Lessons Unlimited offers private cello lessons at each of our St. Louis music school locations. We teach our youngest cello students through a modified Suzuki approach. We recommend the Suzuki Method Books for all our beginner cello students, because we firmly believe it to be the most effective way to develop string instrument skills in our younger students.
The Suzuki Method of teaching is based on age appropriate learning exercises, where a cello student listens to a model playing a melody, and then imitates or replicates the sound immediately following. Students need to be able to hear to the music they will be learning to play, as it is critical to their skill development in this method. We are often asked about the difference between the Suzuki and the modified Suzuki method. The Traditional Suzuki Method is designed to offer the parent as the student’s melody and technique model. In the modified approach, the primary model becomes the instructor during lessons, and the Suzuki Music CD (included with Suzuki music book) serves as the model for at home practice.
Children ages 10, or older are taught cello lessons through a more traditional learning approach. We introduce music reading skills early in lessons, and place a heavy focus on building music reading fluency. Our traditional curriculum uses standard literature by levels as defined by the American String Teachers Association guidelines. Students will progress through a foundation of classical pieces to develop technical skill with their instrument. As skill and appropriate technique emerges, instructors will work with their students to begin to incorporate additional music genres, and pieces that a student has expressed interest in.
Parents are encouraged to attend cello lessons, but it is not required.
