Currently Enrolling!
My Philosophy:
Somewhere along the line, you likely heard that playing classical music was hard. Especially with the Suzuki method. Practicing every single day? Sounds hard.
But what if I told you that joy-filled, ease-full practice and performance can be the norm—with minimal time and maximum fun?
It’s true!
As cellists, we are athletes—meaning our body is CENTRAL to what we do every day.
HOWEVER, we’re rarely taught this in school. It has taken me over a decade of music school (six degrees!) to realize that rich tone, musicality, effortless technique, and yes, injury prevention, all come back to our relationship with the body.
From day one, I give all my students exercises and routines to help them build body awareness, strength, and flexibility. We work with the natural laws of the body to discover effortless technique and exquisite musicality.
A musical journey is the journey of a lifetime. Let’s get started today!
Group Programs:
Thursday Group Class Schedule:
4:30pm Twinkle Class
5pm Advanced Book 1
6pm Performance Hour (FREE)
7pm Thumb Position Champs
8pm Adult Learners Ensemble
Chamber Program:
We started a small chamber program in 2025 that we will be building further over the coming years. Hand-selected groups receive weekly coaching from CIM graduates and perform in at least one recital each semester. Curious to learn more about our programs or join the fun? Click the links below.
Both our chamber and group classes meet at Agnew Performance Academy.
Testimonials
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We love Nora! She is not only a talented musician but a sensitive, competent and fun teacher. She has become like extended family to us and I can't recommend her highly enough.
Kathryn Bates
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Nora is the best cello teacher I could want for my daughter! She is an incredibly skilled musician, but isn't pretentious and doesn't force technical or perfectionist learning with kids that isn't age appropriate. She is serious about teaching, but she is joyful and playful during lessons, even when my daughter is unenthusiastic
Nikki Rodney
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I am so grateful that we found Nora to take us on our daughters' music education journey. She is not only an amazing musician, but also a wonderful teacher and a kind and caring human being. Her love for music and the cello is contagious and she is a great listener who can alter her teaching and communication style to fit different kids.
Jana Krasney
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Nora is an amazing teacher who has helped me play more confidently and with better tone, specifically through helping me understand how my body positioning/technique contributes both to my sound and my comfort when playing cello.
FAQs
Do you teach the Suzuki method?
Yes! I am a registered Suzuki teacher through Book 10. I studied with Abbey Hansen at the Cleveland Institute of Music for my long-form Suzuki Teacher Training. I was a Suzuki student myself and I believe strongly in the method.
Do you offer group class?
Yes! I teach group classes on Thursday nights at the Agnew Performance Academy. We offer group classes for all ages and a weekly performance hour where students gain experience playing with piano.
Do you currently perform?
Yes. I am a section player with the Cleveland Pops and CityMusic Cleveland, and I play in the Bernhardt-Kowal-Willauer piano trio. This year, I’m touring with a duo show called “Strings Attached—Virtuosic Cello Works and the Relationships that Inspired them.”
Do you offer student performances?
Yes! Each semester, my students play at least one concert for the community. We are often hosted by Praxis Fiberarts Studio, and Judson Park.
Who have you studied with?
I will always take lessons! I’m always learning. For my masters degree I studied with Mark Kosower, principal cello of The Cleveland Orchestra. For my doctorate I studied with Dr. Melissa Kraut, one of the world’s leading pedagogues.