Lesson form

Teaching Philosophy

My teaching is based on building a solid technical foundation that is always in service to musicianship. I use principles that helped me get to where I am as a cellist and performer, as well as new things that I discover everyday in my own practicing. For beginner students, I work primarily through the Suzuki method, with supplemental materials that I believe to be helpful on a case-by-case basis.​

 

I strongly believe in positive encouragement and in embracing the individual voice. I also believe in practical, systematic methods to achieve real improvement and audible results. There is no one secret to mastering an instrument, but there are a number of different concepts that all contribute to the process. When approached with patience and persistence, these work in conjunction to create progress.

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Cello is not easy, and the tradition of classical music is one that comes with very high standards. The music that we have been given by the great composers requires a great amount of seriousness and diligence from our preparation. It is a magical art form that has the power to reach the deepest of human emotions, and I consider myself very lucky to get to work with it every day. 

 

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Testimonials

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"Gabriel has been one of the most influential figures in my life. If you have ever heard him play, you will already know that he is such an expressive and technically proficient musician. I highly recommend taking lessons with him, as he has taught me so many valuable things!"

-Elliot Sloss

 

 

“Gabriel’s musical sensibility is extraordinary and he has the amazing ability of being able to explain and encourage a young cellist to listen carefully and discover how they would like to craft their sound. He has truly pushed me towards becoming a more mature musician.”

-George Wolfe-McGuire

 

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See Gabriel's educational YouTube series, "Cello Tips"