Private lessons with top Cello instructors near Burbank, CA

I am an experienced teacher and professional cellist, excited to meet you and learn about how we can work together to fulfill your musical goals. I am equally comfortable working with kids and adults, as well as beginners or advanced students. I previously taught a wide variety of students in the Greater Boston area, including teaching positions at the Marblehead and Salem School of Music (individual lessons), and as string teacher at the Cape Ann Waldorf School (conducting the middle school orchestra, teaching 4th and 5th grade string ensembles, leading cello sectional classes, and teaching individual lessons). I have been performing in Los Angeles for several years and am now ready to open my studio to new students - feel free to reach out if you would like to connect further or have any questions!

Getting a solid foundation in technique is imperative for anyone wanting to learn the cello, no matter if the desire is to play for fun or to eventually join an orchestra. That is why I make it my goal as a teacher to establish the correct ways to have: good tone, proper posture, flexible bow hold, loose vibrato, and pain-free playing. All of my students that have graduated to university-level teachers have reported back that the teacher was happy with their foundation and they were not required to "move back" steps in order to gain additional technique. I generally use the Suzuki and ABC books to get students started(which employ mainly classical pieces and folk songs), but I am always open to other genres that the student is interested in. If there is a specific piece a student would like to play, we'll go over what technique is required to get there and use alternate pieces and exercises to finally reach that goal.

Experienced cello teacher of 15 years! My lesson plan is simple : 1. we warm up with basic scales + finger exercises, 2. we focus on tone + proper technique, 3. we play solo, duets, and ensemble pieces (I prepare backing tracks to help w/ rhythm and timing... or play the parts myself). Can do pop, classical, hip-hop, etc. If the student is working on music for school orchestra, we can focus on that too. You will learn what you want to learn at your own pace.

I have experience with students of all ages and proficiencies. I teach online and in-person (at two locations in southern California). I am also a certified Suzuki teacher and diversity scholarship recipient. My teaching combines conservatory style and Suzuki style. My background: I was awarded a DMA degree in Cello Performance at the University of Cincinnati–College Conservatory of Music on the Graduate Incentive Scholarship. My mentors include Yehuda Hanani (well-known for his critically acclaimed recording of J.S. Bach: Six Suites, TownHall Records) and Lee Fiser (cellist of the LaSalle Quartet, 1975—87). I was awarded of Music scholarship during her master's study at the North Texas of Music, under the instruction of Nikola Ruzevic (the director of the Upbeat International Music Festival, Japan). My cello journey began at the age of twelve. After two years of training, she took second place in the high-school cello division of the Eisenbach Music Competition in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. In college, I was a visiting scholar at the Internationales Musikkonservatorium Graz. The price is listed, travel from my studios will add $60 per 4 lessons.

Having 20+ years of playing experience, and 10+ years of professional experienced cello teaching, I feel very comfortable helping my students understand the foundations of cello technique. My lessons are structured very clearly with some technique work at the beginning, whether it be scales or a study, followed by a piece or work we’ll work on together to finish off the lesson. In addition, I send each of my students off with their very own practice regiment and practice journal/log ✍️, that they can use to track their own progress throughout their week, keep track of their assignments, and lastly, write out any comments or questions that come up in between lessons. I also share music and other supplemental materials to my students when possible in these practice regiments, so that they do not always have to purchase it or search for it themselves :) I’m happy to help and guide my students however they need it :) Here’s some more background on me: I graduated with a Bachelors of Music from the music conservatory Cleveland Institute of Music, and got my Masters in Music from Northwestern University's Bienen School of Music. In addition, I completed a 2 year rigorous Suzuki Technique Pedagogy Program where I am now certified to teach all 10 levels of the cello books. I am confident in explaining any questions a student may have. I love to make practicing a game, so that way we are developing the proper skills but also challenging ourselves while having fun! Even I can understand that practicing can get tiresome and dull at times! As a traveling musician who has performed all over the world, I feel it is important for students to appreciate all types of music. While classical training and technique are absolutely crucial to the beginning stages of a student's development, I like to show the student how their skills can be integrated into other styles of music as they develop. I am in a string quartet, called ATLYS, where we play a variety of genres and styles of music from classical to traditional to folk to rock. All music is connected and I love how my students can see this connection and start to use their skills to be a part of that bigger picture.

Cindy holds two degrees and a teaching Certificate.  She obtained her Master of Arts degree from Dallas Baptist University in 2016.  In 1996, she received a full music scholarship to Sam Houston State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Viola Performance. Mrs. H has 20 years of experience teaching private violin, viola, cello, and piano, as well as 7 years teaching elementary music and orchestra for the public school system.  Mrs. H has performed at hundreds of weddings, receptions, and parties with various string quartets, as well as orchestral events and churches all across Texas. Mrs. H loves music and teaching, and her favorite part of teaching is sharing her love of music with others.  She teaches utilizing a wide variety of techniques and methods, ranging from the Suzuki method to more traditional methods. Because of her diverse teaching background, she excels at teaching students of all ages: from the four year old beginning piano student to the advanced high school senior violinist.  Hundreds of her private students have made All-Region Orchestras, first division ratings at Solo/Ensemble, and even first division ratings at the State Solo/Ensemble contest.  Some of Mrs. H's former students have continued in their musical pursuits to become professional musicians. 

You will be provided a personal plan for learning cello! Especially for beginners, learning step by step is really important. I will prepare the paper I design for you personally and let you know cello as fast as you can.

Whether you're looking for a traditional Suzuki method experience or just want to fiddle around, we can work together to make playing cello a great experience for you. In person or over Skype. Young and young at heart welcome.