Private lessons with top Cello instructors near New York, NY

I am an emotive cellist with two decades experience. I have toured internationally performing my original works including London, Paris, and Berlin. As a member of the Pierce Quartet I regularly arrange and perform music for weddings and other special occasions. I love sharing classical music with all levels of students. Lessons with me are calm, meditative experiences where we use peaceful techniques to enter into the heart of music.

The gift of learning to play music is a skill you can develop and use for the rest of your life as I started when I was 9 years old. The cello has a range and voice that sings like no other instrument. I was classically trained at Indiana University's School of Music. I have a traditional approach by teaching scales, etudes and a standard cello repertoire. Though children may start out on an instrument when they are younger, I expect my students to commit to their instruments as lessons are an expensive investment for their parents. When the child or adult is ready, I encourage him/her to play/audition for an ensemble of her choice to build musicianship. I have been teaching private lessons to children and adults for 17 years and I incorporate music theory as part of the total lesson. I have performed as a solo cellist, as a chamber musician on treble and bass viola da gamba with the Cisraritarian Consort of Viols and as principal cellist in Livingston Symphony Orchestra and People's Symphony of Essex County, NJ. Two genres of music which I have played which are not listed below are early music and tango music.

Experienced cello teacher with a focus on not just a strong foundation of physical technique and music theory, but also the spiritual and psychological aspects of growing as a musician (and person!). Curriculum is adapted to each student's individual goals, and integrates a wide variety of applications both within and outside music.

New students will bring in anything they know to their first lesson in order for me to have a brief understanding of their level and personality. This will allow me to build a personal guideline to focus on individually.

I have over 7 years of experience teaching private lessons in addition to teaching seminars on songwriting and music business at Infinity Visual and Performing Arts and SUNY JCC. I teach both online and in-person lessons at my studio in Nashville and offer 30, 45 and 60 minute lessons. I have played over 1,000 shows, both solo and as an auxiliary musician for other touring acts. I performed on over 30 albums and have composed for radio, television, and internet video series, including sharing the stage with members of the 10,000 Maniacs. I've been featured in The New York Times, on the CBS Evening News, and on NPR. While each student is different, I do generally start everyone on either Suzuki or the Essential Elements books. As one of my old teachers said, “I'm not teaching you how to play cello, I'm teaching you how to teach yourself how to play cello.” This is something I strive for. Students will not only learn technical skills( how to play their instrument, read music, understand theory) but also learn about themselves, develop their own voices in and out of the musical world. Whether your 9 year old child wants to play in the symphony when they grow up, or you've just retired at 65 and want to play heavy metal cello all ages and goals are welcome.

I'm an experienced and dedicated cellist, having played with Orchestras and Chamber groups throughout my state. My lessons are focused on relaxation, and am as laid back or strict as the student needs. Whether you're a beginner or advanced, shooting to be a church player or a pro, I have taught students for that and am the teacher for you.

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. 

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.