DR SOPHIE CELLO LAB:
THE PRACTICE ROOM
The Practice Room came about as a means to focus on the foundations of our playing, one foundational topic at a time. Everything we do is built on our foundations, and yet too often they are neglected. whether you are being introduced to an idea for the first time, or revisiting it as a seasoned professional, The Practice Room is suitable for all levels and encourages a deeper, more intentional approach to practice.
FALL 2025:
OPENING MEASURES
FOUNDATIONAL TOPICS
Each month, Opening Measures, a guided Practice Companion with Play Along Videos and a prerecorded training, gives you a structured, level-appropriate way of developing your foundational tools, while also connecting them to real music --the opening measures of two beloved pieces from our repertoire.
AUGUST: Rhythm and Pulse Internalization – Strong internal sense of rhythm, subdivision, speech cues, and tempo flexibility for expressive timing
SEPTEMBER: Intonation – Deepen the connection to your instrument through sympathetic vibrations and expressive intonation, while fine tuning your L hand/arm form and finger spacing
OCTOBER: Bow Control – Mastery over the three primary variables (speed, pressure, and contact point) for a deeper understanding of the physics of the cello and how to create expressive tone colours
NOVEMBER: Reading and Interpreting the Score – Fluent music reading, including clefs, fingerings, bowings, and expressive markings
DECEMBER: An Exploration of Natural Harmonics – Deeper familiarization with fingerboard geography, bow and LH technique tips for harmonics, positioning the L arm around the fingerboard for success
RESULTS
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An increased musical-technical toolkit and digital library to improve your practice and cello playing
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Deeper understanding of the language and structure of music
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Increased self-awareness
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Increased awareness of common practising and technical pitfalls
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Strategies for more focused, effective, and rewarding practice
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Higher motivation
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More confidence, freedom, and ease in playing
METHODOLOGY
GROUP & INDIVIDUAL CLASSES
Opening Measures (a Practice Companion)
Each month, Opening Measures will focus on a new foundational topic, such as rhythm, bow control, shifting or tone production. . this year-round practice companion can benefit any cellist at any level, and offers a clear plan for structured and reflective practice at home with play along videos for all levels
Opening Measures Foundational Training
1 x 60 min Prerecorded Training/month
On the 1st of each month (or from the date your registration begins), you will receive both the Opening Measures Practice Companion, plus a 60 minute prerecorded foundational training.
Live Q&As
2 x 60 min/month
Twice a month, you have the opportunity to join a 60 minute Q&A with Dr Sophie and the Cello Lab Community.
Community Chat
1 x 60 min/month
This is a community-led
Individual Video Recording Feedback
Once/month
for example, playing a piece, section of a piece, etude or exercise, or even just asking a few questions while demonstrating a problem you are experiencing.
Online Cello Community Group
An exclusive access Facebook group, "Dr Sophie Cello Lab," is where you can come to share questions and discoveries about your cello work with the rest of us.
Pop up Challenges!
Keep an eye out for these extra challenges to keep you on your toes... they can take many forms and can pop up any time ;).
QUESTIONS
How much does The Practice Room cost?
The Practice Room experience is $150/month (values at --see breakdown of costs under "Methodology" section above). Several payment options are available.
How do I register for The Practice Room?
To register
When can I register?
You are welcome to register at any time during the month. Please bear in mind that you may miss a Q&A session or Community Chat if you register later in the month. However, the Foundational Training is prerecorded and the Q&A sessions are also recorded, so you will still have all the pedagogical material for the month regardless of when you register.
What do I need for the course?
You need a reliable internet connection and a device that can run Zoom. A quality microphone such as this one that I use, and hi-speed internet connection are recommended, but not required. If at all possible, the experience is also improved using a desktop computer versus an iPad/iPhone.
What is your refund/cancellation policy?
If for any reason you feel the Cello Lab is not a good fit for you within 14 days of subscription, you may receive a credit for your registration fee in the form of one on one lessons with Dr. Sophie. After that point, students are committed to paying for the initial month. Beyond the first month, you can cancel your subscription starting from the 1st of the next calendar month at any time.
I’m busy or my schedule changes frequently, what if I can’t attend some of the live weekly meetings?
Not to worry!
When will the group sessions be held?
Typically,
I am a beginner, is this course for me?
Opening Measures is designed to work for cellists at all levels.
PARTICIPANT REFLECTIONS
“Beyond the weekly training classes with Dr Sophie, the small group sessions, masterclasses, bi-weekly challenges and videos really breathed new life into my practice sessions as I have new techniques, tools and ideas to explore further and incorporate into my muscle memory... Overall, the Cello Lab has been a transformative experience for me, and I am excited to continue my musical journey with my newfound skills and confidence.”
~Carla K.
“I was a little apprehensive about signing up at first because I am not an expert cellist, but there were cellists at varying abilities participating, and there was ...a lot in it...for everyone...I’m going to be able to continue to refer to the course materials and practice all the things that Dr Sophie taught...She’s a very skilled cellist, but she’s also an extraordinary teacher. She is technically knowledgeable and adept, but more importantly, she’s patient and positive. I think we all enjoyed the course and I would take another course by her without hesitation. I highly recommend her Cello Lab for everyone.”
~Stephanie S.
"Dr Sophie is a great teacher! She's not intimidating or overpowering or any of that, and explains things really well."
~Leslie H. (professional cellist)
“Dr Sophie Cello Lab is a wonderful opportunity to take a look at all things involved in playing the cello, and the toolkit she offers makes it possible to improve in a systematic way. The group experience...added a new dimension to lessons and classes. Dr Sophie is a really great teacher, and I appreciate her candid but polite and positive feedback. I appreciate her approach which is always supportive and courteous, but not at the expense of being helpful and direct.”
~Steve S.
“...Thank you so much for all the cello knowledge you have shared in this wonderful course. Your efforts will pay dividends to your students for years to come...my last lesson felt... transformative, getting a good glimpse of the sound I can make. It's not there all the time, but I'm hearing it more often... I have much more work to do so it is consistent...thank you for helping me develop as a cellist. Now off to practice!"
~Patricia M.
“The chance to interact with professors of this level of musical knowledge and mastery of the instrument, starting with the leader of the lab, makes everything absolutely worth it”
~Felipe E.
"Thank you again for a wonderful two weeks of learning! I was introduced to so many new concepts and ideas, and they will be techniques I will use for the length of my cello journey. You were fabulous to work with and I am grateful to have had this opportunity.”
~Ridie G.
"“I've really enjoyed your course, Sophie, and learned a lot that was either new or a good review. Your teaching style, even at a distance, is very warm, sensitive and kind, a rare gift and one that inspires."
~Linda M.
“Thank you Sophie for all your support, teachings, suggestions and kindness. I'm so glad I signed up for the program.”
~Melanie M.
“I thoroughly enjoyed participating in the Cello Lab and I highly recommend it.”
~Sophie H.