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Caitlin Fahey Crow is a freelance cellist and artist-teacher in San Diego. She began cello studies at age 6 with her primary teacher Anne Cole. Later teachers include Vivian Barton (Philadelphia Orchestra/Santa Fe Opera), David Schepps (University of New Mexico), Charles Curtis (UCSD), and Yao Zhao (SD Symphony).

Caitlin holds a B.S. with a Pre-Med concentration/German minor cum laude from the University of New Mexico, and a M.Ed. with a concentration in Montessori education from Loyola University Maryland.

Caitlin studied cello pedagogy with Dr. Tanya Carey from 2009 to 2015 and has registered courses with the Suzuki Association of the Americas in all Suzuki Cello Units 1 through 10. Continuing education includes Suzuki Principles in Action (January 2016) and Music Mind Games Unit 1 Teacher Training with Michiko Yurko (January 2018). She is a member of the SAA and a former board member of SMAC-SDB (Suzuki Music Association of California, San Diego Branch).

Caitlin is principal cellist with the La Jolla Symphony, and cellist/vocalist for OrchidxMantis. Past engagements include CL Duo, Duo Elena, La Jolla Summerfest, Orchestra Nova, California Chamber Orchestra, soloist/principal cello with City Ballet Orchestra, principal cello for Opera Neo, San Diego Musical Theater, Orvit Ensemble, and the Nathan Hubbard Quartet.

Caitlin and her husband Isaac (a percussionist, composer and bassist) live and work in North Park, where they enjoy collaborating on musical projects.


"With the Crow Cello program we have been amazed not only by our daughter’s growth in skill as a cellist but also her growth as an artist, musician and person . Ms. Caitlin’s creative , innovative and extremely knowledgeable teaching has made a huge positive impact on our family’s understanding of music and attitudes towards learning for short-term/long-term goals. She is the most gentle and understanding teacher. We are so grateful for every opportunity we have with her, as well as with the other students in the studio. The musical events that she plans throughout the year are so much fun!"

-Anna Tsai, artist and studio parent

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Teaching Philosophy

I teach because I enjoy it.

I teach inspired by the work of master teachers and master artists.

I teach a love of the cello.

I teach to impart the gift of music making.

I teach the capacity for long-term/lifelong learning.

I teach easeful and efficient use of the body.

I teach balanced and professional technique from the beginning.

I teach the ear.

I teach the voice.

I teach the whole person.

I teach to assist the social, emotional,  and cognitive development of each cellist.

I teach patience.

I teach patiently.

I teach to build skills for accurate self-evaluation.

I teach to demonstrate the value of repetition and review.

I teach with the vision of the student as an accomplished learner.

I teach real names, real notes, and real terminology.

I teach self-assuredness.

I teach stage presence and body awareness.

I teach respectfully.

I teach respect.

I teach adaptability and flexibility.

I teach strategy and problem-solving.

I teach time management.

I teach joy.

I teach silliness.

I teach seriousness.

I teach musical literacy.

I teach ensemble skills.

I teach appreciation for all styles and genres of music.

I teach effective techniques for memorization.

I teach gesture, phrasing, and expression.

I teach breathing.

I teach care and maintenance of the instrument.

I teach parents and students to work together.

I teach the beauty of integrated, intelligently-designed, step-wise learning.

I teach by following the child.

I teach myself through teaching.