| Author |
Subject |
raymcc85
Registered User
(3/7/01 9:59:00 am)
Reply |
new
cellist dilemma
I'm still looking for a teacher, but
find it's very hard. It's very expensive here in Los Angeles and
teachers balk when I mention that I'd prefer (and only have time
for) biweekly lessons rather than weekly lessons. This is compounded
by not really knowing what the ultimate goal of lessons are for me
either. Obviously I want to learn to play but I don't have a
specific timetable or an intention to play publicly (though
eventually it would be nice to play with others in a small group
setting). I'm enthusiastic and dedicated, so I think I'll get past
this little hurtle, but I do wish there was a club or a small class
where I could get pointers or just hang out and play with others,
supplementing occasional lessons. Don't get me wrong, I know the
value of instruction from a professional, but I wish there was
something between "private" lessons with a professional cellist and
teaching myself (there seems no in-between here in Los Angeles, I
can't even find a grad-student to take lessons from!). Has anyone
ever had this problem? Any creative solutions you can recommend?
Thanks!
-r
|
bridge
Registered
User
(3/7/01 3:13:06 pm)
Reply |
Re: new
cellist dilemma
I started two years ago. I rented a
cello and taught myself for about two months. I wanted to make sure
I was serious. And I was. I've taken lessons in two metro areas, one
about one million and one about half of that. Cello teachers seem to
be busy. They have to be to make money. Having gaps in their
schedule is, therfore, undesirable. Furthermore, if you are not sure
of your intentions, this may come across when you speak with them.
If a teacher has lots of requests, you may imagine they'd prefer the
student that is going to work hard at it as opposed to one who may,
or may not.
I obviously don't teach, but this is my
impression of the situation as a student.
|
raymcc85
Registered User
(3/7/01 3:37:52 pm)
Reply |
new
cellist dilemma
Well I am serious and I convey that
to teachers. I think one of the problems is the notion that somehow
students who do not take lessons regularly are not serious. For me
it is about time and money. A lesson taken will be very productive
for me and my study would be taken seriously. Again, I'm looking for
the in-between which seems tough for teachers to understand. Maybe
the answer is there is no in-between. I'm hoping though that that's
not the case.
-r
|
Dorie
Straus
Moderator
(3/7/01 4:57:47 pm)
Reply |
Re: new
cellist dilemma
We're on at the same time I think.
My needs during my last round of taking lessons were the same and I
was able to accomplish this in NYC. Some pros need flexibility and
something close to every other week works for them. Try CC to see if
someone in LA is willing or can give you leads. Maybe you already
posted there; I haven't checked yet today. Many people who teach
adults are willing to go bi-monthly since they understand that life
challenges make it tough for adult students and that each lesson is
meaningful and very often extremely productive. Adults can make more
use of a single lesson. I don't think you're out of line to look for
this kind of set up. You'll find someone, it just might take some
time.
Edited by: Dorie
Straus at: 3/7/01 4:57:47 pm
|
Betsy
C 
Registered
User
(3/7/01 4:46:37 pm)
Reply |
Re: new
cellist dilemma
Good luck in your search! My cello
teacher works full time (non cello related) and plays in an
orchestra. He and I are both really busy with a lot of other things
in our lives, and sometimes we get to have a lesson for me once a
week. Lately, it has been every other week and it works beautifully
'cause we are both flexible. I also suggest that you keep searching.
The right cello teacher is out there! I have heard that colleges and
universities that have music and performance majors have students
that are oftentimes willing to teach and are happy to do so. Just a
thought.
|
Nico67
Registered User
(3/7/01 5:29:08 pm)
Reply |
Re: new
cellist dilemma
Have you tried a music school? My
music school makes me pay for 24 lessons in advance and then I
schedule them with my teacher at my/her convenience. The goal is
once a week but I cancel (travel), she cancels (extra rehersals or
gigs) so on average is about biweekly.
Since she has a contract
with the school she has really no say on how often I have to go. Not
that she would oppose me on taking a lighter schedule.
---Rosario
|
Nvbob7
Registered User
(3/7/01 6:29:36 pm)
Reply |
Re: new
cellist dilemma
There are some community
orchestra type groups in the L.A. area that probably have excellent
cellists who would be qualified to teach a beginner. For example the
Long Beach Civic Light Opera. Community Colleges are also a good
place to look. Heck, go to a concert and try chatting up a cellist
or two at the reception.
Many music stores have bulletin
boards that you can leave a post "CELLO INSTRUCTOR FOR BEGINNER
WANTED". Try Mauri's in Long Beach. I bought my Mitten Wald cello
there. There is an excellent sheet music store in I think Paramount
(Ask Mauri's they'll know).
Good Luck!
|
Joe
S
Registered
User
(3/8/01 9:31:22 pm)
Reply |
I am
thankfull for my teacher.
I do just one, one hour lesson a
month, and have a great teacher. I am the last lesson of the night
so my not being there on the other nights does not effect her. Also
here in Portland the parks department has a music center that does
group classes. They seem to be quit popular. I have only talked to
others about them.
Good Luck, Joe S.
|
slank04
Registered User
(3/11/01 11:44:33 am)
Reply |
community colleges
Try a community college--they
generally offer music training for non-pros.
|
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