Coaching
Whether it is coaching for your cello section, or for yourself as the orchestra director,
I can help!
"The Music Department was my home. It was a place I could go to feel comfortable and safe. A place that was filled with friendship and support. A place where I felt challenged and valued. A place where joyous memories were made. A place where I could be myself. Music was my home."
Vaughan Fleischfresser
What I Offer
Cello Sectionals
Does your cello section need some extra attention or are they excelling and needing to be challenged?
Are your students struggling with techniques like vibrato, shifting, or general set up?
I can help!
Orchestra Director Coaching
Are you new to teaching strings?
Are you a band director teaching strings and need a little extra help?
Are you a veteran teacher looking to revamp your teaching?
I can help!
Masterclasses
Do you need a professional cellist to work with your students on audition materials or chamber music?
Are you looking for someone to visit your cellos and get them excited about all things cello?
I can help!
I can help with all things cello!
I started coaching cellists in schools and orchestra directors in 2014 along side my private studio. Now, ten years later, I still have the wonderful opportunity to work with some pretty amazing students and directors! Working with hundreds of students over the years brings me joy and confirms my belief that every child can learn music.
In my cello sectionals, we learn technique while having fun! From beginner to advanced, I have something fun for every age and stage of cello playing.
During my sectionals, we focus on the following:
Beautiful tone from the start
Cello handshake and tunnel fingers (cello and bow set up)
Going fishing with our bows (Refining bow hold)
Talking cellos and ski jumps (left hand agility)
Fishing for scales
Playing all 12 major scales in 5 minutes or less
and much more!
I'm not only a cello sectionals coach; I'm your coach, too!
Coaching orchestra directors has quickly become a big part of my profession. Whether you are new to teaching, a band director teaching strings, or a veteran teacher, many directors find themselves needing extra help and support.
A few ways I have helped orchestra directors over the years include:
Private lessons (one semester of low strings however many years ago isn't enough!)
Unit planning and curriculum development
Breaking down steps to cello teaching
Helping with lesson plans
Fundraising ideas
Setting up orchestra class systems for effective rehearsals
Revamping orchestra culture
Assisting with recruitment and retention
I am committed to your orchestra teaching journey!
Not sure how I could help you or you just want to bounce some ideas off someone?
Schedule a free call.
Send me an email at melissa@eastvalleystringinstitute.com to schedule.
I look forward to helping you and your cellos grow!
"If music be the food of love, play on."
William Shakespeare