I’m Chris, and I play cello.

Bio:

I started my musical education before I really have memories, first in choral singing, then piano, and then at age 9, I started cello, and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Cello Performance at Boston University.

As a performer, I have a wide range of experience, from playing at Boston Symphony Hall and in opera productions in the Boston area, to time with the Orchestre des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, and orchestras in the Bay Area, and Monterey, with a few musicals, live bands, and studio and home recording thrown in for good measure. These days I am an active freelance cellist, playing with a number of LA area orchestras and premiering new chamber works, and even though cello is my primary instrument, I also sing choral music and play guitar, bass guitar, and piano when I get the chance. I have also recently started learning mandolin.

As a teacher, my experience started with tutoring classmates in high school, and has only expanded since then, having served as a teaching assistant in the youngest groups of the Boston Symphony Youth Orchestra, and eventually starting private teaching in 2017. At this point, I have had experience teaching all ages and have worked with complete musical novices to experienced musicians starting a new instrument.

Teaching philosophy:

As a teacher, I believe in putting the student’s relationship with music first, so beyond just teaching technique, I provide each student with a solid foundation of aural skills and rhythm, and a solid grasp on music theory, while encouraging them to find the music that inspires them. In lessons, I do my best to understand each student’s specific challenges and provide solutions that fit their needs and goals. I also like to remind myself what it’s like to encounter something for the first time by challenging myself to learn new things and new instruments, and continue to grow my skills in both playing and teaching.