Get to know Mobile Music Lessons faculty member Ryan Doerr! Learn more about him on our faculty page. Read more faculty spotlights on our blog.
Q: How did you get started playing cello?
A: I started playing cello at the age of seven. My mom would take to the South Dakota Symphony concerts regularly during my childhood and one day they had an instrument try out session. One of the symphony cellists let me try out his cello. As I played open strings and random notes, I thought that this would be fun to try out. My mom then bought me a half-sized cello and started me on lessons. There were plenty of hard days, but I stuck with it, and cello has been in my life ever since.
Q: Do you have a favorite piece or composer, and why are they your favorite?
A: My favorite composer is Mozart for sure. The clarity in his music amazes me like no other composer. Although it is very difficult to say what my favorite piece is, I would have to go with either Beethoven's 7th Symphony or Mozart's 41st Symphony. I have very fond memories of rehearsing and performing Beethoven's 7th Symphony with Orchestra Iowa that I will never forget. On the other hand, I've never played Mozart's 41st Symphony but listening to it brings me joy that got me through many dark times during my college years.
Q: Why is music so important to you?
A: Music is important to me for one reason. Listening, performing, practicing, teaching, and learning this art form gives me purpose in life. From the stress of practicing to the joy of performing, the journey is something that can't be experienced in any other field.
Listening, performing, practicing, teaching, and learning this art form gives me purpose in life.
Q: Tell us about your teaching philosophy.
A: I would describe my teaching philosophy as highly socratic. There are things that I learn from the student that help me figure out ways to guide them in the right direction to successfully perform a piece. One student may be struggling with bow technique, while another student may need help with intonation. In these instances, I dive into the ways they can improve those aspects as individuals. I also keep the goals of my students in mind. If a student wants to play in a recital or audition to a youth orchestra, I will push them to be successful with their goals.
Q: Why do you enjoy teaching with MML?
A: I enjoy teaching at Mobile Music Lessons because of how helpful Sophia (the owner) is in making sure everything goes smoothly. I also enjoy the recitals that are organized in which I can listen to many of the students at Mobile Music Lessons.
