Cello studio of Dr. Angelika Machnik-Jones

Dr. Machnik-Jones teaches students from beginning stages as early as four years old, to highly advanced high school students on track to entering prestigious music programs at universities across the nation. Each student is taught with an individual approach, which focuses on excellence, keen attention to details and developing students passion for music. Angelika emphasizes correct technique from very stages and students accuse listening skills. Students are taught to become sensitive musicians, not just accurate cellists. Because when we perform, we tell a story about ourselves, our emotions, and the world we experience around us.

What is expected from both student and parent.

Home practice.

For a student to enter the world of music in an effective way, it takes significant commitment from both the aspiring musician and the parents. Students are expected to practice daily, whether four or eighteen years old. Parents need to help facilitate that daily practice, until it becomes a routine in a young musicians’ day. With very young children, parents close involvement in lessons is crucial for successful practice at home. As students become older, more responsibility is placed on them in their daily practice, and they are taught to be self-sufficient in that task.

Lessons.

Students are excepted to show for their lessons ahead of their scheduled time, and be ready the moment their lesson begins. It is always a good idea for the student to come early and warm up, if any rooms are available. Students are expected to always remember to bring their music (an instrument of course!) with them. Nails need to always be trimmed short. If needed, nail trimmers can be provided before lesson upon request.

Quality instrument.

A good quality cello is a necessity for student success. Poor quality instrument set-up, old mismatched strings, or a low quality of the cello itself will hinder the students progress and become a source of constant frustration. It is recommended to rent fractional size cellos, and only buy when the student becomes more advanced and the parents are ready to invest in the purchase of a more advanced cello. Dr. Machnik-Jones will always help with finding the right instrument, whether it is a rental or a purchase cello.

Parent involvement.

Whether it is helping with practice in early stages of the aspiring young musicians studies, or road trips to out-of-state competitions and festivals, parent involvement is crucial in the students musical futures. A lot happens outside of the cello lessons themselves. From support in concerts, recitals, auditions, to picking out outfits for the musicians performances, a multitude of rehearsals with pianists, chamber music partners, youth orchestras, parents make it all possible.

students’ progress.

Eden Taylor - scales:

C major 2 octave, slur 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, arpeggio slur 2, 3, 4, split thirds slur 2, 3, 4. July 2023