Cello Guide for Kids and Parents
Finding the Best Cello Instructor
for Your Child
Rose Park
4/15/24 • 4 min read
As a parent, choosing the right cello instructor for your child can be challenging. You want someone who will not only develop your kid’s technical skills, but also encourage a lifelong love of music.
Fortunately, the qualities that make a cello teacher really professional and a great match for your child are easy to spot once you know what to look for.
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Customized Lessons Tailored to Your Child
The best cello teachers understand that each child is unique, with their own strengths, areas for improvement, and personal interests and goals. They won’t simply force your child into a fixed, one-size-fits-all curriculum. Instead, they’ll take the time to get to know your kid as an individual, assess their current level, and build a personalized learning plan just for them.
For example, if your child struggles with keeping a steady beat, the teacher might design lessons focused on rhythm training with the metronome. Or if your kids lack musical expression, the instructor could guide them in exploring ways to put more emotion and personality into their cello performances.
What are some good cello method books for beginning kids?
For beginning kids, many cello teachers use Suzuki methods. The Suzuki method focuses on learning by ear, starting with simple songs and gradually building technique through repeated drills. It systematically introduce new concepts and skills, making it an excellent foundation for young cellists.
While method books like Suzuki can provide an excellent starting point, professional cello teachers don’t limit themselves to those materials alone. They’ll also introduce your child to a diverse range of repertoire, from the classical masters like Bach to contemporary composers. Once your child is ready to learn these musical pieces, the teacher will suggest where to get the music or even print out for the student.
Review and Assess the Teacher's Backgrounds
Educational credentials
As a parent searching for the cello instructor for your child, it’s important to carefully assess each potential instructor’s educational background. The most qualified cello teachers typically hold a Bachelor’s degree in cello performance, showcasing their extensive knowledge and expertise with cello. The higher the degree achieved, such as a Master’s or Doctorate, shows that the teacher is more skilled and can help kids learn cello more effectively and advance quickly.
For young beginners aged 7 to 10, you can start with a teacher who holds a Bachelor’s degree in cello from a recognized college, or someone who specialized in music education with a focus on cello. Instructors with music education degree can provide a solid foundation in basic cello techniques, music reading, and music theory. However, as your child progresses beyond the beginner level, you may consider transitioning them to a teacher with more advanced cello training.
For children older than 10, or those ranging from beginners to intermediate level, any cello instructor with either a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree and over 5 years of teaching experience will be great.
Teaching experience in cello
Performance history
The third step is to review the prospective cello teacher’s website and bio. Take the time to read through their resume and look for any mention of performance-related achievements.
Ideally, the cello teacher should have descriptions of winning or participating in domestic and international competitions, whether as a soloist or in chamber music ensembles. Their resume should also highlight other performance experiences, such as recitals, orchestral concerts, summer music festivals, masterclasses, and concerto performances.
If the website includes any samples of live recordings, take the time to listen. Watching your child’s potential instructor play cello can give you valuable insight into their skill level and musicality.
Background Check
It’s important to check if the potential teacher has done and passed a comprehensive background check, especially if you’re seeking cello lessons for your child. We advise parents to inquire about it ahead. Live online cello lesson companies, such as Lesson With You, offer a free trial lesson with professional cello instructors who are fully background checked.
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What Matters When I Choose Cello Lessons for My Kid?
When reaching out to prospective cello teachers, ask if they offer any trial lessons. Trial lessons are often charged, but some, like Lesson With You, offer free trials. Taking a trial lesson can give you and your child insights on a couple of things.
Start by checking the teacher’s lesson policy, particularly regarding rescheduling and cancellations, usually requiring 24 hours’ notice. Also, talk about scheduling to make sure it works for both of you. Think about the lesson cost too. If you can manage regular lessons for about a year, that’s great for your child.
Method book, or the curriculum is something to ask as well. Share the level of your child’s cello playing and the book your child has completed. Ask about what the teacher prioritizes in general for children’s cello learning and their expectations for practice.
Teacher character or personality could be a priority for some parents. Some instructors are friendly and nice, focusing more on interaction with the student. Others may prefer a more straightforward approach, with teachers encouraging students to practice and play cello through assigned tasks each week. We advise parents to make a decision after the trial lesson is done.
Lesson reviews are very important when choosing the right cello teacher for your child, especially when contacting more than two teachers. Read reviews listed on the website regarding the lesson itself, the teacher’s teaching style, and their scheduling and policy.
Last thing is if there’s a contract or commitment expected by the teacher. Clarify these details before signing up a regular lesson.
How Much Should I Pay for Cello Lessons?
Cello lessons for beginning kids should typically be priced between $30 to $40 for a half-hour session, which is considered reasonable as long as the teacher is professional. For teachers who didn’t major in cello but in other instruments, lessons should generally be priced under $30 for a half-hour session.
The average cost for a half-hour cello lesson in the US is around $40. Online cello lessons with live teachers usually range between $35 to $45 for a half-hour session. Local, in-person cello lessons have an average cost of $45 per half-hour session, while group lessons can be around $25.
Realistically, it takes at least 2 years for a child between 7 and 10 to learn the basics of cello playing. To advance to an intermediate level in cello, consider taking weekly regular lessons for 3 years on average.
Are Online or In-Person Cello Lessons Better for a Child?
The quality of instruction is generally similar between online and in-person cello lessons, as long as the teacher is professional. However, there are differences in flexibility and pricing. Online cello lessons are typically more affordable and convenient compared to in-person lessons. On the other hand, in-person lessons offer the advantage of exploring sounds on the cello in a more traditional setting.
For example, if your 9-year-old child is just starting cello but has a limited schedule, we highly recommend beginning with online lessons. Alternatively, if you have a larger budget and are willing to drive your child to the teacher’s studio, in-person lessons are another great option.
For young musicians under 14, who have studied cello for at least three years and are ready to commit more, we suggest taking online lessons with a more advanced cello instructor who charges at least $35 per half-hour lesson. In-person lessons are even better for children who have been learning cello for more than 4 years and are preparing for auditions or competitions.
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How Long Does It Actually Take for a Kid to Learn Cello?
Ages 7-9
Realistically, children between the ages of 7 and 9 typically require a minimum of two and a half years to develop basic skills in cello playing. Your kid will first learn about the different parts of the cello, including the body, neck, strings, bridge, and bow. Learning good posture, proper positioning, and basic left-hand notes are important concepts to grasp at this stage, along with developing note reading skills.
Ages 10-13
Children within this age range typically learn the basics more quickly than those under 10, possibly mastering them in about two years on average. Your child will improve holding notes and chords with increased strength, while also refining and expanding their bow techniques.
Depending on your child’s motivation to practice and commitment to regular lessons, it may take about another year or two to advance to the intermediate level. This level needs further development of musicianship, a deeper understanding of complex music theory, and refinement of various techniques.
Ages 14-17
The time it takes for a teenager, aged 14 to 17, to learn the basics of playing the cello can vary. It depends how much they practice, how good their teacher is, and if they’ve played music or other instruments before. Usually, it could take anywhere from 1 to 3 years for them to learn the cello basics and play simple exercises and music. The more musical experience they have, such as performances and participation in a school choir, the faster your child will learn the cello.
What’s the Best Age to Begin Cello Lessons?
The earlier your child can start learning the cello, the better their chances of making solid, long-term progress with the instrument. We generally recommend starting cello lessons after a child turns 7 years old. This is because the child should be able to hold the cello, understand and follow the given instructions, and be able to practice the cello.
These cello lessons can be either online with live teachers, or in-person lessons in your area. We do not recommend the child to do a self-learning by using an app on mobile or laptop.
What’s more important is that your child is genuinely interested in learning cello or playing music. If they don’t seem excited about it, you might want to consider exploring other instruments, such as the piano. Learn more about beginning cello on “What’s the Best Age to Start Cello?“
Where Should I Start Looking for a Cello Instructor?
Online lessons for kids
If you’re looking for live online cello lessons for kids, start by searching for cello lessons online. Here are a few suggestions of where to look:
- Lesson With You offers private online lessons with professional cello teachers who have majored in cello. All instructors are background checked, and lessons are priced at a fixed rate of $35 per half-hour session. The first lesson is free, with no contracts required.
- Thumbtack offers various cello lesson services and lists both online and in-person options. Costs vary, usually ranging from $60 to $80 for a one-hour lesson. While teachers are professional, not all have majored in cello.
- Takelessons offers a wide selection of instructors, but many may not have majored in cello. Costs usually range between $55 and $75 per hour. They often require a lesson package, which may not be ideal for students who prefer to pay weekly or monthly.
In-person lessons for kids
You can find in-person cello lessons by browsing under “local cello lessons” online. Lesson providers often advertise their studios in community-focused places such as schools, churches, and music venues as well.
Another great way to find local or online cello lessons is through referrals from neighbors, family, or friends. This is the simplest yet most reliable way to find lessons for your child. Also, keep in mind that in-person cello lessons are often 10% to 15% more expensive than online options.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right cello instructor for your child might seem tricky at first, but once you know what you’re looking for, it’s not so tough. Just keep in mind that the instructor should hold a college degree in cello with over 3 years of teaching experience, offer reasonable pricing, and be flexible with scheduling.
The lesson format isn’t the tricky part. These days, many parents and students are getting more comfortable with remote cello lessons. They love the convenience of learning from professionals right from the comfort of their own home.
Lesson With You offers live online 1-on-1 cello lessons with exceptional teachers who have at least Bachelor’s degrees from top music schools including Indiana University, and Vanderbilt University. The first trial lesson is FREE! No Contracts Ever.
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Rose Park
Rose Park is a graduate of the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University where she studied Piano Performance and Arts Administration, receiving both Bachelor's and Master's degrees before co-founding Lesson With You. As a pianist, Rose was a prizewinner in many international piano competitions and performed at various summer programs and festivals across the United States, Italy, and Japan.