Teaching 22 students, working in four orchestras, and squeezing in casuals (weddings and parties) on the weekends drove me to the corporate world twelve years ago. I found I wasn’t having time to practice – or to enjoy my cello.
After quitting the cello for nearly a year while I received multiple raises and promotions, I thought I was going to explode in frustration, lack of musical connections and stifled creativity.
The following year, I slowly began re-integrate myself into the orchestra – and teaching – worlds. I chose one orchestra and two students, committing to do only as much as I found to be purely enjoyable.
The Right Balance
Today, many years later, I still find my teaching to be purely enjoyable. I limit my students to those who both have a growing passion for the instrument (in all its potential in many genres) with a commitment to practice and study despite the pressures of school, a family, or a career. Age is irrelevant; my youngest is 11, my oldest in his 60s.
Each of my students is unique, but they all have one thing in common. They all, through their excitement, remind me of my love for my instrument. They keep me grounded in the world of technique, theory and the classics. And, my desire to write them pieces that double as exercises stretches my creativity while creating many mini-movements that will someday end up as a series of suites.
I am appreciative to have the opportunity to teach such a great group of people. To learn more about my teaching methods, please visit www.occelloteacher.com.
Ms. Dewberry, an accomplished cellist, completed her DMA in Chamber Music Performance from UCLA in December 2005. She received her MM in Cello Performance from UCLA in June 2002 and her B.M. in Cello Performance from Western Michigan University in April 1998. She also holds a B.A. in French with a minor in Women's Studies and Philosophy.
Her website is www.carterdewberry.com
She may be contacted at carter@carterdewberry.com
