Lesley R. , Cello Teacher , NYC
(212) 537-6746
Instruments: Cello
About Me:
My approach is to enhance the student's enjoyment of playing the cello by giving a solid foundation of technique, without making the experience too square. It is helpful if the student knows what they want out of lessons, as well. Adults usually have a good idea, and are realistic.
Ages:
Adult
To inquire about Cello lessons with Lesley, please fill out the Inquiry Form on this page, or call us at (212) 537-6746.
Experience:
- Subbing in Broadway shows (on cello and viola da gamba) [1983 - Present]
- Perform with The New York Consort of Viols [1984 - Present]
- Principal Cello of the Montclair Chamber Ensemble (NJ) [2005 - Present]
- General freelance work on cello, viola da gamba, and Medieval Instruments in the Metyropolitan Tri-State Area [1980 - Present]
- Medieval Festival (annually) at Ft. Tryon Park, NYC [1986 - Present]
Education:
- MFA (Master of Fine Arts in Early Music Performance Practice), Sarah Lawrence College [1980]
- MM (Master of Music in Cello Performance), University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa [1974]
Studied With:
- Valentin Hirsu, New York Philharmonic [1985 - 1990]
Seminars and Workshops Attended:
- Viola da Gamba Seminar, Cornell University [1985]
- Aston Magna, Bard College at Simon's Rock, MA [1985]
- Aston Magna, Bard College at Simon's Rock, MA [1984]
- AIMS Institute in Graz, Austria, AIMS Institute [1976]
Recent Performances:
- New York Consort of Viols [May, 2009]
- Beethoven Triple Concerto (Solo Cello part) [March, 2009]
Discography:
- New York Consort of Viiols - "Music of John Jenkins" [1984]
- New York Renaissance Band - "Washerwomen, War and Pease" [1984]
- New York Ensemble for Early Music - "The Plays of St. Nicholas" [1983]
Scholarships:
- String Quartet Scholarship, SLC [1977 - 1978]
- Fellowship [1973 - 1974]
Student Reviews for Lesley
Write an online review and share your thoughts with other students.A Wonderful Cello Teacher - February 11, 2010
Reviewer: MCW - New York, NY
Instrument: Cello
As an adult, but also as a new student of the cello, I have most enjoyed my lessons with Lesley. Not only is she an inspired musician, she is an inspiring teacher. She is both exacting and encouraging. The lessons are challenging, but also fluid, allowing time and development of exercises to address one's own particular "issues". This dynamic allows the lesson to be extremely tailored to one's own particular challenges and efforts to play better. She also conveys extremely interesting and helpful information about the cello, its history, how it is made and what contributes to the beauty of the sound...and even how best to carry and care for the instrument. And, she is extremely personable, and, more specifically, her love for the music shines brightly. If you really want to learn how to play, and have fun doing so, your should contact Lesley. I strongly recommend her!
Cello's heaven. - February 8, 2010
Reviewer: Lu - NYC
Instrument: Cello
I had been looking for a challenge in my life; and I found it in learning to play the Cello.... Thanks to Lesley's orientation, and patience I love every class. It has been a wonderful experience that I could not have achieved without Lesley's remarkable guidance.
Gift Certificates
Do you know someone in NYC who would like cello lessons? Why not give them a Gift Certificate? They're available in bundles of 4, 6, 8, 12 and 16 lessons.
If you need the certificate right away we can email it to you as a PDF file. Or if you'd like, you can receive it by regular mail.
About the Cello
The cello's versatility made it popular with composers in the mid- to late twentieth century, encouraged by soloists who specialized in contemporary music (such as Siegfried Palm and Mstislav Rostropovich) commissioning from and collaborating with composers.