Katie O’Brien, cello teacher
"I started teaching in 2010 when I was a sophomore in high school. I was participating in WYSO (Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestra) and WSMA (Wisconsin School Music Association), and my orchestra teacher asked if I’d help coach some younger kids trying to get involved in extracurricular orchestra programs. Students usually came with their music already picked out or assigned for the auditions, so it was a great opportunity for me to learn how to translate what I do on my instrument to help other students."
"I love teaching. Teaching makes me not only a better musician but a better person. Similarly, I think with things like music, it’s not only about learning the technical side of playing an instrument, but bettering ourselves. Music gives us an outlet to express ourselves, but learning an instrument also teaches us discipline, confidence, and persistence. Teaching teaches us patience, communication, and humility."