
Samantha is an inspiring teacher for Cello, Ear Training, and Music Theory. With a Bachelor's and Master's of Music, she adapts her instruction to each student's unique learning style. She aims to foster self-expression and discipline, helping students find their own voice. Lessons are available online or in-home.
Studying the cello will not only make you a musician, it will make you a stronger person. As a teacher, I firmly believe in music lessons for all, and aim to inspire students from all walks of life to pursue the cello to promote discipline and self expression. I value excellence without pressure and adapt my instruction to your learning style. After years of experience as a performer, student and teacher, I hold a wealth of knowledge about the instrument and proven practice techniques that I can’t wait to share with you! By joining my studio, you will not only learn to play the cello, you will learn to find your unique voice through music.
I hold a Master of Music degree in Cello Performance from the University of Ottawa, where I studied with Paul Marleyn and performed with the Ottawa Symphony. I hold a diploma in Chamber Music from Wilfrid Laurier University where I studied with and performed alongside the Penderecki String Quartet and refined my ensemble playing skills. I earned a Bachelor's of Music from Queen's University under the tutelage of Wolf Tormann, and have additionally studied with Mark Chambers. I have volunteered with OrKidstra (Ottawa), an El-Sistema based program, and with the Laurier String Academy.
Ernest-Gagnon- Cécile-Gagnon-Côté Scholarship 2018 Gaston Héon Scholarship in Music 2018 Shelagh et David Scholarship in Music 2018 Penderecki String Quartet Prize – QuartetFest 2017 Arthur L. Davies Scholarship in Music 2015 Queen’s University Scholarship in Music 2012, 2013
I started learning the cello at the age of 10. I was not raised in a musical family and learned to overcome any obstacles in my playing through my own exploration and determination. Teaching is my main passion as a cellist, and in addition to my formal studies I have performed in Masterclasses with pedagogues such as Colin Carr, Matt Haimovitz, Yuri Hooker, and Joel Stobbe. I founded my private studio in 2014, and have taught with Long & McQuade since 2018. I have also volunteered with El-Sistema and adopted principles of Suzuki Method through volunteer work with the Laurier String Academy.
Samantha is a Beethoven at Home Associate Teacher
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!
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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