 My Bio Dr. Jennifer Miyahira Townsend has studied with renowned cello teachers Hans Jorgen Jensen, Maestro Robert LaMarchina, Dr. Allen Trubitt and his wife Janice Trubitt . She holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree, a Masters' degree as well as a Bachelor's degree all in cello performance from Northwestern University. Born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, Jennifer received her high school diploma from Punahou School. Jennifer has performed as a cello soloist and chamber musician throughout the United States including performances at prestigious venues and concert series such as the Chicago Cultural Center, The Meadowmount School of Music, The Fran Randall Concert Series, The First Presbyterian Church Noontime Concert Series on Michigan Avenue, the Bing Theatre Los Angeles, and The Neal Blaisdell Concert Hall. She was one of ten cellist selected from around the world to participate in the Gregor Piatigorsky International Cello Seminar. There she performed in masterclasses and recitals for world-renowned cellists Ralph Kirshbaum, Boris Pergamenschikov, and Tsuyoshi Tsutsumi.Besides performing, Jennifer is a dedicated cello teacher with thirteen years of teaching experience. She has taught a wide age range of students varying in levels from very beginners to graduate cello performance majors. She has also taught cello and chamber music classes for Northwestern University's School of Music, the Hawaii Youth Symphony, and the Pacific Music Institute. Jennifer's doctoral dissertation was on the "Application of Motor Skill Learning to Practicing Cello". This paper examines various practice methods and scientifically explains why each method does or does not work. When she is not teaching cello, or performing, Jenn enjoys cooking, going to farmer's markets, dancing ballet, and spending time with her very patient husband, family and friends. | My Teaching Philosophy My teaching is based on giving students the tools they need to be expressive musicians. I tailor each lesson to fit the needs and learning styles of the individual. My goal is to help each student reach his/her potential and go beyond what
they believe they can achieve. I have been extremely blessed in my lifetime to have studied with some of the finest musicians the world has to offer. All of my former teachers invested extraordinary amounts of time and energy into my development as a musician, and for that I will be forever indebted to them. It is my goal to pass on their expertise and true devotion to my own students. |  Awards
Memberships College Music Society Music Teachers National Association American String Teachers Association Musicians Club of Women Chicago. |