“From my child’s first lesson, I knew Bear was committed to my kid achieving his best potential. Bear builds great rapport with both parents and children, which strengthens their interest in music and engagement in practice outside of the classroom. We could not have chosen a better cello teacher!.”
-Dr. Claudia Jarrin (parent)
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“Bear has helped me so much with my technique. He has also given me new ideas and tricks for improvement. I enthusiastically recommend him for both young students and adults.”
-Mrs. Denise Newell
Master of Arts in Music Education, Retired Teacher, Director of Music, Harbor of Grace Lutheran Church, Muskegon (student)
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“I was skeptical when my six year old wanted to start cello lessons and was recommended Bear by another NM parent. Bear has been so wonderful about encouraging her and teaching her at a level that helps build her confidence. She’s so excited for lessons each week and Bear is always accommodating with changes and very communicative!”
-Chelsea Pechtel (Parent)
ENSEMBLES
Grand Rapids Youth Symphony (2023-PRESENT)
Blue Lake Festival Orchestra (Summer 2024)
West Michigan Symphony’s Premiere Strings (2021-2023)
Shoreline Community Orchestra (Summer 2025)
MSBOA All State Orchestra (2023)
MSBOA Honors Orchestra
My Teachers
Professor Uchimera
Study Period: 2024-PRESENT
Instrument/Subject: Cello
Western Michigan University
Artist’s Diploma, Cleveland Institute
M.M., Cleveland Institute
B.M., Juilliard
Dr. James Alexander
Study Period: 2022-2024
Instrument/Subject: Cello
Doctor of Musical Arts, Cello Performance with Cognate in Orchestral Conducting, Kansas State University
Master of Music, Cello Performance
Dr. Alicia Eppinga
Study Period: 2020-2022/Summer 2025
Instrument/Subject: Cello
Principal Cello, Grand Rapids Symphony (since 2011)
Member, Grand Rapids Symphony (since 1989)
Master of Music, Eastman School of Music
Bachelor of Music, Oberlin Conservatory
Darius Pimpleton
Study Period: 2020-2021/Spring 2025
Instrument/Subject: Piano/Music Theory
Bachelor of Arts, Music, Western Michigan University
Laura Ogren
Study Period: 2025-PRESENT
Instrument/Subject: Voice
Bachelor’s Degree, K-12 Vocal Music Education, Western Michigan University (2006)