Learn the cello from a professional cellist with more than 50 years of experience
I offer private cello lessons for all ages and levels, from beginners taking up the cello for the first time to more experienced players who want to develop their technique, musicianship and understanding of the instrument.
I have spent more than five decades as a professional cellist, performing with major orchestras, ballet and opera companies and freelance ensembles in the UK and Canada. I have also taught cello for many years in both countries.
My approach to teaching has developed directly from that experience. I believe that learning an instrument should be about much more than simply learning where to put your fingers or how to play the notes. Good technique should serve musical expression, and students should gradually develop the ability to understand why they are playing something as well as how to play it.
Who are the lessons for?
Beginners
You do not need previous musical experience to begin learning the cello.
I can help a new student develop the basic foundations of playing—including posture, bow technique, left-hand technique, intonation, rhythm and reading music—while introducing musical repertoire appropriate to the student’s interests and ability.
Adult beginners
It is never too late to learn an instrument.
Adult students often bring different motivations and expectations to music than children do. Some have always wanted to play the cello; others are returning to music after many years. Lessons can be adapted to the individual rather than forcing every student through exactly the same progression.
Returning players
If you studied cello in the past and have stopped playing, I can help you rediscover the instrument and work out what needs attention.
Returning to an instrument after many years does not mean starting from zero. Much of what you previously learned can be recovered and developed.
More experienced players
Lessons can also focus on particular technical or musical problems, repertoire, interpretation, preparation for performance, or simply taking your playing further.
My professional experience includes working within orchestral, chamber, ballet, opera and freelance environments, so I can also draw on the practical realities of performing music with other musicians.
My approach to teaching
I do not believe there is one method that works equally well for every student.
Different people learn differently, and the purpose of teaching is not simply to reproduce the teacher’s own way of playing. My job is to help each student develop the technical and musical tools that allow them to become as independent a musician as possible.
Over the years I have learned from many musicians and teachers, but I have also learned a great deal from my students. Teaching is a two-way process: the teacher brings experience and knowledge, while the student brings a different way of hearing, thinking and responding to music.
My aim is therefore not simply to teach students how to play the cello, but to help them understand the instrument and eventually become capable of making informed musical decisions for themselves.
What about the cost of learning cello?
One of the practical difficulties of learning cello is that the lessons are only part of the expense. A student also needs access to a suitable instrument, bow and other equipment.
For that reason, I do not believe that a beginner should feel obliged to purchase an expensive cello before discovering whether playing the instrument is right for them.
Before you buy a cello
I would be happy to advise a prospective student about the appropriate size and quality of instrument before they commit to purchasing one.
Renting an instrument can be a sensible way to begin. Children may also require fractional-size instruments as they grow. As a teacher with many years of professional experience, I can offer practical guidance about choosing an appropriate instrument and avoiding unnecessary expenditure.
Resource: Long & McQuade — Cello Rentals
The objective at the beginning is to have a cello that is suitable for learning and capable of producing a reasonable sound, not to acquire an expensive professional instrument.
If cost is a concern, it is worth discussing your circumstances before deciding that cello lessons are simply unaffordable.
Where are lessons given?
Private lessons are available in the NDG/Westmount area of Montreal, near Esposito on Sherbrooke Street.
Lessons are available in English or French.
Why study with a professional performer?
There is an important difference between knowing how to play an instrument and knowing what it is like to make one’s living playing it.
My experience encompasses more than 50 years of professional cello playing in the UK and Canada, including work with orchestras as well as ballet, opera and freelance ensembles.
That experience provides a perspective on playing that extends beyond the practice room: how technique functions in actual performance, how musicians work together, how to listen, how to prepare music, and how to turn technical ability into convincing musical expression.
At the same time, I do not believe that every student needs to become a professional musician. For most people, learning an instrument is worthwhile simply because making music is worthwhile.
Whether your ambition is to play professionally, join an amateur ensemble, play for your own enjoyment, or simply fulfil a long-standing desire to learn the cello, lessons can be shaped around your own goals.
Interested in learning cello?
If you have been thinking about learning the cello—or returning to it after many years—feel free to get in touch.
We can discuss your experience, your goals, the kind of instrument you have or need, and whether private lessons would be appropriate for you
Richard Wyce
Professional cellist, musician and music teacher
Lessons in English or French
NDG/Westmount, Montreal QC Canada and Video lessons online.
WhatsApp: @richardwyce.arts
(Search for this username in WhatsApp)
Email: cellist@richardwyce.com
Website: richardwyce.com