About Me
I have been teaching private Suzuki cello lessons in Madison since 2008 and am committed to teaching as my vocation.
In addition to my Suzuki training, I am a fully licensed educator and taught in public schools for over a decade.
I teach students of all ages, from age 4 through adult. Many of my students play in the Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestras and have gone on to do wonderful things in music and in life.
I hold degrees music education from Northern Illinois University and cello performance from the University of Wisconsin, Madison.
My Philosophy
Music makes our lives more beautiful, sharpens our minds and bodies, and deepens our experience of life. I am grateful for the opportunity to share my craft and art, day in and day out, with so many wonderful students. I believe in the potential of every individual and that learning happens best when supported by trusting relationships between family, student, and teacher.
How I Teach
I believe in treating people with kindness, first and foremost, and use that as a basis for helping students become self-motivated, independent problem-solvers. I individually adapt teaching and learning strategies to all students, but also have a core set of techniques and knowledge, learned from many wonderful musicians and teachers over the years, which I pass on to students. I work with every student, as they are, and work to assist them in reaching their goals. In my studio, parents, student, and teacher are equal partners in learning. I believe in building community and encourage students to get together with other musicians, young or old, and make music happen.
My Experience
As the son of two music teachers in Nebraska, I grew up loving and playing music. I decided to pursue a music career, but couldn't decide between my two instruments, cello and trumpet. This led me to Northern Illinois University, where I earned my Bachelor degree in music education. While there, I played in orchestras, chamber ensembles, jazz bands, and wind ensembles. Though I doubled on both cello and trumpet, I was ultimately most strongly drawn to the cello, fascinated by the endless pursuit of mastering it, as well as the beautiful repertoire written for the instrument. I am particularly grateful to my wonderful teacher at NIU, Marc Johnson, whose intelligence and warmth continue to inspire my teaching.
I chose to focus on just the cello for my masters degree, and came to Madison, WI in 2007 to study at UW-Madison with Parry Karp. While there, I began to play viola da gamba more and more. Shortly after graduation, I started teaching orchestra in the Madison Metropolitan School District in addition to private cello lessons.
I have been trained in Suzuki pedagogy by some of the finest cello teachers in the United States. This has involved several summers at the Chicago Suzuki Institute where I feel I have learned as much about cello playing and pedagogy, if not more, than during my college studies. I have completed training in books 1,2,3,4,5,6, & 8 and plan to take more! I have also attended wonderful Comprehensive Musicianship through Performance workshops.
Many of my current and former students have successfully auditioned for the Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestras, UW Honors Jazz Band, and WSMA Honors Orchestra. My adult students have played in Madison area community orchestras and bands. A few students have gone on to become music majors themselves.
I currently teach at my home in Madison. My wife, Sue Ellen Dubbert teaches Suzuki piano and our two children also make a lot of noise. There's always lots of music going on in our house!
What I offer
Principles of Suzuki Education
Please contact me if you are interested in lessons. Because space in my studio schedule is limited, it is helpful to get in touch with me as soon as possible in order to reserve a time.
I have been teaching private Suzuki cello lessons in Madison since 2008 and am committed to teaching as my vocation.
In addition to my Suzuki training, I am a fully licensed educator and taught in public schools for over a decade.
I teach students of all ages, from age 4 through adult. Many of my students play in the Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestras and have gone on to do wonderful things in music and in life.
I hold degrees music education from Northern Illinois University and cello performance from the University of Wisconsin, Madison.
My Philosophy
Music makes our lives more beautiful, sharpens our minds and bodies, and deepens our experience of life. I am grateful for the opportunity to share my craft and art, day in and day out, with so many wonderful students. I believe in the potential of every individual and that learning happens best when supported by trusting relationships between family, student, and teacher.
How I Teach
I believe in treating people with kindness, first and foremost, and use that as a basis for helping students become self-motivated, independent problem-solvers. I individually adapt teaching and learning strategies to all students, but also have a core set of techniques and knowledge, learned from many wonderful musicians and teachers over the years, which I pass on to students. I work with every student, as they are, and work to assist them in reaching their goals. In my studio, parents, student, and teacher are equal partners in learning. I believe in building community and encourage students to get together with other musicians, young or old, and make music happen.
My Experience
As the son of two music teachers in Nebraska, I grew up loving and playing music. I decided to pursue a music career, but couldn't decide between my two instruments, cello and trumpet. This led me to Northern Illinois University, where I earned my Bachelor degree in music education. While there, I played in orchestras, chamber ensembles, jazz bands, and wind ensembles. Though I doubled on both cello and trumpet, I was ultimately most strongly drawn to the cello, fascinated by the endless pursuit of mastering it, as well as the beautiful repertoire written for the instrument. I am particularly grateful to my wonderful teacher at NIU, Marc Johnson, whose intelligence and warmth continue to inspire my teaching.
I chose to focus on just the cello for my masters degree, and came to Madison, WI in 2007 to study at UW-Madison with Parry Karp. While there, I began to play viola da gamba more and more. Shortly after graduation, I started teaching orchestra in the Madison Metropolitan School District in addition to private cello lessons.
I have been trained in Suzuki pedagogy by some of the finest cello teachers in the United States. This has involved several summers at the Chicago Suzuki Institute where I feel I have learned as much about cello playing and pedagogy, if not more, than during my college studies. I have completed training in books 1,2,3,4,5,6, & 8 and plan to take more! I have also attended wonderful Comprehensive Musicianship through Performance workshops.
Many of my current and former students have successfully auditioned for the Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestras, UW Honors Jazz Band, and WSMA Honors Orchestra. My adult students have played in Madison area community orchestras and bands. A few students have gone on to become music majors themselves.
I currently teach at my home in Madison. My wife, Sue Ellen Dubbert teaches Suzuki piano and our two children also make a lot of noise. There's always lots of music going on in our house!
What I offer
- Weekly private lessons
- Group Classes
- Recitals and special events
Principles of Suzuki Education
- Everyone can learn
- "Character first, ability second." S. Suzuki
- Family support for learning
- Music learned as a language, through the ear
- Early start
- Common repertoire
- Learning step by step
- Belonging in a community - group classes, institutes, recitals, and special events
- Maintaining an active repertoire through review
- Balanced technique
- Beautiful tone
- Intrinsic motivation
Please contact me if you are interested in lessons. Because space in my studio schedule is limited, it is helpful to get in touch with me as soon as possible in order to reserve a time.
