Jesse Henkensiefken 609 Columubus Ave Apt 14E, NA, New York NY, 10024
Instruments:Cello, Conducting
Styles:Classical, Folk – Country – Bluegrass, Rock – Alternative, Kids
Levels:Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Experience:12 years
Rate:$60 / hrShare
Personal Statement
My fundamental goal as an instructor is to teach self and group awareness of sound production, technique, intonation, and listening skills, as well as teach that nuance and musical depth lead to musical maturity. I do not teach by authority, seeking to turn my students into my clones. Rather, I teach by cause-and-effect, an approach that allows my students to make informed, individual technical and musical choices.
I endeavor to create a learning environment suitable to each students specific goals, allowing these goals to become reality. By stressing the importance of dedication and performance experience, my students learn to become successful musicians in todays eclectic, fast paced environment. As technology and music accessibility continue to evolve, it is vital that young musicians be exposed to various styles and genres of music by understanding and experiencing not only as orchestral players but also as soloists, chamber players, and teachers. Musicians today must be able to relate their musical ideas to their peers and learn to be competent in diverse styles.
The passion and enthusiasm I have towards my students progress is a reflection of the love and professionalism I give toward my own music making. My students understand that my responsibility as their teacher is met with expectation that they give in return their utmost effort and dedication.
Education / Training
Jesse Henkensiefken performs regularly as a solo cellist and chamber/orchestral musician and has recently joined the string faculty at the New York Amadeus Conservatory of Music and Theater. He completed a Doctorate of Musical Arts degree at the University of Kansas, where he studied under the direction of former Cleveland Symphony Cellist, Edward Laut. While earning an Artists Diploma from the Park University International Center of Music, Henkensiefken studied with BBC Scottish Symphony Principal Cellist, Martin Storey.
Henkensiefken has participated in master classes with world renowned musicians including Yo-Yo Ma, Daniel Weis, Steven Honigberg and Zuill Bailey as well as performed alongside Mark OConnor, Siquera Costa, Joyce Castle, Rachel Barton, Carol Cook and Tatiana Tessman. He has made solo and chamber appearances at the Kansas City Lyric Opera Theater and the Lied Center at KU, and has soloed with the Kansas City Philharmonia, Kansas University Symphony Orchestra, Lawrence Chamber Orchestra, and West Coast Trans-Siberian Orchestra. During the 2006-2007 season, Henkensiefken was a substitute cellist for the New World Symphony. He currently performs as a section player for the New York Chamber Players and Ensemble DU MONDE.
As an active chamber musician, Henkensiefken premiered with the Crimson String Quartet at the 2009 Kansas City Fringe Music Festival. He has had extensive chamber music training with artists including Eric Rosenblith, Stephen Harrison, Elizabeth Anderson, and Robert Koenig. He has participated in chamber music master classes with the Ying String Quartet, Kronos String Quartet, St. Petersburg String Quartet and the Da Vinci String Quartet.
As the current Music Director of the Ars Viva Chamber Orchestra, Henkensiefken has studied with such conductors as Donald Portnoy, Nikolas Uljanov, David Neely, Paul Vermel, Peter Jaffe, Brian Priestman, Steven McDonald and Paul Tucker. Mr. Henkensiefken has participated in conducting master class with National Symphony conductor Leonard Slatkin, (2007) and led the KUSO cello section in a week long conducting workshop with Seattle Symphony conductor Gerard Schwarz, (2006).
Henkensiefken was also a 2010 Fellow of the South Carolina Conductors Institute.
Since 2002, Mr. Henkensiefken has been an active member of the Xi Chapter of Mu Phi Epsilon.
Video
Skylife for Cello Quartet