Monica Nguyen-Ramirez

I love to teach the cello! Over the past 20 years, I have learned from my teachers all the ins and outs of playing cello - this includes how to specifically use the arms, fingers, hands, elbows; when to use the different parts of the bow (the lower half, middle and upper half); when to use different bow strokes (using the hand at the frog, the forearm in the middle to upper half); and also things such as relaxing the shoulders, keeping the elbow higher than the wrist in the upper half, angling the bow on the different strings, not leaning too much in the left hand. I've performed enough orchestral, chamber and solo works to know all that goes into playing the cello, and it is a joy for me to be able to answer any question a student may have, with regards to how to play with the most freedom of expression, and how to train the hands and arms (etudes are helpful!) to be able to do this. I have at least one recital a year (more for those interested) + evaluation opportunities.