Miss Bethany is a gem. My daughter has been with her for about a year now and has grown tremendously in that time. She is kind and caring, but definitely employs growth mindset. I feel empowered as a parent who does not play cello to support my daughter in her practice, and it has helped me to grow my musical knowledge as well. In group lessons, I watch amazed as she somehow gets a group of around ten kids at all different levels to experience joy in playing their instrument together. I think the youngest may be four, while the oldest is almost nine, and they really enjoy each other under her supervision. I only wish lessons were a bit longer.
-- Nikki R. Suzuki parent, Buffalo, NY
I was a little concerned whether cello would be appropriate for my 7-year-old daughter (just turned 7 at the time) who had no music experience at all. However, meeting Miss Bethany made it all possible! Bethany is very professional, but doesn't put too much pressure on children. She is very talented (listening to her playing cello during lessons is an additional benefit from having her as a cello teacher) and a great teacher. She knows exactly what children need, she helps them understand music in general, and makes learning cello fun for them. My husband and I are still talking about how fortunate we are to have her for our daughter’s first music teacher. We call her lesson time ‘Miss Bethany magic.’ We’ve had Bethany for two years, and my daughter is still having so much fun; she is eager to learn and expects lessons with Miss Bethany every week. If I knew that there was a cello teacher like Bethany, I would have begun cello lessons for my daughter much earlier!
--Lyn K. Suzuki parent, Buffalo, NY
Bethany is as talented an instructor as she is a cellist. She brings knowledge, skill-set, and enthusiasm to my daughter’s lessons that reflect her years of training. She is able to seamlessly scaffold complex music theory and technique in a way that creates a fun and enriching learning environment. She manages to challenge students, while still remaining upbeat and encouraging; making sure to point out the positive aspects of even the most onerous practices. My daughter adores her and looks forward to lessons!
--Christine B. Basics parent, Buffalo, NY
Bethany is an incredibly skilled teacher and our son loves his lessons with her - you can’t ask for more! We’re so lucky she teaches kids here in Buffalo and enriches many communities in the process with her recitals at places like Farmers Markets, Retirement Homes, and Chapels.
-- Elizabeth N. Suzuki parent, Buffalo, NY
My daughter has taken lessons for a number of years and we have found the teacher to be such a thoughtful and caring person who not only teaches technique but helps to nurture a lifelong love of music. My daughter adores the cello and takes a lot of pride in her lessons.
-- Ann B. Basics parent, Buffalo, NY
Bethany Erhardt is an exceptional cello teacher. Always wanting to play the cello, I finally decided to give this a try after retiring from teaching. I have never regretted this decision due to Bethany’s teaching skills and encouragement. After every lesson there is a feeling of accomplishment and the challenge to move forward. She is quick to note growth, suggest ways of improvement, and solve problems I am experiencing. She is also supportive of working in groups with other adult students, which has really increased my joy of learning to play this beautiful instrument.
--Susy P. Adult student, Buffalo, NY
I took cello lessons as a kid but it has been many years since I have played. I wasn’t really sure what was out there for adult cello students. I am so glad that I found Bethany and the Buffalo Cello School! Bethany is an excellent teacher – tuned into an individual’s strengths and interests, and patient and encouraging as you work on new skills and goals. She is a talented cellist herself. Most importantly, she is genuinely excited to see you succeed and improve your cello playing. I am enjoying my second time around with the cello, thanks to Bethany’s instruction.
--Shelley W., Adult Student, Buffalo, NY
Bethany has been a great, and inspiring, teacher to my eight-year-old, who's been taking cello with her since he was five. She's taught him the music and the technique, of course. But many benefits have been more subtle. She's taught him that it's up to him to know a beautiful sound when he makes it. And she's helped him stick with it through those inevitable rough spots where he didn't feel he was making progress or didn't see the point. Bethany has a gentle and empathetic style that draws my kid in and keeps him excited about playing.
-- Anya B. Suzuki parent, Buffalo, NY
Bethany Erhardt puts her heart and soul into teaching students. She quickly identifies the strengths and weaknesses with cellists, and designs lessons focusing on growth and development. Our son Jonah took a year off from cello, and then decided he wanted to play again. She got him on track in short order, and brought him back to grade level. He loves working with her. It's obvious that most of her students feel the same.
-- Sandra B. Basics parent, Buffalo, NY
Bethany is a professional, organized and dedicated teacher. I am always impressed by her ability to reign in and captivate, my fidgety little boy. She is full of creative musical games that make the process enjoyable for the student. I appreciate that Bethany works with what works best for your family, and her expectations are within reach.
-- Inga Y. Suzuki parent, Buffalo, NY
I decided to try my hand at cello after playing drums and flatpick guitar for many years. I found Bethany online through the Thumbtack app. Really glad I chose her as a teacher. She has great patience for beginner players and brought me along very slowly and always has great tips and technique ideas to improve my playing. I would highly recommend her to anyone who has an interest in learning how to play this beautiful but challenging musical instrument.
--Mike W. Adult Student, Buffalo, NY
My son loves the cello because of Bethany’s patience and her teaching technique. She creates a fun environment for learning while instilling a strong work ethic in her students. Bethany applies sound fundamental teaching technique to her profession. Her lessons are well planned, and they cater to the individual learning style of each student. Bethany is an accomplished musician, but she is also a gifted developer of musical talent. Bethany encourages parents to be a part of their children’s musical development. Bethany is serious about her students’ growth and success.
-- Colin B. Basics parent, Buffalo, NY
As a senior citizen who recently decided to take cello lessons, I must confess there was certain amount of trepidation involved because of my age. Bethany has been a wonderful instructor, supportive, allaying my fears and having me enjoy the journey of learning the cello.
-- Jim B. Adult Student, Buffalo, NY
Bethany offered a wonderful first grade start to our daughter's cello experience which continues today into Middle School. In addition to exceptional Suzuki-based instruction, Bethany effectively engages young children in a personal and empathetic manner using games and hands-on activities to stimulate learning.
-- Larry L. Suzuki parent, Grosse Pointe Park, MI
Bethany is an outstanding musician and the best teacher we've ever had. She has an uncanny ability to keep the student engaged. We worked with Bethany for our teenager and young child. Our teenager is an advanced violin student and our three-year old obviously a beginner. Bethany was able to help both advance, and motivated them both equally to practice. Bethany is a truly exceptional teacher and person. We feel extremely lucky to have been able to work with her.
-- Marta B. Suzuki and Basics parent, Ann Arbor, MI
Bethany not only possesses great talent for the instrument, but is a highly skilled pedagogue who is attuned to the individual needs of her students. Her approach to technique, particularly her awareness of relaxation and muscle coordination, has helped me understand my own playing immensely.
-- Dan C. Cello performance major, Western Michigan University School of Music
Bethany is a wonderful cellist who has spent countless hours watching, learning, and thinking about playing and teaching the cello - down to the very last detail. She doesn't only play beautifully, but she knows the technique, practice methods and principles behind beautiful playing, and she articulately shares her knowledge with any cellist who cares to hear it. She has a warm personality and a love for music and her fellow musicians. I miss working with her on a daily basis!
-- Jamilyn M. Suzuki cello instructor, Salt Lake City, UT; Cello Professor, Salt Lake Community College
