I believe that learning the cello begins with a teacher who understands your goals and helps you move forward. At Arnold Music Studio in Northeast, Ohio, I offer private cello lessons for students interested in discovering the instrument, developing their skills, or returning to music after time away.
You can explore my teaching approach, by watching a sample lesson, and learn what to expect before getting in touch.
Who can enroll in cello lessons?
I welcome children and adults, including students beginning their musical journey and players building on previous experience.
Cello lessons for children provide an opportunity to develop musical skills with patient, encouraging instruction. For a young beginner, choosing an appropriately sized instrument and establishing comfortable playing habits are important first steps. Contact me to discuss your child’s age, experience, and readiness for lessons.
Cello lessons for adults can support a new interest, a return to an instrument you once played, or continued musical development. You do not need a childhood background in music to ask about getting started.
Students with previous cello experience can discuss their current repertoire, technical challenges, and goals with me. Whether you want support with school orchestra music or help developing your individual playing, an initial conversation can help determine the right fit.
What happens in private cello lessons?
Private lessons give us a time to work together on your playing and to help deepen your musical understanding.
My cello instruction addresses posture, bow control, other types of technique, intonation, rhythm, music reading, and expressive playing. Scales, exercises, and repertoire provide opportunities to develop these skills and apply them to the music.
For beginners, I focus on building a comfortable foundation: getting acquainted with the instrument, producing a sound, getting to know the technique and learning how to practice. When I work with more experienced students, I focus on technique and interpretation through increasingly challenging music.
My teaching emphasizes encouragement alongside clear guidance. I try to offer opportunities to ask questions about practice, instrument care, and preparing for performances or auditions.
To see my teaching in action, visit the sample lessons page. The cello demonstration includes advanced repertoire and technical work, giving you a glimpse of my instruction beyond the beginner stage.
What happens at the first cello lesson?
In your first lesson, We will have the opportunity to discuss yours or your child’s musical interests, previous experience, and what you hope to accomplish.
If you have played before, let me know what you have been working on and bring any relevant music. If you are a beginner, contact me before purchasing or renting a cello so we can discuss instrument size and what you will need.
When arranging your first lesson, ask me what you will need, whether an instrument is required, and whether there are any materials to obtain beforehand. This helps you arrive prepared and ready to begin.
What areas do you serve with cello lessons?
Students typically come to me from these cities:
- Kent, OH
- Stow, OH
- Munroe Falls, OH
- Cuyahoga Falls, OH
- Chagrin Falls, OH
- Hudson, OH
- Streetsboro, OH
- Aurora, OH
- Ravenna, OH
- Tallmadge, OH
- Brimfield, OH
- Akron, OH
Where are cello lessons held, and how often do students attend?
Arnold Music Studio is based in Kent, Ohio. Lessons are held once a week. If you are looking for a local cello instructor, contact me to discuss the teaching location, scheduling, and available lesson options.
| Age and Level | Recommended weekly lesson length | Why is it a good fit? |
|---|---|---|
| Young beginners | 20-30 minutes | Gives us enough time to focus on building basic skills at your child’s pace while keeping lessons focused and manageable. |
| Young intermediate | 30-45 minutes | Gives us more time to develop your child’s technique, exploring new music, and how to practice at home. |
| Young advanced | 45-60 minutes | Allows us to work closely on challenging music, refine technique, and prepare for your child’s auditions or performances. |
| Adult beginners | 30–45 minutes | Gives us time to help you get comfortable with the cello and build your skills step by step, with plenty of room for questions. |
| Adult intermediate | 45–60 minutes | Gives us time to work through the challenges you’re facing and bring more confidence and expression to the music you enjoy. |
| Adult advanced | 60 minutes | Allows us to explore your repertoire in depth, refine your interpretation, and work toward your personal performance goals. |
The best schedule depends on your goals, experience, and ability to practice between lessons. Discuss those details with me when making your inquiry.
I teach cello lessons currently at my home studio in Kent, Ohio. I don’t currently offer online lessons.
How much are cello lessons?
Cello lessons typically cost $100 to $300 a month depending on factors like lesson length and teacher’s base rate. I charge on the low end of the ranges below to keep lessons affordable.
I also offer a 50% discount for each additional family member who takes lessons.
| Age and Level | Recommended lesson length | Monthly price range on the Market |
|---|---|---|
| Young beginners | 30 minutes | $100-$200 |
| Young intermediate | 45 minutes | $125-$170 |
| Young advanced | 60 minutes | $200-$300 |
| Adult beginners | 30–45 minutes | $100–$125 |
| Adult intermediate | 45–60 minutes | $125–$200 |
| Adult advanced | 60 minutes | $200-$300 |
For details, you can contact me with questions about the appropriate lesson option.
Why choose Danae Arnold as your cello teacher?
I have 27 years of experience playing professionally and teaching. I have also taken private lessons from Cleveland Orchestra members Brian Dumm and Richard Weiss, and I am an alumnus of the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra and the Akron Youth Symphony. My professional experience includes the Mansfield Symphony (2014 to 2017), solo performances, chamber performances, TV and radio appearances, and gigging for private events such as weddings and parties. Overall, I bring decades of teaching, orchestral playing, and professional performance experience to my work with students.
My teaching background includes serving as a cello instructor at Avon Lake School of Music from 2008 to 2009 and a string instructor at Sound Board Music in Stow from 2013 to 2017. I began private home and conservatory studio teaching in 2013.
I studied cello performance at Kent State University and pursued private studies with Brian Dumm, Regina Mushabac, Heidi Albert, Amir Eldan, and Keith Robinson. My training provides a substantial foundation for helping students develop their technique and musical understanding.
My orchestral experience includes the Mansfield Symphony Orchestra, Thayer Symphony Orchestra, Oberlin Orchestra, and Kent State University Orchestra. I also performed as a soloist with the Lakeland Civic Orchestra after winning its concerto competition in 2004.
Beyond orchestral work, I performed with a string trio with my sisters, The Strings of Gold, which was featured on local TV and radio. We participated in international music programs, and received scholarships from organizations including the Cleveland Cello Society and Interlochen Arts Camp.
For students, my background connects individual practice with the experience of making music in ensembles and in performance.
One parent describes the impact of my approach:
“If it was not for Danae’s mix of enthusiasm and rigor I have a strong suspicion that my daughter would have quit the cello by now.”
— Noel, parent of a cello student
Learn more about My background or watch a sample cello lesson.
How do I start cello lessons?
Begin by sending me a lesson inquiry.
Please include the student’s age, previous musical experience, goals, and preferred lesson times. Let me know whether you already have a cello or not because I am happy to help you choose what’s right for you or your child.
You can also use the inquiry to ask about current openings, rates, instrument arrangements, and the first lesson. Contact me, and let’s determine if Arnold Music Studio is the right place for your next musical step.