Cello lessons

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• "the best cello teacher I've ever had"

  • 
  • • 5/5 stars
  • Bard College Alum

  Review of Cello lessons, June 01, 2009

  I've played cello for 12 years. Diane was my instructor while I was a student at Bard College. I was not a music major. Over my 4 years of studying with Diane, she was able to transform me from a mediocre and somewhat mindless high school cello player into a musician who is able to think musically and hear the flaws in my own playing (half the battle). I even played a concerto my senior year, something I never thought I would do.

  Diane is the best cello teacher I've ever had. Here's why:

  1. Diane is an amazing musician, technically and musically.
  2. Diane is able to translate her technical skills and musicality into easily understandable and digestible chunks for her students. She will listen to your playing, pick basic themes that you can improve upon (for instance, more relaxed vibrato, or better control of bow speed), and then pick repertoire just above your playing ability that will help you develop in that area.
  3. Diane understands that cello might not be your #1 priority but will still push for you to work harder and improve. When I injured my wrist or when I had projects and exams, she kept working with me at my own pace.
  4. Sometimes Diane can be intense and somewhat intimidating; however, for it just motivated me to practice more and try harder. She will not coddle you if she thinks that's what you need, but is pretty intuitive for when you're being lazy and when life is actually interfering with your ability to practice.

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  I've played cello for 12 years. Diane was my instructor while I was a student at Bard College. I was not a music major. Over my 4 years of studying with Diane, she was able to transform me from a mediocre and somewhat mindless high school cello player into a musician who is able to think musically and hear the flaws in my own playing (half the battle). I even played a concerto my senior year, s...

  more

  • Pros:
  • Helpful, Engaging, Encouraging, Smart, Patient, Funny, Fun, Good communicator

  • How was this location?:
  • OK

  • How was the price?:
  • OK

  I would recommend this teacher

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• "Amazingly insightful and intimate teacher!"

  • 
  • • 5/5 stars
  • Johnny Brennan

  Review of Cello lessons, May 16, 2009

  Diane is probably one of the most efficient teachers I have ever had. She can take one look at you while playing a piece and give you several insightful, on-point criticisms that improve your technique and sound. She is unrelenting in her high standards and expectations without being over-bearing or discouraging. She doesn't just teach you how to play the cello, she teaches you how to be a smart musician; it was like taking cello lessons, classical music history and classical music theory all at once. She is also very personal with her students. She is not icily removed from them, she is interested in their lives and what's going on with them. She is a friend as well as an instructor.

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  Diane is probably one of the most efficient teachers I have ever had. She can take one look at you while playing a piece and give you several insightful, on-point criticisms that improve your technique and sound. She is unrelenting in her high standards and expectations without being over-bearing or discouraging. She doesn't just teach you how to play the cello, she teaches you how to be a s...

  more

  • Pros:
  • Helpful, Engaging, Encouraging, Smart, Funny, Fun, Good communicator

  • Cons:
  • Too much talking

  • How was this location?:
  • OK

  • How was the price?:
  • Great value

  I would recommend this teacher

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