Live outdoor cello studio class, summer 2021. Featuring some of Sybil’s private and group class students.
Group cello Class
fall 2023
“Best teacher I've had! Great at giving instructions on technique and fun at the same time!”
-Virtual class participant, 2021
Virtual Group Lessons for Adult Cellists Winter 2024
Recognizing the need for adult amateur cellists to have an opportunity to practice their skills without the pressure of playing in front of others, Sybil offers virtual group lessons. Modelled after the idea of a group fitness class, let Sybil take you through a guided cello workout to keep your fingers moving and your musical mind active. Maybe you’re an adult beginner trying to learn on your own and tired of YouTube videos where you can’t just ask a question. Perhaps you’re a more experienced player but you need something to keep you motivated and improving your technique throughout the winter. Virtual group lessons for intermediate level adult cellists will be held weekly for 8 sessions on Wednesdays at 5pm EST. Each class is 30 minutes, and are recorded so you can access them at your convenience if the time isn’t right to attend “live”. 8 classes cost $99 CDN. Please email me to sign up - you must be enrolled in my online studio via Duet Partner to attend.
VIRTUAL GROUP featured repertoire: Two movements from Mendelssohn’s Songs Without Words Op. 19 & 30, plus etudes from Piatti’s Cello Method focusing on bowing technique, string crossings and ornaments like trills and turns.
WHO : You must be able to read sheet music, and tenor clef for this session, and be comfortable shifting up to 7th position. Previous cello lessons, or orchestra/ensemble experience is an asset.
WHEN: Wednesdays, 5:00pm EST. Starting Jan 17, 2024.
COST : $99 for 8 sessions. Payment can be made by e-transfer for those holding a Canadian bank account, or credit card is accepted through this website
“Sybil has been a fantastic teacher for me, an adult cello student. Her group lessons are structured yet very collaborative and a lot of fun. After only a short number of months, I feel I’ve really improved my technical playing ability. I definitely recommend Sybil’s classes.”
“Sybil is a very engaging teacher. She is organized, punctual and passionate about all things cello and her group classes are both fun and informative. I will definitely sign up for another.”
Private Cello Lessons
Sybil offers private lessons to adult cellists of all stages of their musical development. With teaching experience stretching back to her high school years, she starting in earnest from 2009. Sybil is an approachable and dedicated cello teacher. With a passion for explaining the details and how to get the result you want to hear, Sybil is happy to guide students through beginner to advanced repertoire, the only requirement is a love of the cello. Her current teaching studio includes beginner students, up to those performing Bach’s Suites, Haydn’s Cello Concertos and Brahms’ gorgeous Sonatas. Students are encouraged to follow a basic curriculum including Piatti’s Cello School and the repertoire of the Suzuki Cello School, and can branch out into the world of folk, popular and tango repertoire. Lessons normally happen at Sybil’s home in east Toronto, however she also offers virtual lessons and lesson scheduling through Duet Partner.
Performing outdoors with a private student, summer 2021.
Sybil has students in the Toronto Community Orchestra, The Rose Orchestra, Orchestra Toronto (among others) and she schedules cello community concert outings and class recitals and events throughout the year.
Rates: $70/hour. $50/45 minutes. $38/half hour.
In-home lessons starting from $100/hr.
“I’ve heard my husband’s playing for 40 years and in 2 months, I can hear a positive change after studying with you. Thank you!”
Watch a short teaching sample from Sybil’s Cello Lovers - intermediate level group class below.
Please click the link below to hear the full YouTube playlist of student and teacher videos recorded during lockdown in December 2020, or you can watch the entire current cello class in action playing Troika by Prokofiev. Many of those players started from the beginning with Sybil as their teacher.
Click the link to see Sybil’s student playlist:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiCfrSnhkb7-vrnCKsA4HFfcxOR7DZpY9
“I really enjoyed learning and playing the music you have taught. I really enjoyed the way you teach and the passion you have. I want that passion to fulfill my cello as well. Thank you Sybil for showing me joy in cello. Thanks for the great memories and enjoyment.”
Lake Field Music Camp
Sybil is returning faculty at Lake Field Music in Ontario. Currently the camp is offering virtual “Sky” sessions with the next one happening over the weekend of February 5-7. For more info on Sybil’s course “Study the Great Cellists”, please visit: https://lakefieldmusic.ca/index.php/sky/sky-courses#course6
Watch “Sant Marti del Canigo”. Composition by Pau Casals performed by the Cello Choir of Lake Field Music Camp, August, 2018. Performed with coach Sybil Shanahan. From left-right: Sybil Shanahan, Evelyn Newbould, Wendy Reimer, Grace Shum, Claire Nunes-Vaz, John Gillies, Robyn Penny. www.lakefieldmusic.ca
Watch the video below of the 13 person cello technique class performing the Game of Thrones theme live after only 3 days at camp.
“Sybil was well prepared, giving us information before the course and a schedule at the first meeting on what we would be doing for the week. She is very supportive of all her students, encouraging each of us to do our best.”
Coaching & Masterclass & Adjudications
Music is universal language, and making chamber music or orchestral playing are some of the most rewarding musical experiences a person can have. As with any other language, full comprehension only comes through hard work and study. It is often necessary to have an outside ear to help guide an ensemble through the intricacies of a piece of music or to unify the expression, sound or musical ideas on a work. Sybil has provided coaching, masterclasses and adjudications for CAMMAC, Brock University, York University, Lake Field Music Camp and others. To request more information, please use the contact form.
“Sybil is very approachable and patient. I thoroughly enjoyed learning from her. ”
““I have come home on a music high and can’t wait til next year...Thanks for all your great coaching - I really felt that my playing improved.””