Cornelia Watkins, cellist and author, is a lecturer at the Bienen School of Music at Northwestern University in Evanston, IL, and teaches privately from her home in Madison, WI. She previously taught graduate pedagogy and preparatory cello at the Shepherd School of Music, Rice University. Ms Watkins speaks regularly at music teaching conferences and written articles for multiple music publications including The Strad and American String Teacher. She is the author of two books about teaching and playing: Rosindust: Teaching, Learning and Life from a Cellist's Perspective and the present volume. Laurie Scott is Associate Professor of Music and Human Learning at The University of Texas at Austin. Additionally, she serves as the director of The University of Texas String Project and the Musical Lives string program at UT Elementary School. Previous to this appointment, Dr. Scott served as professor of violin and viola and director of music education studies at Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas. A former school orchestra director, she now mentors young professionals toward successful lives as string educators. Her former students have become exemplary string educators, professional studio and symphony musicians, and passionate arts advocates.
In a world in which instrumental teachers can have a very hit-and-miss experience as they feel their way into the profession, this book is like a torch beam, highlighting the path to a world of generative and creative instrumental teaching. It is the kind that learners and teachers will alike find affirming, and will enjoy, and one that considers both as whole human beings with histories, preferences, failings and foibles, looking to enjoy together a lifetime in music. * Philippa Bunting, The Strad *