Suzanne Smith teaches cellists between the ages of 10 years and adult, beginners through professional levels.
Her approach places a focus on balanced movement, awareness, and relaxed playing. Subtle anxiety causes overt and subtle tensing responses that can become ingrained quickly. Her focus on the whole person, whatever level, contributes to her success as a teacher.
Though all good playing is a process of tension and release, it can never be on automatic. The cellist is constantly adjusting what is heard with what is felt on the instrument through time. To do this means that he/she/they must be open yet centered, very aware, and what Suzanne refers to as "the watcher." The detachment of the watcher paradoxically brings about better mind-body unity. This is well known in Zen. We are constantly dealing with local events within longer term events when playing. We are always moving. In order to be free in that movement, we need to understand what physical balance, while in motion, is.
Suzanne helps her students find this confidence by teaching creative practicing, patience, and self care. She has coached all levels of players with tension issues.
Janos Starker said: "You have to be confident before you put your hands on the instrument."
Her approach places a focus on balanced movement, awareness, and relaxed playing. Subtle anxiety causes overt and subtle tensing responses that can become ingrained quickly. Her focus on the whole person, whatever level, contributes to her success as a teacher.
Though all good playing is a process of tension and release, it can never be on automatic. The cellist is constantly adjusting what is heard with what is felt on the instrument through time. To do this means that he/she/they must be open yet centered, very aware, and what Suzanne refers to as "the watcher." The detachment of the watcher paradoxically brings about better mind-body unity. This is well known in Zen. We are constantly dealing with local events within longer term events when playing. We are always moving. In order to be free in that movement, we need to understand what physical balance, while in motion, is.
Suzanne helps her students find this confidence by teaching creative practicing, patience, and self care. She has coached all levels of players with tension issues.
Janos Starker said: "You have to be confident before you put your hands on the instrument."
Suzanne Smith
449 Moretown Common Rd., Moretown, VT. 05660
cellochan3b@gmail.com ~ 802.496.5273
COPYRIGHT 2016
449 Moretown Common Rd., Moretown, VT. 05660
cellochan3b@gmail.com ~ 802.496.5273
COPYRIGHT 2016