My Teaching Philosophy

I believe in teaching the child first, and then the cello. So, I discover my students' individual needs and abilities and tailor my teaching to those discoveries. I encourage students to set high standards for themselves and then give them the tools to succeed. I partner with parents by showing them how to practice creatively with their kids, and I support them in their desire to create a positive learning environment. I teach that loving music can come from hard work, patient problem-solving, and a persistent pursuit of beauty. I want to inspire my students to love the cello so that they can share that love with others. 

To maintain performing standards across the studio, parents, students, and I work as a team to:

• Reinforce Dr. Shinichi Suzuki’s teaching/learning model of daily listening, practice, review, and parental involvement.
• ​Establish a foundational technique of balanced posture, beautiful sound, and accurate rhythm and intonation.
• Construct a framework of how to practice efficiently and effectively.
• ​Instill habits of memorization and a discerning ear.
• Identify and interpret musical terms and notations with ease and stylistic accuracy.​
• Stimulate a love for music that results in frequent ensemble collaborations, performances, and a curiosity for different musical genres.

Want to know what lessons with me look like? Find out here. 

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I could not ask for a better teacher for my son in both group classes and lessons! Julia has taught him group classes for a while and has been nothing short of amazing with her way with the children. She also taught my son during the summers while his regular teacher was away, and she was extremely thoughtful and motivating. I am surrounded by teachers who are both committed and dedicated to their students and who care about each child's individual success. Needless to say, Julia is one of these amazing teachers!
 - parent