Cello lessons for all ages and skill levels - Classical, pop, RCM, and healthy technique!

From 65.72 $ /h

I have experience teaching students at all ages and skill levels. I particularly enjoy helping beginners build their technique and love for the cello!

My lessons are tailored to each student’s goals, level, and personality. Some students want a clear path through RCM exams, scales, études, and repertoire. Others want to play for fun, return to the cello after years away, work on pop or film music, or feel less tense and frustrated when they practise. I’m happy working with beginners, adult learners, returning players, and more advanced students looking for technical or musical refinement.

A major focus of my teaching is helping students make playing feel easier. That means building a reliable technique, but also learning how to notice unnecessary tension, use the body more naturally, practise more effectively, and avoid the common habits that can lead to pain or injury. I try to explain things clearly and practically, without making lessons feel overly rigid or intimidating.

Depending on the student, lessons may include classical repertoire, RCM preparation, scales and études, popular music, and practice strategies. My music theory background also helps me explain how music works, not just where the fingers go.

Most of all, I want students to feel supported, curious, and capable. Cello can be difficult, but it shouldn’t feel mysterious or physically punishing. Whether your goal is an exam, a performance, or simply enjoying the instrument more, I’ll help you build the tools to make steady, satisfying progress and have fun in the process!

Location

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At teacher's location :

Plateau Mont-Royal, Le Plateau-Mont-Royal, Montreal, QC, Canada

Online from Canada

About Me

Hello!

My name is Ariel and I'm a professional cellist with 20+ years of teaching experience. I hold a Doctorate in Cello Performance from the Université de Montréal, as well as Master’s degrees in Cello Performance and Music Theory from the University of Ottawa.

My background is mainly classical, but my performing life has been quite varied. I’ve performed as a soloist with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra on multiple occasions, was a prizewinner at the Eckhardt-Gramatté National Music Competition, and have been active in chamber and orchestral music across Canada and abroad. From March 2021 to June 2025, I was the core cellist for Candlelight Montréal, performing 600+ concerts across more than 30 diverse programs in historic Montréal venues. That experience gave me a lot of comfort moving between classical music, pop, rock, film music, and crossover programs.

A major part of my teaching comes from my own experience with injury. During my undergraduate studies at McGill University, I struggled with a playing-related injury, which led me to study healthier and more efficient approaches to cello technique. My doctoral research later focused on injury prevention, body mechanics, and the management of muscular tension for string players. I also draw on ideas from Alexander Technique and Body Mapping, especially when helping students play with more ease and less tension.

Because I went through the RCM exam system myself, I’m also very comfortable helping students prepare for exams, auditions, theory requirements, and structured goals — while keeping lessons flexible enough for students who simply want to enjoy learning the cello.

Education

- Doctorate in Cello Performance from the Université de Montréal
- Master's in Music - Cello Performance from the University of Ottawa
- Master's in Music Theory from the University of Ottawa
- Bachelor's in Cello Performance from McGill University

Experience / Qualifications

- 20+ years of teaching experience with students of all ages and levels
- Core cellist for Candlelight Montréal (2021–2025), 400+ concerts across 30+ programs
- Winner, Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra Young Artist Concerto Competition
- Prizewinner and finalist, Eckhardt-Gramatté National Music Competition
- Extensive chamber and orchestral performance experience across Canada and internationally
- Doctoral research focused on injury prevention, body mechanics, and tension management for string players
- Experienced with RCM exam preparation, auditions, and structured curriculum pathways

Age

Children (7-12 years old)

Teenagers (13-17 years old)

Adults (18-64 years old)

Seniors (65+ years old)

Student level

Beginner

Intermediate

Advanced

Duration

30 minutes

45 minutes

60 minutes

90 minutes

120 minutes

The class is taught in

English

Skills

Cello

Availability of a typical week

(GMT -04:00)

New York

At teacher's location and via webcam

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

00-04

04-08

08-12

12-16

16-20

20-24

Noémy

5.0

(2)

English follows

I am a graduate of the highest music schools and universities in Switzerland (HEMU Lausanne, HEM Geneva) and in Canada (McGill Schulich School of Music, Montreal).
I give my lessons at home / online but I also travel if necessary.
I teach cello technique using various teaching methods with great classics such as Navarra, Lee, Feuillard, Dotzauer, Popper, Starker and many more...
I teach for all levels: beginners - adults - intermediate, advanced and professional and in various styles of music: classical, jazz and world music, (Eastern Europe, Balkans, Near and Middle East, Asia Minor, North Africa and Brazil).

I work a lot on posture in my teaching, because it is an element that I believe is essential in teaching a musical instrument and which is unfortunately not taken seriously or considered enough. I had the chance to work with Mrs. Aude Hauser who is a recognized physiotherapist in Switzerland and Europe specialized in musicians.

I am a certified teacher from the Conservatories and Higher Music Schools of Switzerland, but also from the Association of Graduate Music Teachers of Quebec (APMQ), as well as universities in Canada.
Instrument-wise, I also have a small cello collection, to be discussed.
I also teach on weekends, depending on my availability.

I am a graduate of the Universities of Music in Switzerland, HEMU, Lausanne, HEM, Geneva and in Canada (McGill Schulich School of Music). I give my classes at my studio or online but I also move if necessary.
I teach the cello technique using various teaching methods of great classics such as Navarra, Lee, Feuillard, Dotzauer, Popper, Starker and many others... I teach for all levels (beginner adults and children), in various styles of classical music, jazz, world music, (Eastern Europe, Balkans, Middle East, North Africa and Brazil).

I work a lot on posture and had the chance to work with Madame Aude Hauser, a renowned physiotherapist in Switzerland and Europe who specializes in musicians.

I am a certified professor at the Conservatories and Hautes Ecoles de Musique de Suisse, but also at the Association des enseignants de musique diplômée du Québec (APMQ), as well as at universities in Canada.
Talking about the instrument: I also have a small collection of cello, to discuss.
I also teach on the weekend, depending on my schedule.

Sahara

5.0

(2)

Cello lessons for all levels and ages!
Hello there, I am Sahara and I’m 24 years old. I hold my Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from Mcgill University in cello performance. This past year I’ve worked for music agencies in Tokyo, toured Japan, and returned to Montreal to pursue a chamber music career.
I have a passion for teaching all ages. I believe that every student has a natural gift to bring to music and their instrument- and it is my job to nurture it while facilitating proper technique and approach that will allow them to play their best. I tailor my style for every student, and I am all about open communication.
Please contact me for more information!

Gabriel

5.0

(2)

* English below

Born in England, I have been teaching cello at all levels for 20 years. My goal is to guide you to become a thoughtful and passionate cellist from the very first lesson. You will learn important basics that will allow you to not only master the instrument, but also to understand the musical language thanks to welcoming and personalized lessons. The pleasure of working with you !

Born and raised in England, I have been teaching cello at all levels for 20 years. My aim is to guide you to become a thoughtful and passionate cellist from the very first lesson. You will acquire all the fundamentals, enabling you to master not only the instrument, but also to understand the language of music through friendly and personalized lessons. I look forward to working with you!

Pierrick

5.0

(2)

I offer music lessons in the Saint-Francois district in Laval or possibility at home (Greater Montreal area)

My specialty is the cello, but I also offer violin, double bass and guitar for beginners.

My teaching method aims to develop a good, safe and effective instrumental technique, while being flexible to the strengths, weaknesses, and particularities of each person.

My teaching is distinguished by a personalized approach and modern methods, both with the big names in the teaching of each instrument and with tailor-made equipment.

Musical styles covered for all instruments
- Classic
- Jazz and Pop
- Blues
- Rock
- Metal

What sets me apart:
- College diploma in classical cello
- Pursuing university studies in interpretation, pop cello
- A reference in Quebec in adjustment, repair and modification of electric bowed string instruments
- Currently working on Jazz/Pop cello technique books
- Possibility of offering personalized follow-up including theory homework, auditory training and sight reading for students wanting a more complete training
- Open to adapting my classes for specific needs (children with difficulty, adults with physical restrictions, etc.)
- Possibility of renting instruments according to availability
- Violin making services offered, Sale and repair of all bowed string instruments and guitar

Corentin

5.0

(2)

Cellist for 16 years, and after having validated my "Diploma of Musical Studies" (diploma of end of normal studies) at the Conservatory of Saint Maur des Fossés, I then studied for 2 years in the class of Xavier Gagnepain at the Conservatory Regional Outreach of Boulogne-Billancourt. This year I am starting my Bachelor in Interpretation at the Faculty of Music of the University of Montreal. I worked for the last 2 years in a recognized French organization of home lessons during which I taught cello as well as music theory to different student profiles (Children, Adults...).

Ivan

5.0

(2)

My teaching method is personal, I adapt to the needs of the student or group of students. Motivation and the pleasure of learning is the most important aspect for me.

I also use the RCM system as well as certain approaches from Suzuki, Feldenkrais and Alexander Technique to have fluidity of movement with the cello and a comfortable, tension-free posture.

Preparation for exams, recitals and festivals as well as university auditions. I have been teaching cello and theory for over 15 years, all ages (from 5 years old to adults) and all levels (beginner to advanced). I am able to teach in English, French or Spanish if the person wishes or wants to practice the language.