Back to top
Avi Friedlander, Music Institute of Chicago Director of the Barton Suzuki Center and Cello Faculty
Director, Barston Suzuki Center; Suzuki Cello Faculty
At MIC for 6 years 7 months
Email
afriedlander@musicinst.org
Instrument(s)
Location(s)
Courses

Private Lessons 
Group Classes

Available For
Online
In-Person

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.

Education

Masters in Music Performance, University of Michigan
Bachelors in Music Performance, University of Michigan
Performance Certificate, Cleveland Institute of Music

Additional Studies / Recent Awards / Recordings

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.

Basic Teaching Philosophy or Special Music Interests/Specialties

Philosophy:
Teach the student, not the instrument

Professional Affiliations & Activities

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.

Related News

Faculty Spotlight
"I immediately fell in love with the method (and Pam’s teaching), called my university, and quit my job......"