Whether you currently play the cello, or you’re picking it back up after a long break,
Or you’ve never played before but are sick of staring at screens and are seeking an *analog* hobby…
You’re here seeking to connect with your creativity and live a life that’s deeper and richer
through the practice and performance of the cello. Welcome!
OUR APPROACH to teaching the cello+ music making
We’re serious about helping you develop a strong technical foundation so that you’re free to express yourself musically. In classes, you can expect that we’ll spend a lot of time discussing things like sound production, posture, intonation, and rhythm.
With us, however, playing goes a bit deeper than just technique (this is what most other music programs totally miss, by the way). Because the cello is a resonating body that is super sensitive to how we physically interact with it, you’ll also be doing visualization, breath work, and Alexander Technique in classes to find more ease in your body as you interact with the cello, so that you can take your playing as far as you’d like it to go.
Additionally, we know that learning how to play well requires more than just showing up to lessons each week. This is why we spend a lot of time helping you build out your practice toolbox, so that you feel like you can go home after a lesson feeling motivated and excited to integrate what we work on in lessons together during the week.
So, who are you?
You used to play the cello but it’s been a minute.
Remember the amazing feeling of producing sound with other people? Or the satisfaction of learning a challenging new skill and realizing that all your hard work actually paid off? Have the cello become a regular part of your life again and reconnect to your creative side (even if it’s been 5 or 10 or 20 years– we’ve got you covered!)
You’re starting as an adult beginner.
Learn to play the cello. Even if you’re worried it’s too late. Even if you don’t read music. And even if you don’t have a cello yet. (IT IS POSSIBLE.) Creating space in your life for your desires fuels you to be more present and focused in other areas of your life. Your future self thanks you.
Your pre-teen or teen is obsessed with the cello and wants to level-up their skills.
Give your young cellist a strong technical foundation AND a lifelong love of music. Lessons that empower students to identify their unique standards and interests, set ambitious creative goals and follow-through on them: skills that serve us all not just in our cello-playing and creative pursuits, but in all areas of life.
What our students say about learning here.
“I only knew the basics of playing the cello when I began studying with Kirin. Shifting and intonation are two major areas where Kirin has helped me improve a lot. She’s also really helped me learn how to practice effectively and taught me how to work through problems myself at home. Anytime I hit some roadblock or issue, Kirin has a new exercise to try to help me overcome it. She’s a very nice and patient person and I always look forward to my lessons.”
Matt B.
“I feel so lucky to have found Kirin and her lesson program. I work with her online and was initially skeptical about how much value I’d get over Zoom, but I’ve really been blown away — she understands my playing and how cello fits into my life on a really deep level. Every piece of feedback is insanely actionable and focused on the big picture of what we’re working on. She’s helped me grow in technique and musicality in a way I didn’t think was accessible to me as an adult amateur enthusiast. I can’t recommend her program highly enough.”
Emily P.
“Prior to studying with Kirin, I was muddling my way through the first few Suzuki books, getting lessons sporadically. I had been through several teachers, but lesson consistency became kind of a chore because of both parties’ changing schedules. Booking with Kirin was intentionally flexible because she focused on working with adults, which allowed me to put effort into playing and not logistics.
Since starting with Kirin, I have moved out from under my aimless, and often fruitless practice, into a space of awareness, with real goals set at the edge of my capability – so you can push yourself without feeling like the task is discouraging or impossible. My tone, musicality, rhythm, reading, musicianship, and confidence have all improved. I’ve gone from playing Suzuki 1 alone in my house, to holding my own playing Haydn with serious musicians. There’s such a long way to go for me as a player, but it’s approached as a curiosity and exploration of your interests and challenges – so it’s exciting to be in a lesson to see where you can go next.
James J.
“I’m playing basic songs and scales after having no expectation for making any kind of real music for the first year of playing. I love what this class has given me: a way to sing.”
Serena M.
“Great class. We are becoming a close team through the experience of learning music. Thank you!”