Emma's Cello Studio
Personalized Lessons
Personal Statement: I believe every student can learn, even if it takes some students a little longer. By being aware of how a student learns can help them learn better and faster. Students deserve the patience that helps them progress. In today's society, everything moves so quickly; as a teacher, being patient can help the student learn more productively and quickly. This leads me to push the student to think of their own answers to questions rather than providing them one answer that is considered "correct". I challenge my students to expand their brain, where they can make endless connections and think for themselves. My goal with students is to help them discover their passions and their potential; every student has a purpose in life. Every student, no matter their socioeconomic status, should receive an equal opportunity in learning and discovering their capabilities. While teaching at a school where many families cannot afford private music lessons I've seen such great passion and appreciation of learning from all the students. I've had a chance to work with a student in the Special Education program and their excitement for learning is just as strong as any other student. Every student deserves respect in their individual growth no matter their socioeconomic status or learning process.
All About Me
A Natural Instructor
Located in Portland, OR, Emma Downing has been playing cello since 2001 and has been involved with the music scene wherever she is for nearly all her life. After studying with Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestras (Madison, WI) for 6 years, Emma went on to teach WYSO chamber groups for two years. Emma has been teaching independently since the fall of 2009 and has continued developing her studio since completing her BM in Cello Performance at UW Madison under the instruction of Uri Vardi in December of 2014. Emma is also trained in the Suzuki method through Cello Book 4 under the instruction of Tanya Carey (ECC- Book 3) and Anne Grabe (Book 4). She has had the opportunities to study with accomplished cellists such as Dr. Lawrence Leviton, Amy Frost, and Marta Simidtchieva. Emma was also chosen to participate in Master Classes instructed by Matt Haimovitz and Mark Kosower. As a teacher, Emma believes in prioritizing bodily and mental awareness during musical study. Through music, she strives to spread kindness and understanding to oneself and others. Emma also believes in helping her students become the best musicians and persons they can be by adapting to their learning needs with an open environment. She completed her Master's Degree of Arts in Teaching in 2021 and now teaches as a general music teacher in the public schools. Emma strives to improve her teaching every day and will continue her education in being the best educator she can.
Cello Lessons
One on One lessons built on trust and respect
Group Cello Lessons
Learning Together
Contact me today to schedule a FREE 30 minute trial lesson!
After moving our daughter to a new school where she was a year behind the other kids in orchestra, we decided to look into private cello lessons and were referred to Emma by the school orchestra director. We have been totally thrilled by the quality of instruction, the pace with which Emma helped our daughter catch up to and then surpass many of her peers, and the genuine love of playing cello that our daughter has developed. More than anything else, Emma has made the cello fun for her; so much so that she looks forward to lessons and happily sits down to practice without complaints. We would wholeheartedly recommend Emma to any parent looking to instill a love of music in their child.
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Parent Testimonial
