Richard Steel

I am a rather recent adult addition to Emily’s family of cello students and I wanted to take some time writing this review that would be an accurate representation of Emily as a cello instructor.  Since I started my formal musical lessons 63 years ago, I felt I had some experience learning from many types of instructors regarding an assortment of musical instruments.  So it is with Emily that, not so long ago, I started this journey with her into the workings and mysteries of this remarkable instrument.

It’s very easy for me to say that Emily has been one of my favorite instrumental instructors.  It feels like I flood Emily with constant questions every lesson, ranging from the serious ones like bow arm and vibrator techniques, to the totally ridiculous ones like; “Why don’t we just put frets on this instrument and call it good?”.  She answers all of my questions with the knowledge and patience that is the hallmark of her teaching philosophy.  During my 5 years of attempting to teach myself into some semblance of a competent cello player, it felt like I was in a real rut with no true progression.  However, in just the short time with Emily, my learning curve and improvements have skyrocketed.  I think, and I may be wrong, that I represented for Emily, a larger challenge than many new students, due to the excessive baggage of poor playing habits and the lack of truly understanding this new instrument that I carried around in my cello case for far too long.  She has been truly helpful in unlearning these bad habits, while at the same time, laying down a new and more durable foundation to my playing that has helped make me sound so much better.

Regardless of the types of instruments we choose to make as a part of our lives, while we as students are trying to understand and comprehend this new and strange instrument, that it always takes an instructor like Emily to help us along in this new endeavor — to not just learn from her, but in addition, to gain from her a lifelong appreciation and attachment to this wonderful instrument.

I feel very lucky to be part of Emily’s musical family.

Review (video lessons)

Miss Emily has been a musical blessing to our family. Years ago my oldest son took piano lessons from her, which he enjoyed very much. During this time we watched her perform as a cellist in the Boise Serenata Orchestra. Now, my 10 year old daughter is taking cello lessons from her every week online. She started lessons in November of 2021 as a beginner eager to learn and is still just as eager. My daughter said,” Miss Emily makes it fun and is very patient. I look forward to practicing and learning from her.” She is challenged every week in a positive way. She has learned so much from Miss Emily these past 7 months. Miss Emily is punctual with the lesson start time and provides great feedback and planning for the next lesson.

Ash Burnett

Cello Review

We started Cello lessons with Emily last month and as a teacher myself I am always looking at how others teach. She has amazing patience with kids and her ability to explain things in different ways really meats different learning styles. She has a talent for teaching which I could tell right away.

Would highly recommend her!

-Emily Blanton

Combines Professionalism and Approachability

As an adult beginner cellist, I needed to seek an instructor who would help me to feel safe and confident. Someone who would not judge or belittle my limited abilities, but who would focus on my strengths and help me correct my weaknesses. When I found Emily, I found someone who provided me with not only that, but surprised me with her unique combination of professionalism and a personable laid-back style! Aside from being a beautifully gifted cellist, which she truly is, as a teacher Emily offers the individual attention I crave, the constructive criticism I need, and the pleasant, easily-approachable instructor that I want! She is an inspiration for all ages, and as her student I feel not only lucky to have found her, but motivated to step up my game, and look forward to becoming more advanced with her guidance!

-Leah Allan

Ensemble Coaching

I’m the violist in a small string ensemble group of mixed skill levels. I really appreciated her unique style and approach in which she handled herself and did so professionally. She was fun to work with and I personally appreciated her knowledge in regards to technique things that I had forgotten over the years while my viola remained in the closet, but also something I may not have ever known. We would have had her back for more coaching in Boise, but she went back to Oregon!

-Shaunna

Gifted communicator & balanced teaching method

As an adult beginner starting to learn the cello with no previous musical experience, Emily's informal and low key approach to instruction is a great confidence-builder. She is a gifted communicator who has impressive insight to the individual needs of both children and adults and their learning styles. Although Emily will work with the preferences of her students, she utilizes a set of core instruction principles integrating method, theory and musical progression that provide for a well-balanced development of cello technique and understanding of music theory. Emily invests significant energy and attention to developing her students and providing numerous opportunities for them to perform in a recital format in addition to different ensemble groupings such as cello choirs. In addition to Emily's impressive instruction technique she is an accomplished cellist and arranger and has provided highly sought coaching services for amateur chamber music groups in the Treasure Valley area. Emily is sorely missed by her Treasure Valley students, many of whom are continuing lessons virtually due to the quality of her instruction.

Aimee Shipman

Adult Beginner

I'm a beginner cellist starting at an older age of 34 but I have some experience with Viola and Violin about 10 years ago. I've had private instructors in both those instruments. I have to say that Emily is by far the BEST music teacher I've had! She was able to break down complex topics into simple subjects I could understand. Things that I never quite understood while playing Viola/violin are finally starting to click.

I was a bit embarrassed that I didn't know some of the more basics of music and music theory considering I have some experience with stringed instruments. However, Emily readily explained all of the beginner material in a way that I finally understood! I'm learning to read music, not just memorize it. I've been playing cello about 2 months know and I'm really happy with the progress I've made. I'm having fun and I'm learning. Emily's tutelage has put me onto a lifelong path of cello playing. If you are considering learning the cello yourself, definitely go with Emily as a teacher!

-Ben

Cello Music for My Wedding

Dear Emily, Thank you SO MUCH for playing your cello at my wedding!  It meant so much to me to have you play some of my favorites pieces, and your playing was beautiful. My wedding was everything that I dreamed it would be, and your playing set the tone for entire ceremony, making it very special.  I can’t wait to see the video of my wedding so that I can hear the pieces that you played before the wedding procession, and to re-listen to my favorites.  You went above and beyond, and I’m so glad that you were there to be a part of my special day.  

Sincerely, Elaine Couture

from the Bairds

Emily is a wonderful teacher who is fabulous for beginners or advanced students.  My son has special needs and really struggles sticking with anything and Emily has been extra patient and kind with him.  She also challenges him to work harder.  I haven't had to hound my son for practicing or getting ready for recitals, he wants to do it on his own most all the time!

-Carolyn Baird

Awesome for adult beginners

It can be hard to try to learn an instrument as an adult after years of not playing and reading music. Trying to learn to play a string instrument is anxiety squared. I started lessons with Emily two years ago. Since then, the cello has become a rewarding and consuming hobby.

Emily's approach to teaching is stepwise and calming. She starts you slowly and teaches you only what you need to know at that step. She adds complexity as you improve. And she does it with great patience. Before you know it, you are playing pieces you wouldn't have thought you could. 

And it's a bonus to get to hear her play!

Marianne Flagg

Cello Review

While I may be an older student and not practiced in any kind of music in the last decade Emily was incredibly patient with me. The lessons are very affordable and enjoyable and it's something I would enjoy doing for years! She's a wonderful instructor that really understands how to nurture actual understanding. Setting realistic goals and taking steps along the way to check you've passed each one, she's a teacher that can creat success and fun for her students even through the often common frustrations of learning new skills. 10/10 I would highly recommend her!

Danielle Oremus

Low Pressure, Excellent Instruction

My daughter has been taking cello lessons from Emily for 2+ years now.  Emily has a low-pressure style that has worked wonders for us; my daughter sometimes gets frustrated practicing but always loves her lessons!  The biggest reason my daughter is progressing well and sticking with the cello  (after rejecting the violin, piano, and flute) is the excellent instruction she gets from Emily.

Alice Antonioli

Review

Our daughter, Libby, started playing cello about 18 months ago under Emily's instruction. Emily has always been able to teach to Libby's individual skill level & challenge her just enough to keep her interested. Libby received First Chair in her middle school orchestra after only 9 months with Emily and is now in Honors Orchestra as a freshman in high school. She has also been asked to put on solo concerts throughout the year with a local retirement community. Most importantly, Emily has fostered a love of cello in Libby!

Erin Tiderman-Gross

Review

Emily has been my daughter's cello teacher for about 7 months now.  In that time, my daughter has grown to love the cello immensely, and she has come a long way in a short time playing this beautiful instrument!  Emily is a great teacher with a wonderful balance of encouragement, kindness, and firmness.  I would recommend Emily to anyone who is looking for an excellent cello teacher for their child!

RHutchins