The Cello

I have been playing the cello since I was eight years old. For most of that time I was a classical musician. I received my Bachelor’s of Music from Cal State Northridge where I studied with Peter Rejto, the son of Gabor Rejto, a cellist who taught with Piatagorsky at USC. I later went on to get my Master’s Degree in Cello Performance at Northwestern University with Hans Jensen, an amazing teacher who really pushed me.

For the past 30 years, though, I have devoted all my energies to composing, arranging and performing as a rock artist. I’ve put out 5 solo albums, numerous collaborations and contributed as a performer and arranger on countless others.

As a teacher, I draw on both of these aspects of my career. Most importantly, I believe rhat the only way to achieve a good sound, the most important aspect being a performer, is to study the fundamentals through classical music.

Once you have a grasp of the fundamentals, it’s easier to express yourself through whichever genre of music calls you. It’s easier to compose and write when the sound you produce is the sound you want to hear.

Beyond teaching the basics, I work with musicians on improving technique, developing good practice habits, basic improvisation and composing, and experimenting sonically with effects pedals and loopers.

If you think you could benefit from learning with me, I would love to work with you. I’m primarily doing virtual lessons, but if you are in the Chicago area I am happy to discuss in-home lessons. You can contact me at helen@helenmoney.com for availability. My rates are as follows:

30 minutes – $50; 45 minutes – $75; 60 minutes – $90