in order to
spend more time somewhere.
3) I like it that she has a higher
standard of perfection than I do. I had a former teacher (for a
short time) who "passed" things when I didn't think they were very
good. My current teacher doesn't do that, and when I'm practicing
something I'll have a good idea what is going to be passable and
what needs more work.
I might think of three different things
if I kept at this but I'll go with these.
Edited by: Bobbie
at: 2/6/01 4:38:42 pm
|
Dorie
Straus 
Moderator
(2/6/01 4:47:36 pm)
Reply |
Re:
What do you like about your cello teacher?
Gee, Bobbie - Where'd you ever get
this idea?
I'd have to say what I like about my daughter's
cello teacher is that she is willing to adapt to her ever changing
attitudes. What I also like about this teacher is that I take these
lessons vicariously through my kid. I'm filling in the blanks. Since
Bobbie and I just had this dicussion via email and y'all didn't get
copies - these lessons are like music hour. Everyone plays, me too.
We're all having a good time and my daughter is getting excellent
training. Her teacher is an excellent performer herself, great
teacher.
I'm not officially taking lessons these days.
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Betsy
C 
Registered User
(2/6/01 5:51:22 pm)
Reply |
Re:
What do you like about your cello teacher?
Bobbie- good idea! There are MANY
things I like, but to start:
1) He's picky. Picky in a
helpful way. Right now, technique is everything. He is really
helping me to focus on what will make me a better cellist in the
future and not just slack, 'get by', and then face a cellistic brick
wall later on. It may get mundane at times, but I really do
appreciate it.
2) He's always encouraging. Yes, he does not tell
me that I have done something well if I have not, but I have come to
rely on his honesty. I'm sensitive to a degree, and if I get ripped
apart verbally, I don't react too well to it. It can roll off some
folks' backs- not mine.
3) I get challenged. He always spurs me
on to better things in his own manner and realizes that as a CBN I
have a lot of things in my life, not just cello. I wish there could
be more cello!
4) Walter's a lot of fun. I started this as just a
'hobby' but now I really love it. He keeps it enjoyable and I am
appreciative of that. And, there is a lot of mutual respect.
His
style may not work for everyone, but I love it. I can't believe just
how lucky I got!
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DWThomas
Registered User
(2/6/01 11:28:46 pm)
Reply |
She
puts up with me?
Well, it's actually much better than that!
She always
gives me a chance to comment on, or accept/reject new pieces -- I
never reject any, but it does keep things at an adult level (even if
some of the pieces are not  )
She's more than willing to entertain suggestions or look over stuff
I've acquired that I bring in. (That explains how we did some work
with "Drunk at Night, Dry in the Morning" (Scottish trad.) from the
Abby Newton book a while back.)
She is an excellent
performer, I've managed to get to one outside recital so far. She
has performance degrees from IU and New England Conservatory. She is
principal cellist of the Pennsylvania Ballet, plays with Harrisburg
Symphony, and occasionally with Concerto Soloists. In the past year
she passed an audition to sub with the Philly Orchestra. Sometimes I
still find myself a bit awed that we can sit down and play duets
together.
She seems pretty adept at pointing out things I did
right as well as where I need to tweak some items. It's nice to have
that balance.
So far I feel I've been making pretty steady
forward progress -- perhaps not fast, but I have nothing to compare
to (nor does it matter much). Goodness knows there's a lot more
space in front of me than behind -- shouldn't be too hard to find
areas for progress.
She has a good sense of humor too
(necessary around your's truly).
Have I lost count in this
rambling epistle? Well anyway, that pretty well sums it
up.
Dave
Edited by: DWThomas
at: 2/6/01 11:28:46 pm
|
Bobbie
Registered
User
(2/6/01 7:57:00 pm)
Reply |
Re:
What do you like about your cello teacher?
I forgot to say that I like that my
teacher does compliment me when something is well done. I had a
former teacher who I liked very much, but with that teacher I had to
assume the absence of criticism meant it was very good, as the
teacher never said so. I'm not a "praise junkie" but once in awhile
I like to hear it!
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galois00
Registered User
(2/6/01 11:18:21 pm)
Reply |
Re:
What do you like about your cello teacher?
My teacher is a Russian emigre who
is completely unlike the other music techers (American and East
European) I've had before. For one thing, no method book: I learn
scales and work on pieces, and that's it. Very different from my
other experiences, but it helps me musically because I'm forced
think about improving pieces, rather than just crossing them off at
some point regardless of how they sound He's also physical, and will
often do the bowing or move my hand for the bowing while I
concentrate on fingering.
He has a wide repertoire of phrases
that mean, essentially, "That was very nice in some ways, but . . .
"
He's also a card-carrying member of the "more sound" (i.e.,
"play it with more sound") school of cello pedagogy.
For some
strange reason my cello (which is okay but not a world beater)
sounds much better when he plays it.
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MaryK
Registered
User
(2/6/01 11:59:49 pm)
Reply
 |
Re: She
puts up with me
That's definitely my teacher! Poor
woman, she gets to deal w/a student who has lessons sporadically, is
way too critical of her playing, doesn't want to play certain stuff
(it's boring, I don't like it), isn't physically able to practice
enough and whines about it, etc. I like studying with Claire 'coz
she's a good cellist, picks up on "little" things that when
corrected can mean a lot to my playing. Duets are my favorite parts
of lessons, somehow it's easier to subconsciously improve my sound
when I'm trying to match mine to hers.
Altho, I must
confess, right now I'd like to take the next 6 wks or so off from
lessons. This is my worst winter for SAD and it's just too much of
an ordeal to come home and practice and make any progress. This
doesn't mean I won't play, just won't practice for lessons. Haven't
talked to my teacher re this yet.
*sigh*
Cheers,
MaryK
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me4cello
Registered User
(2/7/01 7:51:52 am)
Reply |
where
do I start...
for one thing I like the way he
doesn't compromise on my technique because I'm a late starter, if
I'm wrong, I get corrected, he has a great sense of humour, is an
awesome cellist, adores Bach as much as I do. Has introduced me to a
lot of other wonderful people, is gorgeous looking (does that
count?) and best of all he has just lent me the cello he has been
playing professionally for a number of years because he is trying
out another, the sound is truly awesome and I am beginning to make
the sort of sounds that were only in my head when playing my own
perfectly Ok but definitely student quality instrument....I think
I'm in love - with his cello I hasten to add!!!!
|
Sorefingers
Registered User
(2/7/01 8:02:35 am)
Reply |
Re:
What do you like about your cello teacher?
Yeah Bobbie, great timimg !!!
I'm
in the process of beginning ANOTHER search for yet ANOTHER teacher.
I've been settling for far too little for far too long only out of
desperation and am determined to break out of this limbo
forever.
I have studied with two excellent teachers in the
past and am determined to find another one very soon no matter how
far I must drive to get to one. They have quit teaching due to
starting families or moving out of the country.
I just ended
a 6 month "disaster" 2 days ago and was beginning to wonder what I
was going to do now - all the posts have reinforced my resolve not
to ever "settle" for less again. Thank you.
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Betsy
C
Registered User
(2/7/01 8:22:32 am)
Reply |
Re:
What do you like about your cello teacher?
Sorefingers, please don't 'settle'.
I am blessed; I got a great teacher right off the bat and I know
just how unusual that can be. It makes everything so much better
when you are comfortable and compatible with your teacher. It even
makes those lessons where nothing goes right a bit more tolerable.
And when you have those 'great' lessons, they really do share in
your happiness. I hope the best for you. I hope you find Mr. or Ms.
Right (in cello teachers, that is).
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JanJan2
Registered User
(2/7/01 11:44:31 am)
Reply |
Re:
What do you like about your cello teacher?
Great question! Where to begin . . .
let's see:
1. Mary Alice has a marvelous knack for making
what could be a tedious exploration of the more mundane aspects of
technique FUN!
2. She understands the adult student (she
prefers teaching adults) because she began her serious cello study
at the ripe old age of 19.
3. She is patient.
4. She
asks me how I want my lessons to go: i.e. do I just want to learn to
play pieces, or do I really want to spend all this time working on
matters of technique? She lets me decide where I want to go with all
this.
5. She is supremely encouraging!! She tells me what my
strengths are. Yet at the same time she doesn't let slipshod work
get past her.
6. She has studied with a variety of people. My
previous teacher (whom I loved dearly) studied with George Neikrug,
and it seemed like all I ever heard was "Mr. Neikrug says this" or
"Mr. Neidkrug teaches such-and-such." He's a true Neikrug disciple.
Mary Alice has studied w/Neikrug and a host of others, including
Lynn Harrell. She always tells me "This is what I learned from
so-and-so" or "When I studied with...". I feel like I'm getting
second-generation teaching not from one teacher, but an entire
conservatory!
7. She focuses on one thing at a time.
8. And speaking of time, she's very generous with hers. Her
"one hour" lessons typically last an hour and a half. My last lesson
went for two hours (no extra charge).
9. And I never get the
feeling that I'm being rushed or that there's anything she'd rather
be doing than teaching me at that moment. Her lessons are always
focused, productive, and enjoyable. We don't get sidetracked onto
non cello-related topics.
10. She's flexible, accommodating,
and understanding when it comes to scheduling lessons.
11.
She demonstrates for me on her cello. Being a visual learner, I've
found this to be eminently helpful.
12. She's a delightful
person to know. And she's a fellow cat lover!
Janet
Edited by: JanJan2
at: 2/7/01 11:44:31 am
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DWThomas
Registered User
(2/7/01 12:30:44 pm)
Reply |
Yes --
persist!
I have no idea where you are or how
populated an area you live in, but here's my admittedly limited
experience.
Near where I live in the Philadelphia suburbs,
there is the Community Music School. Some of the people associated
with its founding had previous involvement with Settlement Music
School in Philadelphia. They make a serious effort to employ
teachers who are playing the instruments they teach. That is, you
don't get cello lessons from a violin teacher (or trumpeter!) but
from a cellist. Typically these teachers are young performers
getting established in the performance world and doing some teaching
to supplement their no doubt limited income. The one hazard
accompanying this is staff turnover, of course.
I have had
two teachers there. The first was excellent and is now teaching in
the Temple University Prep division. The second, who is different in
style but equally excellent, is principal cello with the
Pennsylvania Ballet. Not saying this to brag, but to illustrate the
possible good fortune you might uncover. These are definitely top
notch people that I've been awed to work with.
Another option
might be contacts through university music departments or some of
the larger community symphonies. (Some of those are fairly
amateurish, but some are almost semi-pro. It takes some
investigation.)
And of course, we've already seen pleas for
help resolved on these boards too.
Good luck and I hope you
find a winner.
Dave
|
Paul
Tseng ICS Staff 
Administrator
(2/7/01 4:24:18 pm)
Reply
 |
galois00
Who, praytell, is your teacher? He
reminds me a lot of my last teacher, Vladimir Pantaleyev. Vladimir
is Ukrainian and was a professor of the Kiev Conservatory. He has a
Ph.D. from the Moscow Conservatory.
There are a LOT of
scales, etudes and exercises that he uses. The etudes include
Popper, Piatti and Gruetzmacher. As for pieces, there are some
standard concerti that students work on before hitting the bread and
butter of Dvorak, Schumann, Tchaikovsky, etc. These cocnertos are
NOT easy either. We are speaking of the concertos of Popper and
Davidov. They are fiendishly difficult but they build
technique.
As for scales...there is a universal fingering
that can be used on all scales and it involves NO open strings. Then
you do arpeggios I, i, IV, iv, vi, bVI, vii, V7 and all other
dominant 7ths using the starting note of the tonic
triad.
It's a rigorous routine but the "Russian School"
almost speaks for itself in terms of results.
What I liked
most about Vladimir is that he ALWAYS knew what the problem was and
what the best solution was. Not only could he tell what you were
doing (with out even looking, just by listening), he could tell what
you were feeling, physically!
His approach is very physical
too. The main point is relaxation. Technique is very simple though
not easy. But there are a few basic principles that are applied all
throughout your training.
"More sound" only came up when it
was needed for me. More importantly was consistency.
"Why no
vibrato on that note just before you changed the bow?"
"Why
no vibrato on that note just before you shifted?"
"I can hear
every shift and every string crossing! You must maintain the bow
contact and motion when you shift or cross the string!....back to
scales!"
"I can hear that your left hand is squeezing the
fingerboard...relax! Use your arm weight!"
It's been over a
year since I've had a lesson with Vladimir, but his words still
guide me when I practice and when I teach.
I began studying
with Vladimir Panteleyev in 1995 at the ripe old age of 30. I
learned the MOST in my cello studies in those short 3.5 years. I
have to mention that Scott Ballantyne gave me a very good technical
foundation (Rose School) that Pantaleyev was able to build
upon.
My only regret studying with Vladimir is that I didn't
meet him 16 years earlier when I first began the cello.
Paul Tseng
My Website
MP3!
|
Nico67
Registered User
(2/8/01 10:29:10 am)
Reply |
Re:
What do you like about your cello teacher?
ok I had to wait for my lesson,
before answering this so I could be reminded.
I like Chagit
because she is a perfectionist without depressing me too much. She
is able to point out what I do wrong while at the same time
reminding me that I am doing progress.
She knows what's
wrong and if she doesn't know right away how to fix it she thinks
and thinks until she gets it right. Most of my problems are physical
right now (the bow angle, the elbow positions, the arms movements)
and since we are soo different in body type sometimes she has a hard
time figuring out how I should fix my movements. But she is able to
figure it out all the time.
She understand that I came to
the lesson with "baggage" from the day and that sometimes I can
react to a comment the wrong way. Yesterday for example her
criticism depressed me beyond belief (not because of her but because
of my state of mind) and she noticed and adjusted her comments.
Another time I snapped at her and she didn't lose her patience (I
readily apologized).
We have become good friends. We talk
about personal stuff sometimes. She always offers me a cup of this
special tea that she brings back from Israel. And last time after I
kept saying how good the tea was, she gave me a whole box of it!
Next time I get to her house with 5 minutes to spare I will bring
her a box of Krispy Kreme donuts from the store around the corner
(eh eh now you know how I celebrate the end of a lesson every week 
)
She is a very talented cellist. I have heard her play twice
now and I have always come out with this "I am not worthy" feeling
---Rosario
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