Australian Cello Teachers On-Line Guide

Link to Sydney Directory of Music & Speech Teachers - Homepage

Index : ... click on name for teacher profile & photo

Georg Pedersen Dip.(Paris Conservatoire) , Dip. (University Southern California)

Senior Lecturer in Cello - Sydney Conservatorium

Danish cellist Georg Pedersen has given well over 3000 concerts in 24 countries, has recorded on 12 different labels, and is broadcast all over the world. He studied in Copenhagen with Geisler, In Paris with Tortelier, and in Los Angeles with Piatigorsky. For eleven years he was Solo Cellist with the Royal Danish Philharmonic - Det Kongelige Kapel – regarded by Karajan, Bernstein, Celibidache, Rozhdestvensky, Kleiber, Markevich and Klemperer, as being amongst the ten best orchestras in the world. During this time he was also a member of the Copenhagen Chamber Soloists and the Dania String Quartet.

After university positions in Auckland, Adelaide and Melbourne, Georg Pedersen has been at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Sydney University, since 1985. An internationally sought after teacher, his students regularly win top prizes in international, national and state competitions, as well as in Eisteddfods, and go on to study with the best teachers in the world. His students are professors and principal cellists at leading schools and orchestras in Europe, America, Australia, New Zealand and Asia. Georg’s younger students have full music scholarships at all the best private schools in Sydney, such as Sydney Grammar, MLC Burwood, PLC, St Andrews, Knox Grammar, Scots College, etc., and they arrive from all capital cities to study with him here, as well as in the Conservatorium High School.

Georg has performed all the great cello concertos with major orchestras in Denmark, Sweden, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Hong Kong. He has been guest principal cellist with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, the Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestra, and the Australian Chamber Orchestra. He has played with The Sydney String Quartet, The Soloists of Australia, The Sydney Trio, The Australian Trio, The Australia Ensemble, Flederman, The Kobets Quartet, The Pini-Hazelwood concerts, The Ku-Ring-Gai Virtuosi, The Melbourne Chamber Orchestra, The Adelaide Chamber Orchestra, and many others. He has given recitals and master classes in Europe, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong and Singapore. Georg has also commissioned and premiered many new works from Australian composers, with grants from Australia Council. He continues to travel for Musica Viva and the Department of Foreign Affairs, broadcasts regularly for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, and gives every year many concerts in Australia and abroad.

Georg has taught in National Summer Music Camps and Schools in Denmark, Australia, New Zealand and Hong Kong. His teaching combines the Scandinavian, Russian and French schools, with roots going back to Feuillard, Casals and Klengel. Pedersen has created his own teaching material, to fill in the gaps in existing material, in a concise and comprehensive manner. He is regarded as being at the cutting edge of artistic and pedagogical research.

Telephone: (61 + 2) 9351 1278

“Georg Pedersen is not only an impeccable cellist with a very beautiful sound and a brilliant technique, but also a serious and sensitive artist, devoted to music and illuminated by the highest ideals” Paul Tortelier, Paris

“…muscular intensity…assured, rhapsodic and poignant…Pedersen seizes on its expressive nuances with abandon, vividly detailing Whitehead’s haunting, vibrant phrases…” (“Australian Cello” CD) The Strad Magazine, London

“…the Rococo Variations were played brilliantly, with an abundance of intensity, elegance and warmth…such beautiful sound and phrasing is rare…” Berlingske Tidende, Copenhagen

“…brilliant and stylish playing…” (Haydn D Major Concerto) The Boston Globe

“…here is programming and playing of a standard which must be a constant source of reference in Australia…” (with Flederman) Roger Covell, Sydney Morning Herald

“Fiendishly difficult, employing every trick of cello technique, plus a few more, is the Solo Cello Sonata (1915) by Kodaly. To play it from memory and astoundingly well, as Georg Pedersen did last week, borders on communion with the occult…”

“…leading light of Australia’s cello aristocracy…” Fred Blanks, Sydney Morning Herald

“…a memorable performance…the right mixture of lightness, virtuosity, lyricism and commanding expressiveness…a persuasive statement…” (Schubert Arpeggione Sonata) Peter McCallum, Sydney Morning Herald

“…inspired performance…fiery recording…a reminder that passion in music didn’t stop with the arrival of all 12 notes…tremendous detail in the playing…” (“Australian Cello” CD) Andrew Ford, Limelight, 24 Hours, Australia

“…an absolutely stunning performance of the Debussy Sonata by Georg Pedersen…” ABC-FM broadcast, Sydney International Piano Competition

“…Immense experience…played with conviction and passion…the power of Pedersen’s utterance in the dramatic Adagio (Carter Sonata) was remarkable…surefootedness and boundless energy…intensity and perception…drew every ounce and more from the score…” Rodney Smith, Adelaide Advertiser

“Dauth, Pedersen and Iwaki seemed as one in their conception of the work (Brahms’ Double Concerto), and an excellent performance resulted. If Pedersen’s big cello tone at times dominated Dauth’s smaller sound, they were musically very well matched” Michael Brimer, The Australian

“…Pedersen’s masterly playing of the Third Cello Suite by Britten was one of the really thrilling experiences of the season…” New Zealand Listener

“…Pedersen’s lovely tone was a gem…the peak of nobility…Georg Pedersen was emphatically the concert’s highlight…” L.C.M. Saunders, The New Zealand Herald

“…the flood of warm, ambient tone he is able to produce from his cello was marvelous to hear. A sensitive, cultured musician…” Auckland Herald

David Pereira DSCM , M.Mus (Cello Performance - Indiana Uni.)

CELLO TEACHER

From 1990 to 2008 David Pereira was Senior Lecturer in Cello at the ANU School of Music. Now he is on the same school’s part-time staff and continues to be in demand as a performer. He recently has appeared as soloist and chamber player in both the Arts in the Valley Festival in Kangaroo Valley and the Canberra International Music Festival.

David organises his own David Pereira Cello Series at the Wesley Music Centre in Canberra that is an annual ten-concert cello-focused chamber music series. It has a dedicated subscription audience and is unique in Australia.During the last thirty years David has established himself as an outstandingly versatile cellist with appointments to top professional positions. He was for eleven years cellist of the Australia Ensemble (resident at the UNSW), for seven years Principal Cellist of the Australian Chamber Orchestra and for three years Principal Cello with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. He has played and taught at the Australian National Academy of Music and at many Australian Youth Orchestra activities.

David Pereira graduated with the Performer’s and Teacher’s Diplomas from the Sydney Conservatorium as “Student of the Year” after several years’ tuition with John Painter. Then followed four years at Indiana University with Fritz Magg, the completion of a Masters Degree in Cello Performance, and much professional playing experience. As concerto soloist David has appeared with the major orchestras in Australia and New Zealand in concertos including those by Dvorak, Elgar, Schumann, Saint-Saëns, Beethoven (Triple), Brahms (Double), JC Bach, CPE Bach, Bruch (Kol Nidrei) as well as concertos written for him by Australians Richard Mills, Barry Conyngham, David Lumsdaine, Larry Sitsky and Bruce Cale.

Forthcoming CD releases include the piano and cello works of Rubinstein, with Larry Sitsky, and a first disc of his own solo cello compositions.  In late 1997 Pereira was awarded the Sounds Australian Award for the Best Performance of an Australian Composition in the ACT (Carl Vine’s Inner World). In 1998 he was awarded the Sounds Australian National Award for the Best Performance of an Australian Composition for his recording of the Lumsdaine Garden of Earthly Delights (TP113). This recording also won him his second ABC Award for the Best Australian Recording (1998).

David plays a wonderful old Italian cello by Guidantus dated from 1730, generously on loan from the family of Nick Holmes.

Studios located in Canberra, Sydney, Young and Cootamundra.

Telephone: 0404 499 348

Warrick Dobbie LLM (ANU) , ASCM , LTCL (T), DSCM (Syd. Con.) , Grad.Dip.Ed. , Dip.Law, FTCL

CELLO TEACHER

A Graduate of the Sydney Conservatorium and a Fellow of Trinity College of Music London, Warrick Dobbie is recognised internationally as a leading figure in music performance & education. As a cellist, he has performed throughout the world including performances as guest Associate Principal Cellist of the University of Adelaide Cello Ensemble on their acclaimed tour of Russia, Germany, Italy and Yugoslavia and with the International Opera Festival for their performances of Aida in Tokyo Japan.

Warrick studied cello in Australia with Colleen McMeekin , before completing advanced studies with Russian cellist Alex Pogodin and Danish cellist Georg Pedersen . On returning to Australia after scholarship studies at the Royal College of Music London with Joan Dickson and in France with Maude Tortelier and Andre Navarra, Warrick established himself as one of Sydney's leading cello teachers - he has previously taught cello at many of Sydney's private schools including MLC School, Meriden, PLC Sydney and Shore Grammar School. Currently most of his teaching is now conducted at his own private School for Strings located at the heart of Sydney's inner west education belt. In recent years three of Warrick's cello students have been awarded prestigious Music Scholarships at Sydney Private Schools, Newington College, MLC School and PLC Sydney covering academic fees for Years 7 to12.

In addition to his professional activities in music, Warrick is also a recently qualified lawyer who holds a Master of Laws degree in Legal Practice from the Australian National University in Canberra. He has a particular interest in Internet and Media / Communications Law and also Animal Rights Law.

Beginners, intermediate and advanced students welcome.

Contact details :

Phone: 9744 9654

Mobile: 0412 642 048

Heather Stratfold B.Mus. , L.Mus.A.

Heather Stratfold graduated in 1986 with First Class Honours from the Elder Conservatorium of Music (Adelaide) having studied with Kurt Hess, a teacher of Swiss origin and former pupil of Janos Starker. Whilst still a student Heather played professionally with the ABC orchestras and chamber orchestras in Adelaide and commenced her cello teaching career working in schools, for TAFE (S.A.) and as a private tutor.

She moved to London in late 1986, after undertaking a European tour with the acclaimed University of Adelaide Cello Ensemble of which she was a founding member. She continued her cello studies with Christopher Bunting, former pupil of Pablo Casals, and later with Karine Georgian, former pupil of Rostropovich. She attended and participated in masterclasses at the Dartington International Summer Schools, the Manchester International Cello Festival and at the Aldeburgh Festival.

Heather's performing career in London spanned a wide range of musical genres from the Symphony Orchestra and Opera Orchestra, West End shows, various chamber groups including string quartets and cello duo to work as a session cellist for jazz/pop recordings and videos.

Since her return to Australia in 1996, Heather has been based in Sydney. She continues her performing career on a freelance basis within a broad variety of musical genres, most recently branching out into composition, jazz cello and work in the theatre ( acting, playing and singing ). Heather is a teacher who gives her all and has a unique ability to inspire others with her enthusiasm and passion for the cello. In her own time, Heather practices meditation and yoga, enjoys reading and joke telling.

Heather's instrument is a modern French cello by Alain Moiner (1997) affectionately named "Percy".

New studio located in Semaphore, South Australia.

Mobile : 0412 763 189

Ljubo Oblikov Violoncellist Dip. ( Bulgaria ) , Grad.Dip.Mus. (Syd. Con.)

CELLO TEACHER

Ljubo Oblikov began studying the cello at the age of nine in his native Bulgaria, attending specialist Music Schools and the Sofia Conservatorium where he completed his Bachelor of Music Degree in 1977. He gave solo recitals and performed regularly as a member of various orchestras and chamber ensembles including the radio Sofia Orchestra, Russe Philharmonic,  Gabrovo Chamber Orchestra and two chamber orchestras formed specifically for performances and competitions in Italy and West Berlin, where he met his future wife, Australian flautist Jane Bolinowsky.

Upon arriving in Melbourne in 1981, Ljubo worked as a freelance cellist and teacher before accepting positions as lecturer in cello and solfege at the Darling Downs Institute of Advanced Education in Toowoomba (University of Southern Queensland), Principal cellist of the Darling Downs Sinfonia and cellist in the Queensland Theatre Orchestra. During this time he also performed as soloist with the Sinfonia and gave regular recitals.

In 1987 Ljubo moved to Sydney where he joined the music staff at Newington College and became a member of the Henley String Quartet. In 1991/92 he gave solo performances in England , Spain, France, and Switzerland as part of a tour undertaken by Newington College and in 1993 he completed a Graduate Diploma in Performance at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.

Production of his CD Reverie has lead to a number of invitations to give recitals in and around Sydney and in Santiago, Chile. The CD has been broadcast on several Sydney radio stations.

Currently, Ljubo is the President/Music Director of the Hills District Music Club.

Studio located at Castle Hill in Sydney

Telephone : 9899 5480

Imogen Granwal Dip.Mus. (Perf.) , Grad.Dip.Mus. (Perf.),

Cert. IV (Assessment & Workplace Training )

CELLO & MUSICIANSHIP TEACHER

Imogen Granwal gained a Diploma and Post Graduate Diploma of Music in Performance Cello from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Since completing her studies she has been prominent in the Sydney freelance music scene, performing solo, in chamber groups, orchestras, world music groups and participating in numerous recordings.

Imogen has widespread teaching experience, building her private studio over the past 12 years. She enjoys teaching adults and children, and, while believing that lessons should be creative and relaxed, is willing and able to prepare students for AMEB exams.  Imogen has taught a range of students from complete beginners,  to tertiary level students at the Newcastle Conservatorium of Music. Recently, a student of Imogen’s was admitted on Music Scholarship to a private school. Adult students of all levels are very welcome.

Imogen has a broad interest in a wide variety of music from different cultures and different eras. She also plays viola da gamba. She has been involved in world music for the past two decades with a passionate commitment to Latin American music which has led to some amazing travel and musical experiences. She returned in 2003 from a 6-month trip to Cuba, (with the assistance of a grant from the Australia Council for the Arts), researching the Cuban New Song Movement.

As part of Imogen’s commitment to fostering a fun and motivated learning environment, students are encouraged to attend and perform at informal concerts at the studio and to attend concerts of visiting international artists (particularly cellists).  Subject to student interest there are plans to offer chamber music classes for those who would like to combine with other instruments. Music Theory is taught as part of a lesson or, where a higher level is required and more time needs to be devoted, separately.

Lessons are generally weekly and individual at my studio in Randwick.  However, lessons in pairs or at your house are also possible.

Studios located at Randwick in Sydney.

Mobile : 0417 692 751

Luda Tees Diploma Cello Teacher / Orchestra Performer

CELLO TEACHER

Luda Tees (aka Reznikov) completed her musical education overseas in Odessa Ukraine (formerly Russia) in 1982 at the Conservatorium of Music at Odessa.

Throughout her career in music she has been engaged in teaching many students and been responsible for their regular performances and co-ordinating their study program.

Since 1993 she has been performing with various Chamber groups as part of a Trio and a String Quartet as well as having been a former member of the East West Orchestra in Sydney.

For some years Luda taught Cello at Waverley College (until 2004) and still teaches at Trinity College in Summer Hill and other schools. Luda is also a former staff member at the Australian Institute of Music, McDonalds Performing Arts College and SCECGS Darlinghurst. Luda offers tuition both on a traditional basis and by use of the Suzuki method. A number of her students have been awarded first prize at various Eisteddfods and have also been granted music scholarships at Private Schools in Sydney.

Luda presently also teaches regularly from studios in the Eastern and Inner West Suburbs of Sydney and also performs regularly with the Aurora String Quartet and the Modern String Quartet. In addition, Luda specialises in tuition for adult students and beginners.

Telephone (02) 9387 4836 & 0412 189 714 for appointment and arrangements.

Clara Blazer B.Mus. (Hons. Syd) , Grad.Dip.Ed. , A.Mus.A. (Cello & Piano)

CELLO TEACHER

Clara Blazer completed a Bachelor of Music at the University of Sydney ( major in piano performance ) and a Graduate Diploma of Education in 1979. Clara also studied cello with Colleen McMeekin and Algimantas Motiekaitis during her undergraduate years. In 1981-82, she studied cello with Jerome Jelinek at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor after being awarded a Graduate Rotary Fellowship.On her return to Australia,as well as working as a freelance cellist , a year was spent with the ABC Training Orchestra. Clara has held teaching positions at The King's School, Ravenswood School for Girls, Waverley College, Emanuel School and Chatswood Yamaha Centre and has conducted and tutored string groups for the Western Youth Orchestra and local primary schools. Presently she runs a busy private studio in Newtown.

In 2004 Clara completed an Honours year at Sydney University ( major in baroque cello performance ), having studied with Tim Blomfield. In the same year she joined the baroque all female vocal ensemble  "The Tall Poppeas". Clara is a founding member of "Suonare", an instrumental ensemble specialising in exploring the baroque cello sonata repertoire.

Beginners welcome. Studio in Newtown. ph: (02) 95162681

Disclaimer : These personal profiles appear as supplied by the individual teachers and have not been edited or varied in any way by the Australian Directory of Music & Speech Teachers. Any views expressed therefore are those of the individuals themselves and the Australian Directory of Music & Speech Teachers disclaims any responsibility for their content.