About Sze-Long
Sze-Long is a masterful cello instructor based in Markham, offering lessons online, at his studio, and in students' homes. His advanced training includes a Master of Music in cello performance from the prestigious Juilliard School. Sze-Long's teaching philosophy focuses on helping each student discover their musical voice through a tailored approach, incorporating elements from classical to contemporary styles, based on student interests. He ensures a strong foundation with a focus on technique to prevent injuries and enhance musical expression. Lessons are available in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese.
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I recall when I first held a 1/2-size cello at age nine, puzzling over how to coax sounds from the imposing wooden box. Learning to play the cello can be fascinating and daunting all at once. Thanks to my teachers who patiently guided me through the journey, I enjoy a lifelong passion for cello playing. As a teacher, my primary goal is to pass on this joy of self-discovery through music. I believe each student is unique. My job as a teacher is to help each student discover their own musical voice and learn to express it effectively on the cello. I work with students and parents to achieve their goals - whether through the RCM syllabus or otherwise. I am familiar with the classical repertoire, and I will incorporate other musical styles/genres to accommodate student interests. Good fundamentals are important for expressing musical ideas and preventing physical injuries. To that end, I emphasize good playing habits and techniques in every stage of a cellist's development. This will ensure your well-being as a cellist and prolong the years you can enjoy making beautiful music on the cello.
Name: Sze-Long (Full name will be provided upon registration)
Age: 50's
Gender: male
I have a Master of Music in cello performance from the Juilliard School, where I studied with Zara Nelsova and Fred Sherry. I have performed solo, chamber, and orchestral concerts in Japan, Bermuda, and the United States. In Canada, I have coached the Halton Youth Symphony cello section and performed as a member of the Toronto Philharmonia (formerly North York Symphony) at George Weston Hall, Glenn Gould Studio, and the Huntsville Festival of the Arts.
Cantonese
English
Mandarin
Rates and Studio Policies
Registration Fee: $25.00 (One-time lifetime registration fee may be used by all family members)
Rates for instruction:
30 minute private lesson: $39.00
45 minute private lesson: $49.00
60 minute private lesson: $59.00
Travel charge: additional $15.00 per visit (for lessons in a client's home as opposed to my studio)
1. Cancellation Policy
Lessons not cancelled or rescheduled with at least 24 hours notice are billable to the client and payable to the teacher. This does not of course apply to travel fees unless the notice is effectively given at the door and the teacher has travelled to the location.
2. Cessation (quitting) Policy
A client must provide a 2 lesson notice period to stop lessons. So a weekly student needs to give 2 weeks of notice, a biweekly student works out to 3 weeks notice and a twice weekly student works out to a week of notice.
3. Illness Policy
Lessons cancelled due to illness or extraordinary circumstances with less than 24 hours notice remain billable to the client and payable to the teacher.
BAH teachers are encouraged to offer a make-up lesson at a future date in the interest of client relations and general goodwill. This only makes sense as teaching a student with the flu for example, will ruin the rest of your week's employment.
No more than 2 lessons may be made up due to illness within a 60 day period.
4. Rescheduling Policy
Any lesson can be cancelled or rescheduled with at least 24 hours notice.
Summer Vacation and Extended Absence Policy
Clients may schedule longer absences for trips etc. 24 hours notice is required.
It is normal and typical for students and about 20% of our teachers to schedule a break in the summer. We do not enforce a notice period (see cessation of lessons) at the end of a long summer break.
5. Evaluation Period
There are no free trial lessons with Beethoven at Home but we do offer a 2 lesson evaluation period where it is easy to try out a teacher. There are no free lessons during the evaluation period and clients may choose to discontinue the lessons at any time by providing the required 24 hours notice. After the student's 3rd lesson the required 2 lesson notice period will apply (see cessation of lessons above).
Lessons in your home
Sze-Long is available to teach in your home if you are located in the following areas
Online lessons
Sze-Long can provide online instruction. While other platforms are possible BAH strongly recommends the use of the Zoom video conferencing platform as it is optimized for music lessons and audio quality.
Sze-Long 's Studio Location
Sze-Long offers lessons from his studio. Please note that map locations are based on the postal code of the teachers studio. address will be released to you if needed.