Cello lessons with a pro

deryn cullen

BMus (HONS) - south african college of music

PLM - university of stellenbosch

Whether you're a parent looking for an experienced and professional cello teacher for your child; an adult looking to restart or expand your horizons with cello lessons; or a music student or professional in need of additional input and help for your cello exam or audition, please read on.

I have been a private cello teacher since 1996 and enjoy a diverse career as a professional cellist to draw from. Since graduating in 1999, I have worked as a permanent and extra cellist in English and South African professional orchestras, a live and studio session cellist with numerous bands, and composed and recorded music for film, media and production music libraries with my husband under the name of Entropik Music.

Although I tailor much of my teaching method to the individual needs of my students, certain principles are a constant in all of my cello lessons regardless of the student. These include promoting tension-free movement and posture using elements of Alexander Technique and Feldenkrais Method; and promoting strong aural skills along with a solid understanding of underlying music theory. My goal for all of my students is to help them become well-rounded musicians with an appreciation that extends beyond the joy of being a cellist.

I offer regular weekly or bi-weekly cello lessons as well as intensive sessions for exam, audition or performance preparation; learning effective practising skills; help with improvisation skills; and writing cello parts for non-classical settings. Because requirements for such lessons vary depending on the circumstances, fees will be worked out on an individual basis. Contact me to discuss your requirements in detail.

In addition to cello lessons, I offer assistance with buying or hiring cellos and making improvements to your instruemnt. For beginners, finding a suitable instrument can be a daunting process with so much to choose from. Whether you're in search of an entry-level cello or upgrading to a better quality student or professional cello, you'll be making a big and important investement. I can help you to find an instrument, assess it for damage or set-up requirements and help you to negotiate the right price where appropriate.

I offer music theory lessons for exam preparation, GCSE and A-Level curriculum help or simply for enrichment. Like my cello lessons, I tailor my music theory lessons as far as possible to suit each individual student. With the right approach, music theory is a joy to study and can greatly enhance your practical studies. It can also help to lay the foundations for arrangement and composition skills.

For information on fees and accepted payment methods, please visit my Fees page.