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Bio

River Maxfield (they/she) is a cellist, vocalist, songwriter, and scholar from Austin, Texas, now living in Brooklyn, NY. They are drawn to study and perform forgotten works which challenge the notion of canon in Western art music, and champion composers from underrepresented or marginalized backgrounds. They also enjoy collaborating with living composers.

She has been a member of various ensembles including the University of Texas Symphony Orchestra, the Butler Opera Center, and the Bereket Middle Eastern Ensemble. In addition to their orchestral performances, they also enjoy collaborating in chamber music contexts. Recent concerts include a performance of Bottesini’s “Fantasia I Puritani” for violoncello and double bass, and SoundProof, a group of premieres of new works for mixed chamber ensembles by young composers, including Vera Petrova, Maria Anikeeva, Matthew Oakes, and Victor Rangel.

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Teaching Info

My goal is to equip young musicians with the skills they need to excel on their own terms. I emphasize mental practice techniques which enable better understanding of the music and the ability to make informed expressive choices. I also teach methods of releasing tension to play more effortlessly and avoid the risk of overuse injuries.

From my own experience, I know that students are not always passionate about standard repertoire, so I  strongly encourage exploration of new and non-traditional music. In my career I’ve premiered several chamber works, commissioned multiple solo works, and performed in various genres including popular music, Middle Eastern music, and electronic music. Anything my students want to learn I am excited to teach, and I have a list of resources to enable students to find music they are passionate about.

In our first lesson, we’ll get to know each other and discuss your musical background and aspirations. You’ll also play a bit for me so I can assess your ability. We’ll  talk about repertoire preferences, materials, practice plans, and other resources to help you succeed.

If you’re a beginner, we’ll discuss ahead of time materials to bring to your first lesson (including a rental cello), and start playing right away. Expect your first few lessons to be focused on the basics like holding the instrument, placing your fingers on the fingerboard, holding the bow, and basic music literacy (if needed).

My primary performance and teaching experience is within the Western classical tradition (or Western Art Music), including both standard and non-standard repertoire. For early-intermediate students onwards, materials for lessons will include etudes, short concert pieces, and longer works such as sonatas or concerti. I am always careful to assign music which poses a technical/musical challenge to students without being too far beyond their abilities.