Pierce C. Yates

Pierce Yates teaches all string instruments, including violin, viola, cello and double bass, as well as specializing in piano and voice. He was born and raised in Lincoln, Nebraska. He started his teaching journey when he was just 14, and to date, has successfully helped over 40 students achieve a higher level of cello playing.

His serious work as a pedagogue and performer came during his time at the University of Lincoln, Nebraska, where he studied string performance in cello under the Principal Cellist of the Lincoln Symphony, Karen Becker. He studied with multiple courses in pedagogy and education, including achieving his piano proficiency certification, and, during this time, also studied the methods of jazz improvisation for string instruments. As such, he has a high interest in both classical and jazz styles, as well as modern and popular-culture music.

His teaching style aligns with the Suzuki method, which (when possible) includes the help of a parent or guardian in fostering instrumental education. This not only allows students to start learning their instruments earlier, but is shown to keep the interest of the student for longer periods of time. He is especially fond of short games and activities to help children and adults alike think about their instrument in a different way; he is always aware that learning should be a fun and rewarding process.

Pierce also had the pleasure of playing in the University of Lincoln’s symphony for four years, giving him ample time to study the most popular and challenging orchestral excerpts. These excerpts are commonly used as audition material for admission into youth orchestras and festivals across the nation, and can even be useful to the student if they aren’t preparing for any such audition. He hopes to meet you soon!