Nisha Calkins
Lesson Feesfrom $45.00 / 30 Minutes
Promotions Available
About
My Background:
My musical background is diverse and grounded in classical training. I began my life long love of the cello in 1992 at the age of 10. Since then I have performed and recorded with a variety of musical artists, poets, story tellers, and dancers. From 2001-2002 I studied the cello in Germany and went on to university continuing to develop myself as a cellist and professional musician.
In 2008 I graduated with my Bachelor of Arts in Music. Before graduating in 2006 I became one of the founding members of Kef, a prominent East European/Balkan Music Band that tours in the Northwest each year. We released our first album in 2009 and began a brass band in 2012 in which I also play a Euphonium (brass instrument).
I first began teaching cello in 2011 and have since continued to discover and expand my love of sharing and teaching the cello to people of many ages, experiencing the joy and satisfaction of my students developing confidence and their self expression with the cello for educational and professional purposes, competitions, therapy, healing, fun and enjoyment.
Teaching Philosophy: I am passionate about people being free to express, enjoy, and share themselves on the cello (and throughout their lives!) while developing a beautiful tone and life long love of playing music. Each lesson is tailored to the individual student, their needs, where they’re at, what they’re dealing with and care about.
I will be gently rigorous when it comes to an individual developing and expanding the fundamentals of playing cello, their body mechanics, and having the cello sing. In my lessons I also incorporate ear training and development, music theory, improvisation, and music appreciation. My promise is my students through discovery, joy, and compassion develop the confidence and mastery to play any music that lights them up or that they may need to learn whether it’s for education, competitions, professional purposes and goals, therapy, healing and, or for fun, creative expression and enjoyment!
I studied cello in Germany from 2001-2002.
I have a Bachelor of Arts in Music from the University of Oregon, and have performed and recorded with a variety of musicians and artists. I also have extensive training and experience in coaching people to fulfill on what matters to them, be it personal and, or professional matters. This training and passion I bring into my teaching which expands how my students get to show up and be seen and heard.
My teaching method incorporates a variety of approaches and practices which emphasize a discovery based methodology where students learn and grow through discovery and exploration.
Additionally, I use a variety of materials including Suzuki books, and many other materials, and ear training and improvisation.