1^st lesson free

Ariel

Rate $53
Response 1h

$53/h

1^st lesson free

Cello

Professional cellist with 20+ years teaching experience. Classical, pop, RCM, and healthy technique!

Cello

Lesson location

- online

About Ariel

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.

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 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.

About the lesson

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 practice. 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, practice 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 and how it is structured.

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!

Rates

Rate

Pack rates

5h: $264
10h: $528

online

$46/h

Travel

+ $$50

free lessons

This first lesson offered with Ariel will allow you to get to know each other and clearly specify your needs for your next lessons.

30mins

Professional cellist with 20+ years teaching experience. Classical, pop, RCM, and healthy technique!

Lesson location

About Ariel

About the lesson

Rates

Rate

Pack rates

online

Travel

free lessons

Ariel's Video

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Professional cellist with 20+ years teaching experience. Classical, pop, RCM, and healthy technique!

Lesson location

About Ariel

About the lesson

Rates

Rate

Pack rates

online

Travel

free lessons

Ariel's Video

Other tutors in Cello

Emanuel

Bruno

Suzana

Tom

Danijela

Joseph

Amani

Jeff

Christopher

ANNA

Joshua

Philip

Evan

Ed

Claire

Mathew

Elisa

Jonathan

Ronald

Megan

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