Part of the reason I’m going to be revamping my web presence is because numerous people who know me well say my website makes me seem mean. It’s a tricky thing: sounding structured and “together” while trying to show just enough of my personality to illustrate that I’m not your average cello teacher and yet not so much that I look like a loose cannon/wackjob/weirdo out of context.

I must not be doing it quite right, because nearly every person that reads the blog or site who then takes lessons with me expresses relief that I don’t rap their knuckles with a ruler or shout abuse at them. So I think I may have some student testimonials (an idea I initially resisted because it seems a little ShamWow sales pitchy), lesson and tour samples so people can see me in action, plus some recordings. The only time I do fight the urge to get a little hostile is when people ask me to play a tune for them to prove I can “actually play”. This, always from someone who can’t string together two notes in succession. So here’s your hornpipe, Poindexter. Hope it’s up to snuff. 


I have many super secret things in the mix right now: tours, books, performances, maybe even something truly epic this time next year. For now, it’s ever more audition practice and playing Cosi Fan Tutte with the recording in preparation for the OperaMission stunt in New York

Speaking of NY, have you taken the poll on the right side of the page? I’d really like more input on the talk I’m giving on November 13th in SoHo! 


Cool “stringless cello” from ModernMechanix.

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4 Responses

  1. How are you getting to NYC?? If it's Amtrak, you should totally stop in New Rochelle ….

    Also, Nov. 13th is right before my birthday … awesome!

  2. First, when do you find time to eat and sleep with all these activities? Not to mention you're in grad school! Amazing! We should all have that much energy.

    Second, lesson samples is a great idea. Do you mean videos of you giving lessons that people can watch?

    Third, maybe you need some kind of one-page piece you can link on your site and hand out to prospective students that states what you expect of students and what students can expect from you, and include things like you expect them to show up for lessons, or give reasonable notice if they can't make it (and highlight your no-show on the first lesson policy, which could include something about respecting your time as well as theirs), what and how you recommend they practice between lessons (this might be a whole piece in itself), that you don't yell or rap knuckles, that you do focus a lot of attention on the student and offer lots of suggestions, that you don't eat people alive if they ask questions, etc.

  3. Meanie? Having had two lessons with Emily, folks, at least minimally qualifies me to say Emily's no meanie. Emily's patient and thoughtful and understanding and all that other good stuff. Emily is quite serious about the craft, and especially that you DON'T HURT YOURSELF!!!

    Last weekend up in Culver City at a jam session/ice cream social, a woman I know, a retired medical doctor and good flute player (and hysterically funny all-round crack-up), told me she tried cello a few years ago but couldn't find a "teacher that could give good psychotherapy." Her flute teacher, on the other hand, gives great psychotherapy (whatever that means!).

    Emily, I don't know, be careful what type of student your site attracts. Either that, or get clinical psychotherapist's license so you can both charge for the cello lesson and bill their medical insurance.

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