I started officially taking lessons with Carli Bates when I was in 8th grade and I took lessons with her ever since. I am now a freshman in college, currently minoring in cello performance, and I can genuinely say that she is the reason that I am playing at the level I am now.
Carli began teaching me from a mostly self taught level and I immediately felt more accomplished after my first lesson. She taught me how to master technique, sightread more efficiently, and work my way through concertos and symphonies. I have never loved my cello more than when I was her student. I always enjoyed coming to lessons and I always left feeling like I had the best cello teacher in the world.
Not only will Carli bring her students to a whole other level, she will also quickly become a dear family friend. She is incredibly flexible, friendly, and personable- as well as knowledgeable, challenging, and talented. She always pushed me to new levels but she also always knew when I was sincerely struggling and never hesitated to help me through it and teach me techniques that I still use today as a college student.
She became someone that I could come to for anything (cello or personal) and remains one of the most highly esteemed people in my life. The San Francisco area is beyond lucky to have her and she will not disappoint. She is the #1 recommendation if you not only want to improve immensely as a cellist, but also LOVE your instrument. read more