*LEARN TO PLAY THE CELLO*
with Cello Discovery™
...a premium
online cello school.
Expert step-by-step
cello instruction
for the adult learner.
From your first notes through the upper-intermediate level.
Follow the sequential curriculum, or pick-and-choose what you want to learn.
What's Included in Our Comprehensive Cello Course?
Hundreds of Sequential Video Lessons
- Over 500 cello video lessons Available on demand
- Learn step-by-step: No previous music knowledge required.
- Quizzes: Test your knowledge as you go.
- Your Content: Save and download your own lesson notes. Bookmark your favorite lessons.
- Explore course curriculum...
Weekly Zoom Live Cello Classes
- A deep-dive: Sessions on practice, motivation, music theory, gear and more.
- Guest interviews: Music specialists share their expertise.
- Play-along: Monthtly duet days.
- Technique Masterclasses: Perform and receive constructive feedback.
Play along with Interactive Music Scores
- One-of-a-kind professionally recorded video accompaniment tracks (hear AND see!).
- Play along with the cello or with just the accompaniment.
- Focus mode: Looping and adjustable tempos.
Active In-house Online Community
- Collective hub: learning and sharing in a friendly and supportive network.
- Feedback: regular, consistent feedback from a master teacher
- Groups: Create or join an open or private group.
Summer In-Person Workshop Opportunity
- Member advance sign-up notice before opens to public.
- Summer program fee covers housing for 5 nights, all meals, and multiple workshops daily.
- View 2025 Workshop Information...
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.
Hi, I'm Carolyn Hagler, the Founder & Director of Cello Discovery.
- 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.
CELLO DISCOVERY™
Online Cello Lessons.
the adult cello student.
Don't Take Our Word for it - Take Theirs!
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."
Start Your Membership Today!
(Scholarships available for students with financial hardships living outside US, Canada, Australia, Western Europe. Please contact info@cellodiscovery.com)