Sarah Bish teaches Suzuki cello group class and private cello lessons at Silver Music. Here is a bit of insight into her early study:
Age you began studying: 5 years old
Why did you choose the cello? My mother is a violin teacher so at first I started playing the violin when I was 3/4 but I have never been a fan of the E string, so I told her that I wanted to play the “jello.” Probably because of the amazing C string and warm sound. The rest is history!
One memory from your lessons or early study:
Even in my 30 minute lessons, my teacher, Marianne Wion, would give me a break and I always got a piece of chocolate. She was from Switzerland so it was really good chocolate.
Did you always like to practice? If not, how did you, or your parent motivate you to practice? I think that “liking” practicing and feeling successful in a practice session are two different things. There are (and definitely were) days that I don’t want to practice, but I knew that even a short amount of efficient and focused practicing makes a big difference in my cello playing. When I was younger I had sticker charts and getting jelly beans for good practicing. I still use rewards today for myself and my students, although now I prefer Skittles to jelly beans…
Did you ever want to quit?
No, definitely not. There are some days when you realize that what we are doing is really hard and sometimes it would be easier not to play, but whenever I have to go a few days without playing, I miss it. That makes me remember that I could never not play the cello.
How did music education affect your life?
I have had teachers (cello teachers, chamber music coaches, other role models) who showed me that being a musician is so rewarding. I am a very goal-oriented person so working on a piece satisfies my want to learn and improve my technique, and then polishing it and finding the beauty satisfies the artistic side of my personality.
Do you have a musical role model?
All of my cello teachers- Madeleine Golz, Merry Peckham, Astrid Schween, and Jonathan Spitz. As a female cellist, Jacqueline Du Pré is the ultimate inspiration!
Current Favorite Suzuki Piece:
It’s hard to pick! I love The Two Grenadiers, Danse Rustique, and French Folk Song.
Any advice for budding string-players?:
Try to have fun when things get tough! I know practicing can feel like a chore, but when you realize how much you are improving, that is the best feeling in the world.
What else do you enjoy doing besides playing cello?
I love baking! I am not that great at it, but my fiancé doesn’t seem to complain. I also love to watch nature documentaries and doing puzzles to relax.