MINI-INSTITUTE 2016 CELLO GROUP CLASS
Andrea firmly believes in Dr. Suzuki’s main educational goal, “to produce beautiful souls.” Suzuki’s vision goes far beyond the training of capable musicians, and originates with a concern for the well-being and nurturing of the human.
Andrea French received her Masters degree from the University of Northern Colorado and her Bachelors degree from Bowling Green State University, both in cello performance. She received her long-term Suzuki training in cello with Carol Tarr and violin with James Maurer at the Lamont School of Music, University of Denver, and has taught Suzuki group cello and violin classes with Longmont Suzuki Strings and Denver Talent Education. She has been a judge for Solo and Ensemble Contest of Northern Colorado, and chamber music coach for CelloFest at the University of Denver. She has been an active recitalist and teacher in the music community of Colorado, and has played with the Fort Collins, Greeley, and Cheyenne Symphonies.
Ms. French has performed in master classes with David Ying, Janos Starker, and Yo-Yo Ma. She is also a studio musician at the Blasting Room in Fort Collins, Colorado, and has played with over twenty bands such as Rise Against, Drive By, Melissa Ivey, and Tickle Me Pink. She has recorded for Wind Up Records and Warner Bros. In 2009, Ms. French accepted the Suzuki cello faculty position at Macphail Center for Music in Minneapolis, MN. She is a former president of the Suzuki Association of Minnesota and currently serves as committee chair for the annual S.A.M. Statewide Graduation Recitals. Ms. French enjoys coaching chamber music, and is also developing her teaching skills via Skype from Grand Rapids, MN. to Basel, Switzerland. She is also a Suzuki parent to her nine year old son who studies violin, and six year old daughter who studies cello.
