We will help you transform
into the cellist
you've always dreamed of becoming.
Expert step-by-step
cello instruction for the adult learner
Follow the sequential curriculum, join our weekly classes,
engage in our community and hear the results.
Welcome to Cello Discovery™
A COMPREHENSIVE CELLO COURSE.
CELLO DISCOVERY™
Online Cello Lessons.
“I’ve learned more in my first month with Cello Discovery™ than I did with 6 years of private lessons!”
(Email from a new Cello Discovery™ member)
Cello Discovery™ is structured pedagogy, taught sequentially and compassionately from a life-long educator and master cellist.
And it was created for YOU…
the adult cello student.
Can you learn to play the cello in just one year?
Meet Dena (and her husband, Ed – and curious pup, Ellie).
At our recent member challenge, Dena submitted a video performing on her cello. She’s been playing exactly one year and learning exclusively on Cello Discovery. And after being married to Ed for 46 years, she’s finally able to play music with him 
💓
What's Included in This Cello Course?
Hundreds of Sequential Cello Lessons
- Over 600 video lessons available on demand.
- Learn step-by-step; No previous music knowledge required.
- Technique; posture, intonation, sound production
- Quizes; test your knowledge as you go. 🏆
- NEW – play with our virtual cello choir!
Interactive Music Scores
- One-of-a-kind interactive music. No other cello course offers this!
- Professionally recorded video accompaniment tracks (hear AND see!)
- Play along with the cello.
- Play along with just the accompaniment.
- Imagine a living pop-up method book!
- Focus mode: Looping and adjustable tempos!
Weekly Zoom Cello Classes
- Live Zoom classes every Tuesday
- Topics include: learning to practice, motivation, music theory, gear, etc.
- Guest interviews with a variety of music specialists.
- Play-along: Monthtly duet days!
- Masterclasses; Perform and receive constructive feedback.
Optional Premium Membership
- Premium members can access everything in the basic membership, plus…
- One-to-one lessons; premium members receive one 45 min. Zoom lesson every month!
Take Notes & Mark Favorites
- Take notes below the video lessons. Save or download your personal notes.
- Bookmark your favorite lessons so you can easily access them in the future.
Supportive Community
- Active in-house community. Not just a link to Facebook!
- What is it? It’s a friendly place for collective learning.
- Groups; Create or join an open or private group.
- Friendship; Many bonds have formed in Cello Discovery. ☺️
- Feedback; you’ll have regular, consistent feedback from a master teacher.
Don't take our word for it - take theirs!
Want to Learn the Cello but Having Trouble Making The Commitment?
- 🧐 Have you thought about learning to play the cello online but you can’t seem to commit? We know. It’s scary. Where do you begin? There is an abundance of online cello course offerings on the Internet now, but many only include a series of rudimentary videos. And you simply can’t learn from videos alone. You need a community, hands-on engagement, weekly check-ins & LOTS of content. Cello Discovery offers this and SO much more. Hundreds of others have had success learning from our unique program. If you follow our curriculum, you will be successful too!
- 🥳 Cello Discovery is truly a cello academy without the lofty price tag. Expert instruction along with engaging & easy-to-use technology for successful learning. Perfectly paced, sequential lessons. No previous musical experience required – you’ll learn one note at a time!
- 🤗 A lot of adults learn to play the cello later in life. We won’t ever promise we can teach you to play the cello in a month, or the Bach G major Prelude in six months, or that you’ll be able to learn easily & effortlessly. Why? Because that isn’t good pedagogy and those are unrealistic expectations. Learning the cello takes time and real work. But when you set realistic goals and follow our sequential curriculum, it becomes a reality. And THAT is the truth.
Looking for an Affordable, Online Cello Course that REALLY works?
- Have you tried to save money by learning the cello through Youtube and free resources? Are you getting conflicting information? Did you try another online course, but it was too expensive, and not substantive enough?
- Maybe you tried Zoom lessons… but it’s on their schedule, and comes with significant pricing.
- We hear you. It’s time to unleash your inner-cellist and join Cello Discovery! We offer a robust course with expert instruction, on your schedule and at a SERIOUSLY friendly price point (for as little as $45/mo!). No minimum subscription term. Feel free to check out our free cello resource list too!
Not Sure if You Can Learn the Cello in Your 30's (or 50's or 70's)?
- 👉 Learning a musical instrument has IMMENSE benefits as we age – including sharpened memory skills, increased coordination and reduced stress. But best of all, music feeds the soul (Read this).
- 👉 Anyone can learn to play the cello, but some struggle is inevitable. Fortunately, you only have to learn it one day at a time… one skill at a time. Slow, careful work will get you there.
- 👉 Begin your cello journey by exploring our vast collection of step-by-step video tutorials along with our incredibly engaging interactive online music scores. Learn in your home at your pace. And if you want a little extra attention, try our video exchange plan. (More Q&A about learning the cello here.)
- 👉 Cello Discovery also works as a great supplement to your in-person cello lessons. MANY of our members are taking in-person lessons where they live AND they are active members of Cello Discovery.
Share Your Experiences in Our Online Cello Community
- Our community is made up of people just like you.
- It’s people who love the cello and have either dreamed of learning it or are coming back to it after a long hiatus.
- It’s a welcoming, nurturing place full of people ready to cheer you on. You’ll gain confidence in your ability to perform in front of others and you’ll certainly make friends along the way.
- Meet in Person! Attend a live, summer Cello Discovery workshop and have the opportunity to meet one another face-to-face as you learn and rehearse together in the real world.
Hi, I'm Carolyn Hagler, the Founder & Director of Cello Discovery. Here's a little more about me...
- Education in Music & Pedagogy. Master of Music in Performance plus an Education Certification in K-12 Texas
- Tenured Symphonic Player. I started my career in the New World Symphony and I’m currently tenured with the Austin Symphony.
- Studio Musician. I’ve recorded on movie soundtracks, dozens of albums and shared the stage with rock, jazz, folk & classical legends.
- Touring Artist. Featured on NPR’s “All Songs Considered” & National Radio Spain during inter-continental tours.
- Lifetime Educator. I taught my first student in 1981. I had no idea what I was doing. I’ve come a LONG, long way.
- Chamber Musician. From string quartets to singer-songwriters, I’ve played in a whole host of chamber ensembles.
More Cello Discovery Love Notes 🥰
"OK, my mind has just been blown. You talk about "Aha" moments... I just had a HUGE "Aha" moment!
I was working on a song I’ve played many times over the last four years (through different online lessons, zoom lessons, etc. etc.) and for the first time I really got it! I now understand the idea of [bow distribution] and where the bow needs to be based on the beats in the measure. It absolutely changes everything! Thank you so much."
“I am in love with Cello Discovery - it has changed my life. Every day I look forward to playing and the way Carolyn feeds out information and encouragement is nothing short of amazing..”
"Carolyn, I am really quite surprised how much I am getting out of your video lessons! You are not just a musician that happens to also teach, but you rather are a true teacher. You take the time to explain the how’s and why’s as opposed to just stating the ‘do’. When I think back on all the music teachers I have had though the years (cello, harp, violin, clarinet, accordion) they were musicians that happened to also teach. You are obviously a great musician, but the teacher in you fosters great learning!!"
Regarding the video exchange:
"All the information, tips and correction that Carolyn has given me, have been very valuable to me and have allowed me to advance faster in my study. Now, I realy feel that I am studying in a music school with a great teacher."
“Cello Discovery is organized meticulously to walk someone through everything from the very first step. Honestly, one of the earlier tutorials about how to take the cello out of the bag effectively was way more supportive than I ever would have imagined: I’d never have even thought to ask for that! And the lessons progress from there through every detail and into playing in a way that is clear, digestible, and easy to follow. It is truly an incredible accomplishment.”
“Carolyn is an amazing teacher. I was on my way to big, bad habits. But after joining this community, Carolyn’s feedback has been incredibly eye opening. I knew I was developing bad habits but I wasn’t really sure what they were. Scouring the Internet for answers was confusing and frustrating. You are safe on this site and in such good hands with Carolyn!”
"I have developed a vibrato thanks to your videos...the warmth of the vibrato is just fabulous. Your left hand videos (and personalized help) and vibrato videos, along with the note reading, were just what I wanted and couldn't find anywhere else."
"Hi Carolyn, I just wanted to take a minute out from my practice to tell you how much I am enjoying the “Interactive Music”.
"Hi Carolyn - I am very happy with how (my progress is) going. I love that I can go at my own pace, and while the progress is slow it doesn't feel like high pressure. Cello Discovery is very well done!"
"Carolyn Hagler is not only a wonderful cellist and teacher, but also a great person. She always strives for excellence while masterfully weaving motivation and fun into every lesson. She always demonstrated a wonderful combination of focus and high standards, in an environment where empathy & understanding were king. As a person, Carolyn is a caring individual with a very fun personality. I highly recommend her as a cello teacher."
"Ms. Hagler,
We've felt so blessed to have you in our lives these last two years. You are amazing! From the moment you took time from a crazy day to help Sean fall in love with the cello, you've done nothing but instill love and excitement for music."
"Carolyn Hagler is a stellar teacher! She provides rigorous instruction in a fun atmosphere that makes her students fall in love with music! Moreover, Carolyn makes kids believe in themselves and their abilities. She positively impacts students as individuals in addition to making them excellent musicians. Having Carolyn as a teacher is a life changing experience for (beginning) musicians."
"Dear Carolyn,
What a precious give you have given Paige this year - the gift of music. I will always be grateful for that. Thank you for all you do."
"Dear Mrs. Hagler,
You have been a very motivating and inspiring music teacher for Tariq. He has really enjoyed taking your class and his willingness to continue orchestra comes from your patience and dedication. I really feel he is very fortunate to have such an inspiring music teacher like you. Thank you for all you have taught him."
(Scholarships available for students with financial hardships living outside US, Canada, Australia, Western Europe. Please contact info@cellodiscovery.com)