The richest voice in the string family. Private cello instruction for children and adults at our studio near downtown Ann Arbor. Free trial lesson.
The cello produces a sound unlike any other instrument — warm, resonant, and capable of both profound bass depth and soaring melodic lines. Its voice sits naturally between the human tenor and baritone ranges, which may be why audiences and players alike find it so emotionally direct. Zebie Music Lessons offers private cello instruction in Ann Arbor for students of all ages and experience levels.
Whether you are a complete beginner who has never held a bow or an advancing player looking to refine technique and expand repertoire, lessons are tailored to your specific goals. We work with children building a foundation in music, teenagers preparing for school orchestra auditions, and adults discovering the instrument for the first time or returning after years away. We serve Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Saline, Dexter, and Chelsea.
Your first session is a complimentary trial lesson. We talk about your musical history, what drew you to the cello, and what you hope to achieve. You will play (or observe) as we assess your current level and design a plan that moves you forward every week.
Regular lessons cover posture and instrument hold, bow grip and bow distribution, left-hand shape and intonation, shifting across positions, vibrato, and tone production. As skills develop, we introduce vibrato speed control, thumb position, double stops, and expressive phrasing. Repertoire is drawn from the Baroque through contemporary cello literature, chosen with your interests in mind.
No prior musical experience needed. We start with proper setup, open strings, and simple melodies. Renting a cello is affordable and we can recommend where to look locally.
Reinforce what is happening in school orchestra with focused private instruction. Build sight-reading, ensemble skills, and audition confidence.
It is never too late to start. Adults bring patience and perspective that younger students have not yet developed. Many of our most rewarding students are adults.
Refine bow technique, explore thumb position, tackle challenging repertoire, and prepare for college auditions or community orchestra placement.
The cello occupies a unique place in music. It is equally at home in the symphony orchestra, the string quartet, the folk-and-fiddle tradition, and the solo recital stage. Its range spans the deep bass of the Bach Cello Suites to the soaring melodies of modern film scores. For the student, the cello offers a complete musical education: you learn melody, harmony, and rhythm simultaneously, developing ear-training skills that transfer to any instrument.
Physically, the cello is the most ergonomic of the bowed strings. You sit to play, the instrument rests naturally between your knees, and both arms work in a balanced, symmetrical position. Many violinists and violists add cello later in life precisely because it is gentler on the body while demanding equally sophisticated musicianship.
Location: 1200 Wines Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48103, minutes from downtown and the University of Michigan campus.
Scheduling: Weekly 30-minute, 45-minute, or 60-minute lessons. We work around school schedules and work commitments.
Rates: Competitive private lesson rates. All materials included. Pay monthly with no contract.
Free Trial: Every new student begins with a complimentary lesson to make sure the teacher-student fit is right.
Your first lesson is complimentary. No obligation, no long-term commitment.
Get Started (248) 933-3048