Hello everybody! I just created an account here on CC and have been scouring the forums and threads looking at information on music majors, summer programs, etc.
Anyways, I am an 8th grader who played violin 5th and 6th grade, but found my true passion, the cello, at the beginning of 7th grade, and I have been playing in a local youth orchestra program and practicing a few hours a day ever since and advancing quickly. Now that I am nearing freshman year of high school, my parents and I have made the decision to look for a private cello teacher, and I was hoping that somebody on here would have some recommendations. I live in the San Antonio, Texas area but my parents are willing to drive a bit to get a great teacher. Also, any other orchestra recommendations or programs of the sort would be much appreciated.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this, the information already on this forum is so amazing!!
Any other information about “late starters” in the instrument world would be appreciated as well.
I don’t know the Texas area but just want to say I admire your motivation, initiative and hard work.
Perhaps you could check out universities, colleges or conservatories within driving distance. If there is a conservatory, there is probably a conservatory prep for high school. And most universities will have grad students who could teach, and professors might be able to refer you.
Rice has a conservatory. U. of Texas in Austin is not too far. Maybe a parent could call the music departments and ask for referrals-?
My son’s longtime cello teacher didn’t begin until he was 13. He played with the San Diego Symphony for over 40 years. Go get 'em, OP!
Oh yeah great idea…check with local symphony (ies).
I can give you a name in the Dallas area, but don’t know much in San Antonio. Perhaps reach out to your high school’s orchestra director and see if they have any specific names for you.You could also see if faculty at UT Austin and at Southwestern in Georgetown are taking high school students.
One other thing you could try that will take a fair amount of leg work on your part -
Look at the all-state orchestra roster on the TMEA website. It lists the high school of all the students. See if there is anyone reasonably near enough to you in the cello section, and try to track them down and find out who their teachers were/are.
Good luck!
Also, take a look at the cello section of the San Antonio Symphony.
Is there anyone associated with your youth symphony who might be a resource for a referral for a teacher?
Agree with looking at local colleges if they have music departments, that’s often a good place to start.
As far as other suggestions for a “late start” musician you may want to look at attending some summer programs- festivals or camps. That is a good way to start broadening your musical experience and seeing where you fit in as far as playing level and start making connections to future programs. Also, it’s always great to keep your momentum going during the summer.
It looks like San Antonio has symphony orchestra so as suggested above that could be a place to look for a teacher.
Best of luck!
@compmom Thank you so much for the response! Those are some great ideas and I will definitely look into those things in my area.
@sbjdorlo Thanks so much for the motivation! Hearing stories of successful musicians who started late always gives me some inspiration!
@BassTheatreMom That’s a great idea! Thanks for the response, I really appreciate it.
@cellomom2 I will definitely look into these things. Thank you so much for the useful info!
I live in San Antonio and my daughter is a 6th grader who plays the viola! Antonio Strad is a great place for private lessons. They even have their own private orchestra there that have students of all ages. It’s on right off the 281 and at the San Pedro exit. Best store in town!
@coolguy40 Thanks for the recommendation! I will definitely look into it
Hi @stelladelacour23! Definitely look into YOSA (Youth Orchestra of San Antonio) as well as Rice’s preparatory division if you can make the drive.
I didn’t pick up a violin until I was 11, and then didn’t start lessons until I was 14 (albeit on viola, probably a less competitive instrument) – but it’s really, really possible if you work hard and work efficiently. Being older has its advantages too – you pick up and retain things much faster.
I’m working at Interlochen this summer as a teaching assistant – some of my kids are going to the Intermediate program, and I would highly recommend looking into summer programs like Interlochen or, thinking about closer ones, Texas Strings Camp, if you’re serious about majoring in it.
Best of luck! Feel free to PM me with any questions.
@averageviolist Thanks so much for the info, I really appreciate it!