

Clara's profile and contact details have been verified by our team
Clara
- Rate R1009
- Response 1h

R1009/h
1st lesson free
- Cello
Cello lessons rooted in curiosity and joy for all learners. Taught by an experienced professional.
- Cello
Lesson location
Recommended
Clara is a respected tutor in our community. She is highly recommended for her commitment and the quality of her lessons. A trusted partner on your learning journey.
About Clara
Hi! I'm Clara Hope Simpson, a Canadian-American cellist performing internationally and based in Manchester, UK. I am passionate about teaching and see this as something that is central to my artistic practice. I am grateful to have had so many incredible teachers on my musical journey and I am keen to pass on the joy of music to others.
I completed my Bachelor's at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY and my Master's at the Royal Northern College of Music here in Manchester. I won the cello competition of both institutions and am a recipient of the Exceptional Global Talent Visa from Arts Council England. I additionally pursued professional studies in string quartet playing at the RNCM and Conservatoire Rachmaninoff de Paris. Now I have an international career that includes solo, chamber, and orchestral playing. I am interested in finding ways to make the classical music industry more inclusive and accessible.
I began cello in my public school orchestra and have been teaching for almost as long as I've been playing cello (close to 20 years now!). My teaching journey began when I would volunteer to coach younger orchestra students who had additional learning needs to make sure that they felt included. I have gone on to teach at schools across the US and UK, studied pedagogy, am a tutor with the ARCO project, and have been an Ambassador with the Benedetti Foundation. In addition to my private teaching in Manchester, I am a tutor at Sheffield Music Academy and have previously taught at the Junior Royal Northern College of Music. I am very proud of my students' accomplishments! I also am a creative workshop practitioner and frequently deliver sessions in school and community settings. I am trained in safeguarding and maintain a current DBS certificate.
About the lesson
- All levels
- English
Languages in which the lesson is available :
English
I care deeply about my students' goals and learning needs and pride myself on my individualised approach. My teaching is informed by pedagogy and led by creativity and curiosity. No two lessons are the same, and I have students working on musical genres ranging from classical to folk and pop. I understand how important it is for learners to work on music that they love!
In addition to cello, I have experience teaching improvisation, musical movement, and foundation singing. I believe in developing complete musicianship, and your lessons will be fun and varied.
I can support students through confident and successful ABRSM and Trinity grade exams, but I never push students to take exams unless we've agreed on them as part of our learning plan. I encourage my students to challenge themselves, but I don't believe that exams are the sole marker of success or progression.
I have extensive knowledge in audition and application preparation, and am happy to guide students through applications for music college, specialist music schools, competitions, and ensemble opportunities.
Toward the beginning of my cello journey, I struggled with severe negative physical and mental effects from performance anxiety, but it is something I have been able to overcome through work and research. If this is something you also have struggled with, I would love to help you and can teach you the techniques that have helped me so that you can perform and audition at your best. Performance nerves are normal and healthy, but they should never feel unmanageable.
My teaching style is patient and kind, and I am experienced in teaching those who are neurodivergent and those with additional needs. My teaching studio is always a safe space. I truly believe that music is for everyone and there is room in my class for you, no matter what your age or experience may be.
I hope to hear from you soon!
Recommendations
Recommendations are written by the tutor's friends, family, and acquaintances.
Clara teaches my daughter cello lesson. she is kind, calm, organized , very patient, experienced and a fantastic teacher! she always help and support to improve my daughter to playing and her skills! we are grateful! Highly recommend
Clara has taught our 11 year old daughter the cello for the past year or so. She’s been super - very friendly and made a strong connection with her almost immediately. Clearly an amazing cellist herself, but more importantly she knows how to adapt to individual paces of learning and ambitions. I’d have no doubts in recommending her.
Clara has been teaching my 11 year old for the last year and her confidence and enthusiasm for her cello has visibly increased. Clara is extremely encouraging and positive whilst also helping Maya attend to all the detailed aspects of playing - how to get a good tone, dynamics, rhythm. She has a lovely gentle manner which brings out the best in Maya. I can highly recommend Clara.
See more recommendations
Rates
Rate
- R1009
Package rates
- 5h: R5046
- 10h: R10092
online
- R1009/h
free lesson
The free first lesson with Clara allows you to get to know the tutor and discuss your needs and expectations.
- 1h
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