Buying a Beginner Cello and Where to Find Music Lessons in Halifax County and Danville, Virginia (Piano, Cello, Guitar, Violin, and Voice)

Carrington started strumming my guitar when he was four years old, and though children typically start lessons at age 8, Carrington's natural inclination and interest in music led guitar teacher Dennis Dawson to offer instruction much sooner. At age four Carrington had his first guitar lesson and developed a love of and great appreciation for music. Dennis Dawson tailored his teaching method to fit Cary's learning ability, and made flashcards to teach Carrington classical style note reading before he could yet read words. My son only took guitar lessons for a short time before Dennis was diagnosed with cancer and lost his battle within a matter of months. We were all devastated by the loss of our friend and teacher. Cary's love of music never waned, however, and after a couple of years of unsuccessfully seeking another teacher, we finally found one in Mr. Sam Howell. Sam began teaching string instruments at Centerville Christian School, where the children attend. He teaches voice, violin, guitar, but his primary instrument is the cello. Carrington has now fallen in love with the cello, and has been all but begging to have one of his own and to take lessons from Sam.  Today is the day, Carrington's 8th birthday, and he is thrilled to finally have a cello of his very own!

Cecilio CCO-100 Student Cello with Hard & Soft Case, Stand, Bow, Rosin, Bridge and Extra Set of Strings, Size 1/2 

This is the cello we chose. I looked everywhere from private music stores to WalMart, and we finally decided on this one. It is a 1/2 size (ages 7-11 typically) cello, priced at $649.00 but marked down to $279.99 through Amazon. It was a beginner cello, not the least expensive, but certainly not the most either. There were many in this general price range, but what sold me on this particular one was that it included, among the other accessories, a hard case. If you have a son or daughter who is anything close to as active as mine, you'll understand why the hard case was imperative. We have ordered the cello, but it hasn't been delivered yet. I am hoping to post a few pictures after it arrives. For more information about the cello we chose and to see what is included, click on the link above to open in a new window. 

If you are interested in taking string instrument lesson, or if you have a child who is interested, Mr. Sam Howell teaches private lessons in Halifax County and Danville, Virginia. His mother, Toni Howell, teaches piano, and together they have a music business called Hopewood Studios. Please click on the link to find out more information about them. They use the acclaimed Suzuki method of instruction. www.hopewood-studios.com

Carrington is pictured here having his first guitar lesson with Dennis Dawson at Fincher's in Downtown South Boston, Virginia. We buy quite a bit of music related items from Fincher's, including two of Carrington's guitars, strings, picks, drum sticks, and sheet music. What they do not have in stock, they have special ordered for us, and have been very easy to do business with.

 Carrington and his current music instructor, Mr. Sam Howell, are pictured above during a lesson last summer. 

 

 Mrs. Toni Howell of Hopewood Studios is pictured here teaching Courtland using the Suzuki method of piano instruction.

Music lessons are such a valuable investment with lifelong benefits. If you are considering music lessons for yourself or your child, whether it be piano, violin, cello, guitar, or voice, please reach out to Sam Howell and/or Toni Howell at Hopewood Studios. Feel free to let me know if you have any additional questions, and I'll keep you posted on Carrington's progress with the cello. 

xoxo, Erin

Southern Virginia Mom

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ps Carrington is not the only one I've been shopping for. Yesterday I posted pictures of adorable Lilly Pulitzer beach bags and accessories fit for spring break on the SoVA Mom blog. This is what I am planning to do for my daughter this Easter instead of the traditional Easter basket. What do you think? Is this something the little girl in your life might like? Check out yesterday's blog post here and have fun planning to fill your Easter baskets!