Teacher Workshop Cello

A seminar on the most important topics in teaching children to play the cello.

Faculty: Scott Cook, Trischa Loebl

presented by
the String Academy of Wisconsin
at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

• Setting the stage: teaching and guiding students and parents through the important first lessons.

• Musical foundations: introducing the, language of music at the earliest stages; developing an ear which discerns the relationship between sound and meaning.

• Finding the sound: ideas for finding the balance of the bow and the left hand; the release of tension; the meaningful vibrato.

• Principles of teaching: strategy, setting teaching goals for students and achieving them.

• The sequence: technique married to musicianship through clear goals; teaching without leaving holes in the student’s development.

• Seeking virtuosity: a continuation of the Sequence through to artist-level repertoire.

• Secure intonation: the hand frame, shifting, thumb position and “wiring the brain” for success.

• Music theory: how and why music theory is important to every musician.

• Cello literature: a guide to the cello solo and technical repertoire and its application to teaching.

• Group instruction: ideas for organization and repertoire.

• Rehabilitation of incorrect beginnings: ideas to help the teacher and student shift briefly into reverse.

In addition to coverage of the above topics, there will also be daily hands-on instruction in a mini- master class setting which will focus on the pedagogical aspects covered in discussions and individual participant needs. Observations of faculty working with students will cover all levels of proficiency. Enrollment is limited. The application deadline is May 24,2010. Remaining fees are due June 1, 2010.

The String Academy of Wisconsin

The mission of the String Academy is to provide an opportunity for excellence in the pursuit of comprehensive musical study for young violinists, violists, and cellists. The String Academy offers a unique educational experience for students ages 4 to 18 to study the violin, viola and cello. The range of achievement of the students runs from the beginning stages through the highest levels of artistry.

Highly qualified artist faculty provide musical instruction based on the methods and philosophies of Mimi Zweig, Shinichi Suzuki and Paul Rolland.  The faculty works as a team, interacting with students to provide continuity in instruction as student needs change.  The special training, experience and expertise of this faculty in the musical education of young people results in students playing with technical ease and musical sensitivity.
The first years of music instruction are the most important, for they set the stage for everything that follows.  Whether a child develops into a professional musician or an amateur, the skills of concentration and the joy and love for music will remain for life.

Faculty

Scott Cook has a B.M. from St. Louis Conservatory and a M.M. from the University of Akron where he studied with Savely Schuster, Steven Shumway and Michael Haber

He is on the faculty of the String Academy, Carroll College, Alverno College and string workshops in several states.  He is principal of four Wisconsin orchestras and has presented solo and chamber recitals throughout the United States and Austria.

Trischa Loebl BM UW-Madison MM Northwestern University. Cello studies with Uri Vardi, Alan Harris and Parry Karp. Cello teacher at the Latino Arts Strings Program, 2006-present. Cello teacher at String Academy of Wisconsin, 1991-2006. Member of the Waukesha Symphony and Milwaukee Ballet Orchestra.

University housing and academic credit are available for an added fee (request on the registration form).