Cello Lessons
Pricing, Policies, Examinations and Recital Information
~~~ COVID-19 UPDATE: Lessons are held online. We currently accept new students. ~~~
Many of us, young or adults, are intrigued by the cello. It is truly a wonderful low-pitched instrument, widely popular in orchestras, as well as being played solo. We admire its sonority and as a complement to higher-pitched violin and viola. This is what gives music its depth, variety and grace. With the right cello teachers, you can achieve beautiful results! Read more about our approach to teaching, focusing on all aspects of instrument playing.
Once you obtain a certain level of music and notation understanding, you may want to experience the fun of playing with the others. Playing in a string orchestra is a very fulfilling experience.
If you already have the basics of cello playing and would like to bring your playing to a higher level, we can help with that too.
Hon. Sp. Music Ed., Hon. B. Mus. Perf.
Janko graduated from the class of Andre Nevarra, himself a student of venerable Pablo Casals. Janko also studied with Stanislav Apolin, a student of Mstislav Rostropovich, as well as Vaclav Czerny, principal cellist at Czech Philharmony. In summary, he received his education in teaching and performance at the universities of Belgrade, Prague and Skopje.
His first opportunity came as a young cellist with the Children Symphony Orchestra of Radio Belgrade. Since then, he has worked extensively with orchestras in Yugoslavia, Germany, Czechoslovakia and Canada, which made him travel and perform in Europe, Africa and North America. Janko performed numerous recitals as a soloist, was a principal cellist with opera and chamber chamber orchestras and performed on these three continents as their member.
Janko has extensive teaching experience with students from all age groups and levels of performance. His students won gold and silver medals on Kiwanis, Hamilton and Burlington festivals.
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“Teaching students to play an instrument means teaching them to like and understand music from the very first step. An individual approach is a must, since every student is unique. They are expected to make errors during a lesson. The teacher’s task is to make sure they don’t make them on stage. The teacher and parents require mutual support. This is a winning combination. Remember that while playing at home is fun, practicing at home is progress.”
J.M.
Home of origin: Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Age started playing: 8
Languages spoken: Uzbek, Russian, English
Favorite composer: Schumann
Current instrument: 1955 Gaetano Gadda cello
Favorite American food: Steak
Fun Fact: Enjoys cooking authentic Uzbek dishes and horse back riding (even though he broke his hand riding)
Awards/Competitions: Naftzger, Sigma Alfa Iota, KC Musical Club, Uzbekistan National Competition, participant in ‘Carlos Prieto’ Mexico, ‘Dr. Luis Sigall’ Chile and ‘Queen Elisabeth’ in Belgium
Mansur Kadirov was born in 1989 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan into musical family. He began singing at the age of four, and later began cello studies at the age of eight under Novikova Margarita Konstanstinovna at the Reingold M. Glier Music School. By the age of ten, he was regularly featured on radio and television in Tashkent. He was also often invited to perform at government functions. In 2003, Kadirov won his first cello competition, at a competition for young performers in Tashkent.
In 2005, he was invited to perform with the National Symphony Orchestra of Uzbekistan, where he performed the Boccherini and Shostakovich cello concertos. Since then, he has joined this orchestra on many occasions, performing the Shostakovich Cello Concerto four more times, the Lalo Cello Concerto, and the Schumann Cello Concerto. In 2006, Kadirov began studying under the tutelage of Jahangir Ibragimov, where he continued his studies until 2010. In 2007, he was invited to join the Soloists of Uzbekistan Chamber Orchestra, who he continued to perform with until he left Uzbekistan in 2010.
In 2009, Kadirov was invited to perform the Dvorak Cello Concerto with the GUNMA Junior Orchestra in Japan. He also was featured on the Takasaki Radio in Tokyo, performing Uzbek national pieces. In the same year, Kadirov won the Uzbekistan National Music Competition, and was accepted into the Muhtor Ashrafiy National Uzbekistan Conservatory, studying under both Mancirev Atham Husainovich and Jahangir Ibragimov.
In 2010, Kadirov was accepted into Park University’s International Center for Music on full scholarship; he has since performed at both the Folly Theater and the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. In 2012, he performed in Alice Tully Hall in Lincoln Center. In 2013, he was featured on Kansas City Public Radio, performing Paganini’s Moses Variations. In the same year, he won the Sigma Alpha Iota scholarship auditions in Kansas City. Kadirov was also invited by David Ramael to perform in recitals throughout New York City, where he performed in Queens College and Southampton. In 2014, he joined renowned violinist Shmuel Ashkenasi in performing the Schubert String Trio in Bb Major. Later that year, Mansur Kadirov was the grand prize winner of the Naftzger Young Artist Auditions in Wichita, Kansas.
In 2015, Kadirov was invited to perform the Schumann Cello Concert with the Kinnor Philharmonic at the International Center for Music. The same year he received scholarships from winning auditions held by the Kansas City Music Club and Sigma Alpha Iota.
He has actively participated at a number of prestigious international competitions, including the Carlos Prieto in Mexico in 2016, Dr. Luis Sigall in Chile in 2016, and the First Queen Elisabeth International Cello competition in Belgium in 2017.
Kadirov recently graduated his masters in cello degree at Park University’s International Center for Music with Tchaikovsky Silver Medalist Daniel Veis. Currently, Kadirov has started his studies at Glenn Gould School of the Royal Conservatory while pursuing Artist Diploma from both Hans Jorgen Jensen and Andres Diaz.
“My teaching philosophy is all about making beautiful music. I teach the cello instrument for not only to learn how to play the instrument itself but in order to make a complete musician. I will seek for music lovers and talented young musicians and I would like to help to find their language in music and give them the most necessary abilities to learn the instrument quick and enjoy making beautiful music always!”
Beginner Level – Level 8
ONE-TIME REGISTRATION FEE
LATE FEE
SCHOOL YEAR SCHEDULING AND MISSED LESSONS POLICY FROM SEPTEMBER TO JUNE:
After initial trial lesson you will be given exact time spot. From then on, lessons are scheduled on weekly basis. Lessons are billed and due monthly, on the first day of each month. One-time fees are billed at the time of booking. Registration fee is charged only after the initial trial lesson, once you confirm your interest. There are NO lessons (no charge for lessons) during Statutory Holidays. No make-up lessons policy: If you are unable to attend the scheduled lesson invite a friend or a family member to take a lesson in your place. Notify us prior to lesson about who will be attending. No credits can be issued for any missed lessons. Also, there will be no alternate time allocated, only regular scheduled time.
SUMMER LESSONS SCHEDULING AND MISSED LESSONS POLICY FOR THE MONTHS OF JULY AND AUGUST:
In the summer months of July and August we have flexibility to accommodate as many or as few lessons as you choose. Lessons are scheduled ahead of time, on specific weeks and days. After detailed consultation with the teacher’s availability you can choose your weeks and length of your lessons. You may consider more frequent or longer lessons on the weeks you can make it, to gain time for missing some weeks you cannot come in. Billing will follow accordingly, based on pre-booked lessons. Lessons are paid for in advance. During summer months we ask for minimum 2-weeks cancellation notice, or the lesson is considered missed and paid for. No make up lesson will be allowed for the missed lesson without 2-week notice. We limit the make up lessons to 2 in the summer.
HOLIDAY CLOSURES
Labour Day: Sunday & Monday closed
Thanksgiving: Sunday & Monday closed
Winter Break: Two full weeks closed
Family Day: Sunday & Monday closed
March Break: Lessons on the 1st weekend then closed Monday to Sunday
Easter: Friday to Monday closed
Victoria Day: Sunday & Monday closed
ROYAL CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC PREPARATION FOR STRING PLAYERS:
Piano accompaniment at the exam is mandatory. We provide all the preparation and accompaniment at the exam. One original copy of music must be provided for the accompanist and one for the adjudicator. Also technique book is required at exam, one original copy for you and one for the adjudicator. We have spare books you can borrow for this purpose free of charge.
PIANO ACCOMPANIMENT FEE AT REHEARSAL
STRINGS ADDITIONAL RECITAL FEES
FEE FOR THE EXAM PIANO ACCOMPANIMENT AT THE ACTUAL EXAM DAY
INSTRUMENT RENTAL FEES
Fill our registration form online, so we have all your contact information. In there, write us a note describing what you are looking for. Pick an instrument based on your personal preference and we will match you with the teacher on a certain day and time of the week. Then we set up an initial lesson time for you. After you pay for the lesson, all is set. Registration fee is only charged after the initial lesson and when you decide to sign up for weekly lessons.
We have selected instruments for rent, starting at $20/month.
If you have a small child who is undecided, attend a Junior Class for very young children. Children 6 and up can also observe the Junior Class, or observe some other instrumental class by appointment.
Bring your child to a live music concert. We recommend classical music concert, or some of our internal music recitals we put on every December and June. Show your child variety of musical performances and styles. What resonates with them is the right choice. For us at Klaudia’s Music Studio is important to know what style you like. Classical music, light classics, popular contemporary music, heavy metal music, movie music, or anything else.
We based our violin, piano, guitar, cello and double bass teaching on classical music, but not exclusively. For example, student can play a new music piece once the technique allows it. And we also have rock guitar and drums lessons that are not based on classical music at all. It all depends on instrument, teacher and student which way you want to lean towards.
Sign up for a trial 10-week period. After this time you will have a better understanding of what is involved.
No. Teacher determined the readiness and it is only recommended for students who take music lessons and music education very seriously. Preparations are extensive and involve much more than just playing a musical instrument.
Yes, for 1/2 price of the regular lesson. One-time initial trial class. You may take another trial lesson on different instrument. We provide instrument for trial class for free.
Yes. Violin, viola, cello, double bass, guitar, keyboard, electric piano.
No, we only offer lessons at one of the Studio locations.
General music introduction starts at the age 3.5 in our Junior Music Class. Summer Camp is for children 5.5 years and up. Instrumental playing is recommended by Klaudia’s Music Studio at the age 5 or up, with exception of guitar where we recommend starting at minimum 8 years old.
Yes, absolutely.
Click the Register link at the top of the website, call us or send us an email.
Our approach is to integrate all aspects of music into one beautiful, ear pleasing experience. Importance of home practicing is the key. The studio encourages daily home practicing from its students.
A word for parents of children: we encourage you to set and devote a prime part of their day to practice a musical instrument. First thing in the morning, if they are early birds; or 1-2 hours after they come home from school if that’s their prime attention time; or 1-2 hours after dinner if they stay up late. Feed your child nutritious food 1-2 hours prior to practicing and try not to offer sweets of any kind. This spike in sugar levels will make them tired for practicing. Keep giving them healthy snacks only and water to drink. Once it is time to practice turn off all electronic devices in the house. And we mean it. Even your buzzing phone on silent mode is a huge distraction to their sensitive and all aware senses. Give your child undivided attention for the time of practicing, especially at the beginnings when the instrument feels new. Help them to your best knowledge. A receptive audience is often all that is required to encourage a child to practice. Sit and listen, try not to interfere too much with teacher’s instructions. Reward them with a hug, sticker, small toy, but avoid sugar treats. Then eventually the child will want to practice alone, in private. This is a great step toward independence. Let it happen, but don’t forget to keep setting time for home practicing, set reminders and continue the rewards so they feel appreciated. Each child needs to hold accountable for his or her homework. Both teachers and parents as role models have an important part in a child’s advancement and only when sufficient effort is put in, will we see great results. If there is too much resistance from child it is time to talk and reconsider a different instrument, or a completely different path. On the contrary, if there is a great enthusiasm and practice reminders are not needed it is time to discuss the future exams with the teacher and get properly informed. Besides of instrument, theory lessons will be needed to develop all skills necessary to succeed in music. It is an investment into one’s future.
Adult students should also devote time to home practicing to progress in their musical development. Home practice gives teachers important weekly feedback and guides both student and teacher to produce a more customized learning routine.
1469 Nottinghill Gate,
Oakville, ON L6M 1X7
(between 3rd Line & Dorval Drive,
South of Upper Middle Road)
1525 Litchfield Road,
Oakville, ON L6H 5P4
(Access from White Oaks Blvd
& Litchfield ONLY,
not from Upper Middle)
1469 Nottinghill Gate,
Oakville, ON L6M 1X7
1525 Litchfield Road,
Oakville, ON L6H 5P4