Welcome to my website. I try here to give you a sense of what I’m about as a musician and teacher, and to share some ideas about cello study and performance that might be helpful to you on your cellistic journey. My teaching philosophy stems from my studies with David Soyer, Martita Casals, Karen Tuttle, and George Neikrug. Combining the musical principles of Casals and the Old European school with the releases and coordination techniques learned from Ms. Tuttle, I work with students toward the goal of musically intense but relaxed playing. I also attempt to integrate some basic principles from yoga (mainly stretches, breathing techniques and meditative tools), and I like to stress the importance of physical conditioning on general and cellistic health.

I started Classics for Kids Foundation because I strongly believe in the positive effect of music study on the lives of young people. CFKF’s matching grants for beautiful new stringed instruments help to strengthen strings programs nationally, while helping communities establish long-term connections to local philanthropy.

I’m fortunate to enjoy a diverse career as chamber musician, soloist, teacher and musical entrepreneur. I’ve been professor of cello at Boston University since 1983. Founding cellist of the Muir String Quartet, I graduated from the Curtis Institute and began the Quartet at Marlboro and Yale University, working with members of the Budapest and Guarneri Quartets, Beaux Arts Trio, Oscar Shumsky and Raphael Hillyer. I’ve performed over 2,000 concerts worldwide, including such venues as the White House, Carnegie Hall, Amsterdam’s Concertgebouw and the Sydney Opera House.  And thanks for visiting!

Learn more by reading my complete biography.