Apart from teaching his students about music, the cello, music history and music theory, Ruslan Biryukov also teachers his students about effective practicing. Like most people, I want to play through the pieces and enjoy the beautiful melodies during practice. But Mr. Biryukov showed me how effective practicing can save time and helps me to progress faster than normal. He introduced me to Franchomme and Popper studies and some of those pieces are so musical. I can see the results of practicing technique even though they were boring initially. Mr. Biryukov is a really dedicated teacher who inspires me to breathe life and color into my music. He is really knowledgeable and has a way to make me work hard but still lets me have a little fun in his lessons which makes it all the more enjoyable in the end. No matter how old I get I will never quit playing the cello because of all the hard work I've put into it and all the enjoyment I get out of it every day, practicing. -- David Mrdjenovich