Clara Yang, cello Professional Studies Diploma, Mannes College of Music M.M., The Juilliard School B.M., The Juilliard School Suzuki Certification, The School for Strings "I want my students to enjoy the experience of learning the cello. I make it a point to know my audience so the lessons and the teaching environment are age-appropriate." Clara Yang began learning cello at age 9 through a program offered by her elementary school. “My grandparents were first generation classical musicians in Korea and my grandfather was a cellist. It was his influence that made me choose the cello.” Clara grew up in Boston, also spending some time living in Seoul, South Korea, before moving to New York to attend The Juilliard School. As a teacher, Clara approaches learning through a step-by-step process, believing that an emphasis on incremental progress gives students a sense of accomplishment in their abilities while also motivating them to want to learn more. “Being able to successfully reach small goals along the way also allows students to build self-esteem, which serves them well overall.” Clara teaches students of all ages, from 4 through adults. With younger students, Clara will often employ Suzuki techniques. “For young beginners, much of the focus is on building a strong foundation of fundamental skills such as good tone quality, bow hold, and basic fingering techniques.” Believing that learning should also be fun, especially for the youngest students, Clara has created a special kit that is “full of fun surprises, to keep the young ones motivated and excited.” With adult students Clara strives to create a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere so students can “enjoy the experience of learning the cello. I make it a point to know my audience so the lessons and the teaching environment are age-appropriate.” As a performer, Clara enjoys playing the music of J.S. Bach. “I find his music ever-challenging and inspiring, and I discover something new every time I play his works.” Clara has many favorite classical composers but also enjoys listening to jazz, pop, hip-hop, and rock. She counts her parents and her major teachers, Joel Krosnick and Timothy Eddy as her greatest influences. “My parents have made many sacrifices for myself and my siblings and their love and support have allowed me to throw myself into music and follow the path that I want to. In addition to guiding and pushing my growth as a musician, my teachers have also given me care, support, and much inspiration.” In her free time Clara enjoys watching the Food Network, cooking, listening to music, hiking, and traveling.