Thank you for considering the Buffalo Cello School!The BCS program seeks to cultivate learners who: recognize and regard beauty, participate and delight in the creative process, and develop the patience to work daily for gradual results; these qualities grow in the context of a strong parent-teacher partnership, the goal of which is to support parents' efforts to raise joyful, confident children.
In addition to its core Suzuki Method program, BCS welcomes school orchestra students, advanced students preparing for auditions, and adults.
Associations and certifications
- Suzuki Association of the Americas
Services
At your initial trial lesson (see Studio Policies) we will discuss which of the following enrollment options is the right fit for your family. Students develop as musicians in the context of a strong parent-teacher partnership. This time-tested method (see this video) involves families in music study that is a framework for a child's character development.
These policies allow me to spend maximum time preparing for lessons that enable your child's musical growth and minimize time spent on logistics. Additionally, they encourage good communication and establish mutual respect within my studio. Thank you for taking the time to read them carefully. I look forward to working with you!
A $25 fee will be assessed for late payments. You may pay by check, or by credit card using Paypal's secure server. Weekly students have the option to subscribe to monthly withdrawals below. Paypal invoices are available upon request. BCS's payment policy is described in detail on the Studio Policies page of this site.
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.
Interactive music and movement class, featuring the music of Ella Jenkins. No instruments required! WHO? This time is geared toward children ages two to seven, but siblings of all ages are welcome! WHEN? WHERE? Local parks. Small class size and distancing measures will be a top priority for outdoor classes.
People
Bethany Erhardt
Bethany Erhardt studied cello with Anthony Elliott at the University of Michigan School of Music and graduated with highest honors in performance. She recently finished her Master of Music degree in performance, with secondary studies in conducting, at Western Michigan University. At WMU, she was the Haas Cello Scholar and served as a graduate teaching assistant to Bruce Uchimura in applied cello.
She is a member of the Suzuki Association of the Americas and a registered Suzuki cello instructor.
She is a member of the Suzuki Association of the Americas and a registered Suzuki cello instructor.
Photos
Reviews (11)
Christine Battaglia
May 06, 2021
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!
Michelle Wood
Feb 09, 2021
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 improve your cello playing. I am enjoying my second time around with the cello, thanks to Bethany's instruction. Shelley W., Adult student
She is a talented cellist herself. Most importantly, she is genuinely excited to see you improve your cello playing. I am enjoying my second time around with the cello, thanks to Bethany's instruction. Shelley W., Adult student
Shelley Wood
Nov 15, 2020
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.
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.
Lyn Moon
Jun 16, 2020
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!
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!
Ann Beckley-Forest
Apr 30, 2020
Michael Was
Apr 17, 2020
I decided to try my hand at cello after playing drums and flatpick guitar for many years. I found Bethany online through theThumbtack 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.
Anya Bernstein
Jun 26, 2018
Bethany has been a great, and inspiring, teaching 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.
Inga Yanoski
Jan 25, 2018
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.
Sandra Byrd
Dec 15, 2017
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.
Jim B.
Larry L.
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.