Private LessonsÂ
Group Classes
Avi Friedlander is the director of the Barston Suzuki Center at the Music Institute of Chicago and a Suzuki teacher trainer. Well known as a Suzuki cello workshop and institute clinician, he teaches a variety of methods from classical to jazz and rock.
In addition to his work at the Music Institute of Chicago, Friedlander serves as an adjunct faculty at the University of North Florida where he teaches string pedagogy. He is a past professor of cello at Emory University in Atlanta and has taught Suzuki pedagogy for Roosevelt University.
His primary teachers have included Anthony Elliott, Stephen Geber, Irene Sharp, Tanya Carey and David Premo. He has also worked with Richard Aaron, Hans Jensen, Janos Starker, and Bernard Greenhouse.
Masters in Music Performance, University of Michigan
Bachelors in Music Performance, University of Michigan
Performance Certificate, Cleveland Institute of Music
Improvisation methods with Eugene Friesen from the Berkley College, Stephan Braun from Berlin, and Tim Kliphuis from Amsterdam.
In addition to his own compositions, Friedlander has written arrangements for solo cello of rock tunes from Jimi Hendrix to Pearl Jam and is the author of the method books, “Chopping Around” and “Pizzing Around,” which introduce alternative styles to cellists.
Philosophy:
Teach the student, not the instrument
Member, Suzuki Association of the Americas
Interests/hobbies outside of music:
Friedlander is a certified USA hockey coach and coaches youth travel hockey. In addition, he enjoys reading books and spending time with family.