Trying to figure out how to learn the cello online for free?
This article contains recommendations for the best free and affordable online cello lessons on the internet.
The cello has soared in popularity in recent years, and during the pandemic a lot of people made the jump to learn this magnificent instrument while sequestered in lockdown.
Unfortunately, the push to learn everything online inspired a host of many hastily produced and inadequate online cello courses.
So be careful where you look for cello lessons!
There’s no substitute for great cello instruction. Be sure to examine an instructor’s experience and passion for teaching when considering online cello lessons. Also pay attention to their ability to listen, to analyze and plan an improvement strategy.
So knowing that, where do you go to get the best instruction? And how do you know what is good and what is not?
Listed below are a number of reputable websites.
Though all the sources are vetted, do your due diligence and check the experience of the teachers and read student reviews to make your choice.
Here’s the lowdown on the best free and affordable online cello lessons which actually work!
FREE – Online Cello LESSONS
1.Cello Bello
CelloBello is everything about the cello! From cello lessons, to music events and competitions, to articles and videos from the world’s top cellists.
There are lessons, master classes, videos and blogs all with EXPERT advice. Though there are a handful of beginning lessons, a lot of the material is geared towards the intermediate student.
2.The Cello Professor
Jamie Fiste is the cello professor. This website is chocked-full of ideas for teaching younger to advanced players.
Paul Rolland inspired action studies (movement exercises) are emphasized. There is tons of outstanding information for the beginning student along with resources and downloads. Excellent teaching.
3.Amit Peled
Amit Peled is a world-class cellist and a favorite contemporary performer.
Exceptional technique and musicianship. He is very high-energy and passionate about what he does. There are some good resources on his website and his Youtube channel.
A lot of his teaching focuses on the advancing cellist but he has many tips and tricks for the beginning cellist as well.
4.David Finckel
David Finckel is the cellist with the Emmerson String Quartet and He teaches cello and chamber music at both the Juilliard School and Stony Brook University.
He has an extensive library of video lessons on his website. Tons of information for both the beginning and advancing cello player.
The only downside is that many of the videos were made quite a while back so the quality of film is a little grainy. However, the information is terrific.
5.Cello Academy
Hans Zentgraf was early in the game for online lessons.
He is a seasoned, professional cellist and pianist and his webisite has been around for over a decade.
Hans has a selection of videos for the beginning cellist along with numerous beautiful recordings.
The downside is that the videos are a little grainy, and the pace is a little fast for someone who has never played the cello.
6.CelloPedia
Maxim Kozlov is the face of CelloPedia.
He is a Russian-born cellist who holds American citizenship and has held several principal cellist positions, including the Chamber Orchestra Kremlin, the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra.
His Youtube channel has a mountain of great beginning level cello lessons and practices – over 600 videos at the moment!
AFFORDABLE – Online Cello LESSONS
1.Cello Discovery
Carolyn Hagler is the mastermind behind Cello Discovery.
This is an extremely affordable resource for learning the cello. At the moment it is $35 a month for access to everything in the site. Premium membership is $85/month which includes everything in the site and a monthly video exchange or 30 minute Zoom lesson.
There are hundreds of highly-polished, sequential videos and super fun interactive music scores for the students to play along with. There is also a built-in community. There is no minimum subscription length and members can cancel anytime.
Nothing else quite like this on the internet. (And yes, I work with Cello Discovery).
2.Artist Works – Mike Block 
Mike Block is an American cellist, singer, composer, and arranger.
He also teaches improvisation at the New England Conservatory. Mike is the cello instructor on Artist Works and provides a collection of educational videos.
Though the site advertises individual video feedback from Mike, the feedback is is very short.
Minimum pricing is $105 for three months.
ZOOM Cello LESSONS
If you are still looking for more, you might consider private lessons.
Prices vary greatly. Look for an experienced and reputable teacher in your city first. If there aren’t any teachers who meet your specific criteria, try Zoom lessons.
The world is your oyster. You can select a teacher from anywhere in the world.
1.Tony Rogers
Tony was the mastermind behind the Covid cello. Project.
He currently lives in Austin, TX and teaches zoom lessons throughout the world, He is an engineer-turned-cellist as well as a super nice and easy-going guy.
Good luck on your journey to learn how to play the cello!
