Subjects

Interview

Which subject(s) do you teach?
My main subject is Cello teaching.
Ich unterrichte Cello.

Tell me about your qualifications.
I studied two years in Berlin and finished my undergraduate studies in Germany (Bremen). After that I came to London to do my Postgrad at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.
During my studies I went to several masterclasses in Europe to get to know as many different styles as possible (e.g. Pieter Wispelwey, Christophe Coin, David Watkins, Anner Bylsma, etc.).
Apart from playing Cello, I also have a degree in Singing. I try to combine my cello teaching with singing and movement to give the greatest possible variety!

What kind of experience do you have?
I have been teaching since 1999, and have a lot of different students. But I still learn from new students, as everybody learns in a different way.
Right now I have quiet a lot of adult students in North London area. We try to meet every 3 to 4 month to play in a Cello ensemble. I'd like to do it more often, depending on interest to make it a regular experience to play in a group. All levels welcome!

How much do you charge?
The first lesson should be a first try out for both of us. I charge a reduced fee + travel costs. For a group lesson the price depends on the number of pupils.

Die erste Stunde sollte eine Art Kennenlernen fuer uns beide sein. Dafuer berechne ich einen reduzierten Stundenpreis zuzueglich Fahrtkosten. Der Preis fuer eine Gruppenstunde haengt von der Anzahl der Schueler ab.

Where do you teach?
I do teach at home (N11), but I'm also happy to come to your place. Travel costs depend on the distance from my place to yours!
Ich unterrichte zu hause, kann aber auch zu Dir nach Hause kommen. Die Fahrkosten haengen von der Entfernung ab!

When are you available?
Get in touch with me and we'll find a suitable time for both of us. We can do regular lessons (including weekends), or ad hoc.

Nimm Kontakt auf, und wir werden eine passende Zeit fuer den Unterricht finden. Die Stunden koennen dann regelmaessig oder ad hoc stattfinden.

Which ages and levels do you teach?
I teach beginners up to advanced players, no matter what age. I do have a lot of experience with adults of different levels (groups and one-to-one lessons). My youngest student is 5 years old, my oldest just celebrated her 70th birthday!!

Ich unterrichte von Anfaenger bis zu Fortgeschrittenen, wobei das Alter keine Rolle spielt. Habe sehr viel Erfahrung mit Erwachsenen unterschiedlichen Grades im Einzelunterricht und auch in Gruppen. Meine jűngste Schűlerin ist 5 Jahre alt, meine Aelteste hat gerade ihren 70sten Geburtstag gefeiert!!

Do you have an up-to-date CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) disclosure certificate?
Yes. I teach in a private music school in Muswell Hill, where a CRB check is mandatory!

Ja, da ich auch in einer privaten Musikschule in Muswell Hill unterrichte. Ein CRB check ist verbindlich!

Where and with whom did you train?
I trained with Matias de Oliveira Pinto in Berlin, with Stephan Schrader and Viola de Hoog in Bremen and Alison McGillivray and Richard Lester in London (GSMD).
I still have lessons occasionally, which keeps my playing going and makes me practise: I believe in regular lessons, as you have to aim for something to make yourself practise :-)

Tell me about some of your current students.
I think my students are all challenging in different ways. But there's one I'd like to mention in particular. She started in her mid-twenties and I can't believe how much effort she puts into practise. She basically skipped some grates within one year. Her ear is excellent, and whatever I say, she really works on it. As a teacher it just feels great to have such an enthusiastic person as a pupil!

Do you have a personal message for students?
It's never too late to start an instrument. It won't be easy, but as long as you keep going and do a fair amount of practise you'll soon be ready to play with other people. I strongly believe that playing in a group is the best thing to do as soon as you can read the notes. That's why I ebcourage my students to come to the cello ensemble classes right from the start.
There are some good orchestras around for all Levels.

Articles

Combination is the Key to Growth
Subject: Cello
Tags: advice (general), cello
Created: 29/07/2008

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	Cello Ensemble	45.5KB	24/01/2010