Alexa Muhly

Alexa Muhly, Cello, String Faculty 

What do you want to impart to your students through your teaching?
I would love for my students to be able to use music to create relationships between them and the outside world, whether through an orchestra, group class, or a concert for their grandparents.

Are there specific methods or techniques that you use in your teaching that may be important to share with prospective students?
As a teacher, I often emphasize rhythm and a strong technical foundation with both the Suzuki and traditional methods.

What do you enjoy most about teaching?
I love being able to help develop creative thinking and analytical skills.

Briefly describe your musical pursuits outside Sherwood.
I play in Opus 21, a wonderful group from Michigan that commissions and performs works from emerging and established American composers.

What is your earliest musical experience or memory?
I remember listening to my father play Bach on the cello.

Please describe one of your favorite teachers or mentors.
My favorite cello teacher was Aldo Parisot, who encouraged me to take risks and communicate with the audience in performance.

Who is your favorite composer, or what is your favorite musical period?
My favorite composer is Ravel.