Think back to the last time you played the cello…
Since the last time you picked up your cello, a few things have probably happened:
- You have a skincare routine that is *working*
- You’ve learned how to set boundaries around who you are and what you want.
- You’re more comfortable owning your uniqueness and your quirks
It’s been a long road, but you’ve evolved into a different (more elevated) version of yourself.
But not everything has to be left behind.
Cello Forgives You.
Cello’s not bitter. Cello witnessed your highest highs and your lowest lows. Cello always know that you’d eventually be back…because what the two of you had was real.
And now…thanks to a spectacularly difficult past few years…it’s the perfect moment to reunite.
You’ve (involuntarily) been given the chance to slow down and remember what’s important to you and what brings you to life. And your cello is the waiting for you (cue slow motion running on the beach sequence)
And just like you, the cello world has gotten some upgrades.
Check out cross discipline cellists like Kelsey Lu, and Zoe Keating as well as the new guard of classical superstars like Sheku Kanneh-Mason, Pablo Ferrandez, and Kian Soltani… not to mention all the cellists sharing their creative processes and practice on social media. It’s a whole new world.
Taking cello lessons has changed, too.
Because of how we teach:
Our Attitude
While we definitely place a high priority on healthy playing habits, we’ve done away with a lot of the guilting/ shaming/ “practicing feels like a chore” that often accompanies instrumental lessons. We want you to leave classes feeling good about who you are and where you’re going.
Our Methodology
You may have experienced confusion in lessons– not really being sure what exactly you’re supposed to do when you go home and practice. This is why we spent years developing specific practice tools and techniques. You can expect to leave every class knowing exactly how to integrate what we covered in class.
Agency and Choice
We are in a collaborative partnership with each of our students– you get to have a say in what you learn and we value your feedback! Our goal is to help you come back to the instrument on your terms.
And because you know who you are
Cello On Your Terms
Unlike when you were younger, this time around, you get to decide how much time and energy you want to put into the cello. This is not about attaining some level of perfection or adhering to an external standard. This is about coming to the cello on your terms.
Nerd Out With Us.
You no longer need to hide the fact that you’re music nerd (we totally are, too!). So please, come to class and tell us how you spent your commuting time last week comparing 10 different recordings of the E-flat Suite Allemande or what you noticed about the bow hold of the cellist at the NY Phil concert last night. We love it.
New Ways To Play
Opportunities to play have gotten a lot broader and more interesting: you can play along to pre-recorded tracks of classical pieces, make friends and get together for duets and trios, and learn how to combine cello with Ableton Live or a loop pedal or synthesizers.
With options for study including 1:1 private lessons, Collaborative Studies classes, Cello Ensemble, and extremely flexible scheduling, you have plenty of options for study, regardless of your playing experience, scheduling needs, or budget.
(Also! Lessons here definitely do NOT include things like being nagged about practicing, feeling confused about reading tenor clef, or getting singled out in front of the entire orchestra because you messed up your part. You’ll be challenged here, but you’ll also be in an environment that is social and supportive.)
If you’ve been thinking about playing again, send us a message. We’re happy to schedule an intro lesson or answer any questions or concerns you might have about getting started again.
“Taking lessons here has changed my entire experience of playing for the better. Where I used to feel that I was slogging through repertoire– and physically uncomfortable in the process!– I now feel and hear myself improving as a player.”
Tess R.