Cello with Feliks V.

Russian born cellist, Feliks Volozhanin, began studying cello at the age of seven. At the age of twelve he became a laureate of Chelyabinsk State Youth Cello Competition and continued his studies at State Institute of Music in Moscow, Russia. Since moving to the United States, Mr. Volozhanin has won first prizes in many contests including the Elizabeth Harper Vaughn, the Rapides Symphony and the SLU Concerto Competitions, studying at Southeastern Louisiana University with Karen Jung. Feliks was a teaching assistant of professor Bongshin Ko at Cal State Fullerton and also served as a principal cellist of Cal State Fullerton Symphony and Cal State Fullerton Cello Choir. Mr. Volozhanin has successfully performed as a recitalist, chamber musician and soloist with orchestras on two continents; his recent engagements include guitar/cello appearances in Austin, Dallas, Miami, Los Angeles and others, solos with the Rapides Symphony, the Symphony of the Mountains and the SLU Chamber Orchestra. Volozhanin’s performances have been broadcast on television in the United States as well as in Russia. Mr. Volozhanin has also studied with esteemed cellists Kirill Rodin, Tchaikovsky Competition Gold Medalist and professor of Moscow State Conservatory. His artistry is based on the deep understanding of musical fabric combined with truly individual approach of each piece. His goal is to deliver the highest quality music to audiences and high standards of instruction to students from all walks of life worldwide . Mr. Volozhanin loves and truly enjoys teaching having over 15 years of experience both in Russia and in the US with outstanding results: 1/3rd of 2017 Irvine Elementary Honor Orchestra cello section were his students. His teaching philosophy is to share what he learned from a great Russian cello school: superb technique and expressive musical interpretation. In my teaching, I focus on developing strong technical foundation, which is crucial to develop at a very early stage for a future success, and nurturing students’ creativity and natural musical talents. As an active concert musican, I understand challenges that students may face in learning cello and how inspiring can be a productive practicing! I don't teach how to play and be dependant on a teacher, but rather how to analyze and enhance your practicing patterns, listen to yourself, think, be creative and independant: everything that encompasses joy of playing music I help my students to build up their resume for university applications: audition to honor orchestras, win competitions, pass CM and RCM tests. My students successfully compete at International and National competitions and are members of different orchestras including Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra, All Southern California Elementary Honor, San Juan Capistrano and Irvine Honor Orchestras, Orange County Youth Symphony and others. If you’re interested in your child taking music and cello seriously, developing an excellent technique, growing musically and learning how to express oneself through cello, schedule a consultation with me today