Cat | Teacher #3289
About Cat
Cat is a dedicated violin teacher available for online and in-home lessons, welcoming students from the age of 3 to adults. With fifteen years of extensive training under distinguished instructors and a rich background in orchestral and chamber ensemble performance, Cat is now pursuing a Bachelor of Music specializing in Orchestral Violin at the University of British Columbia School of Music. She brings a passion for music and a unique, engaging teaching style, aiming to connect students with their instrument and make learning enjoyable.
Violin Viola Ear Training Solfege RCM
Online Lessons Lessons in Your Home
Classical Jazz Country Pop Rock Latin Salsa Rock and Roll Heavy Metal Blues Hip Hop Progressive Rock Reggae Rhythm and Blues Funk Rap Punk Baroque
English
Teaching Philosophy
The first time I saw a symphony play, I was five years old and my mother took me to see the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra play Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. From that moment, I knew I wanted to play the violin. The most important part to me with teaching is connecting my students with the instrument and ensuring that they are truly enjoying it, so they are motivated to devote their time and effort to mindfully practice and develop proper technique. Whether you want to learn Bach or Lindsey Stirling, the same technique applies. My lessons involve unique, engaging and fun exercises that do not feel so tedious yet result in quick and efficient technical development. I believe that if we are passionate about our instrument, anything is possible!
Musical Education
Cat DeMello is a violinist from Vancouver, BC. She began violin lessons at the age of five, over the years having studied with Margitta Krebs and Nancy DiNovo. From the age of eight up until the pandemic, she played the violin in the Vancouver Youth Symphony Orchestra and continues to play in the University of British Columbia Symphony Orchestra today. She has also played with the McMaster Symphony Orchestra and the Interharmony International Music Festival Orchestra. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Music degree in violin performance at University of British Columbia, studying under Professor Jae-won Bang and Professor David Gillham. An alumni of Vancouver Symphony Orchestra School of music, Cat studied with Yuri Zaidenberg. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Music degree in violin performance at University of British Columbia, studying under Professor Jae-won Bang and Professor David Gillham. In addition to her classical performance, she enjoys blending different genres and forms of art such as DJing. She studied turntablism at Tabletutors DJ Academy, passionate about blending her classical foundation in violin with diverse genres, bands, and other art forms.
Awards and Distinctions
Cat was awarded with the Mildred Johnson Scholarship in Music Associated with The University of British Columbia, Made on recommendation by the School of Music and endowed by the estate of Marion Blanche Anderson, these scholarships are offered to students in the School of Music, with preference given to those studying piano or cello.
Special Skills and Trainings
Growing up, Cat’s mother taught her piano and she taught three younger siblings the violin and other instruments. She has participated in music festivals such as the Northshore Music Festival, and has played for various events. I have completed practical and written Violin, Harmony, History and Rudiments RCM exams. She has commissioned works including specific requests for tracks, film, and weddings. When she is not teaching, she enjoys recording and performing with other musicians in ensembles such as her piano/violin chamber group “Eclipse Duo” and other bands such as bluegrass bands, jazz bands, metal bands, and musical theater pit bands. Having been featured on the Flo Rida tour and shared the stage with many other artists, she is passionate about bringing her classical sound to non-conventional spaces. She loves exploring non-classical genres with her students and delving into electric violin, but will always teach classical. Cat enjoys creating musical content online including violin tips and covers.
Lessons in your home
Cat is available to teach in your home if you are located in the following areas:- Burnaby, BC
- New Westminster, BC
- Richmond, BC
- Surrey, BC
- Vancouver, BC
Lessons on an online platform
Cat can provide online instruction. While other platforms are possible BAH strongly recommends the use of the Zoom video conferencing platform as it is optimized for music lessons and audio quality.Reviews
Associate Teacher Lesson Rates:
Cat is a Beethoven at Home Associate Teacher
- 30 minutes: $39
- 45 minutes: $49
- 60 minutes: $59
Home visit fee: $15 minimum fee. Teachers may negotiate a higher travel fee if the travel distance is longer than they are comfortable with. Most arrangements use the minimum fee.
One-Time Family Registration: $25. This covers your entire family for life - once you're in, everyone can take lessons!
Our Promise to You
Getting Started Together
We don't offer free trials, but we do something better - a relaxed 2-lesson getting-to-know-you period. You can pause anytime with just 24 hours notice. After your third lesson, we ask for a friendly 2-lesson heads up if you need to stop.
Life Happens - We Get It
Give us 24 hours notice for any cancellation or reschedule and you'll receive full credit. Planning a family vacation or summer break? Perfect - just let us know a day ahead and we'll pause your lessons.
When You're Under the Weather
If illness strikes with short notice (less than 24 hours), you'll still be charged since your teacher has reserved that time. However, most teachers are happy to offer makeup lessons when possible - they have the final say, especially if last-minute cancellations become a pattern.
Stopping Lessons
Need to take a break? We just ask for a 2-lesson notice:
Weekly lessons = 2 weeks notice
Every other week = 3 weeks notice
Twice weekly = 1 week notice
Summer breaks are different - no notice period needed when you return in the fall!
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