Cellist of the Month: Stephen Balderston

While I was away, serving Marrowstone Summer Music Festival as their Student Life Coordinator this month, I had the pleasure of receiving a lesson from Stephen Balderston.  He frequently serves as a performer, and chamber and section coach for music festivals such as Marrowstone.  Mr. Balderston is a wonderful cellist and teacher. I could tell this even from just the brief time I spent with him. To read more about my lesson with him, click here.

Mr. Balderston plays with such a beautiful and confident tone! I'm super jealous and inspired, as I hope you are too, to practice even better to achieve this sound through my cello. Please take the time to watch the videos below, as I know you'll agree with me! 



A little about Stephen Balderston:

• Currently a faculty member of DePaul School of Music.
• 10 years as Assistant Principal Cello for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra
• 10 years with Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra
• Received his Bachelor's and Master's of Music from Julliard after studying under the great Lynn Harrell
• Has performed with Yo-Yo Ma!
• He is the cellist for the Evanston Chamber Ensemble and a founding member of Callisto Ensemble in Chicago.

Other Stephen Balderston videos to watch:  (Take note of his bow hold and posture!)

• Schuman Quartet for Piano and Strings
• Dvorak Concerto
• Masterclass Part 1
• Masterclass Part 2

One of my lovely student's, Linda, had the assignment of writing out the song she's currently learning. Because she's a kinesthetic learner (learns best by "doing") I needed her to use her hands and body to get to know the song better.

We both noted that Rigadoon is a Sandwich song-form. Her favorite sandwich? Peanut Butter & Nutella. A+ Linda!