DR SOPHIE CELLO LAB 3.0:

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DR SOPHIE CELLO LAB 3.0

FEB 3 - MAY 25

2025

A transformative 15 week online course for cellists

How are Dr. Sophie's Cello Labs designed?

~Dr Sophie's Cello Labs are designed to develop old skills and acquire new ones, at the same time as introducing/becoming better acquainted with some of the great cello masterpieces that require these skills in meaningful musical context. The goal of Dr. Sophie's Cello Labs is NOT to perfect a piece (this is something that can only be done over a much longer period of time, with ongoing one on one lessons and much quality, dedicated practice). Rather, the Cello Labs offer you an ongoing safe and exciting place to experiment alongside a supportive community, and to leave with new and improved skills, as well as a stronger practice routine, more motivation, and a deeper understanding of the next steps to be taken in your cello journey. We embrace the journey and make it that much more grounded, thorough, and enjoyable alongside likeminded cello-enthusiasts :)!

In addition to ongoing customized feedback and recommendations from Dr. Sophie (including identifying individual stumbling blocks), you will have the opportunity to select the best material from the course for yourself at this moment in time, as well as to participate in hands on workshops with Dr Sophie to acquire new skills in real time.

In every Cello Lab, we explore three core pieces spanning the ages (typically one Baroque piece, one Classical/Romantic piece, and one Contemporary piece), identifying the musical-technical hurdles of each piece and supporting our work with top pro-approved exercises, etudes, and scales, while also learning from three internationally-renowned cellist and pedagogue guest artists.

The Lab is designed for cellists of ALL different ability levels (Beginner through Advanced/Professional) to learn both side by side (offering opportunities for inspiration and mentorship) and in level-based breakout sessions.

In order to accommodate every level of player with some more advanced pieces, modifications/ abridgment recommendations are made for particularly tricky measures (for example, it may be recommended to leave out double stops/trills/reduce fast running notes to fewer but with the same shifting outline etc etc). There is also an option to focus more on three "alternate" core pieces that are all at an intermediate level. In this way, everyone in the Lab is working on the same music in a level-appropriate way, in which we can all be inspired by and become more acquainted with some of the great cello repertoire masterpieces, while acquiring skills that can be applied to almost ANY piece of music you study at any point in your cello journey.

Which musical-technical skills will we primarily be studying in Cello Lab 3.0?*

Self Awareness and Ergonomics of Playing
Shaping a Phrase
Rhythm
Intonation
Bow Arm Motion
Sound Quality and Consistency
String Crossings (adjacent and non adjacent)
LH and RH Strengthening Exercises
Shifting (economy of motion)
Different Types of Shifts
Different Bow Strokes/Articulation (inc detaché, staccato, collé, spiccato, sautillé)
Double Stops
Vibrato
Agility

*In addition to these topics, each participant picks three additional topics (from a list decided by the participants at the beginning of each Lab) for their Small Group Sessions.

Which three core pieces, and "alternate" (intermediate) pieces will be explored in Cello Lab 3.0?

Bourée I & II from Suite No.4 for Solo Cello in C Major, BWV1010 ~Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)

Intermediate Alternate: Bourée I from Suite No.3 for Solo Cello in C Major, BWV1009 ~ Johann Sebastian Bach

Nocturne in C Sharp Minor (No.20) ~Frédéric Chopin (1810-49), arr. Gregor Piatigorsky

Intermediate Alternate: Largo from Cello Sonata in G Minor, Op.65 ~Frédéric Chopin (1810-49)

Lamento from Suite No.1 for Solo Cello, Op. 72 ~Benjamin Britten (1913-1976)

Intermediate Alternate: Psalm ~Perttu Kivilaakso/Apocalyptica (1978- )

How much does Cello Lab 3.0 cost?

The cost for the entire 15 week course is $1550 (valued at $8,600 --breakdown of costs given under "Methodology" section below) . Several payment options are available. In addition, there are stackable discounts, including the following:

LAB ALUMNI: $50 off any Lab for any cellist who has previously enrolled in a Lab

REFER A FRIEND: $200 discount for both you AND your friend upon registration (this option will remain open to cellists who have registered until the registration deadline on Monday, January 27 or when 15 students have enrolled, whichever comes first)

EARLY BIRD SPECIAL: Register for Sunday, December 1st and receive a $75 discount

Anchor 3

Schedule a Free Introductory Call

RESULTS

An increased musical-technical toolkit and digital library to improve your practice and cello playing
Deeper understanding of the language and structure of music
Increased self-awareness
Increased awareness of common practising and technical pitfalls
Strategies for more focused, effective, and rewarding practice
Higher motivation
More confidence, freedom, and ease in playing

METHODOLOGY

GROUP & INDIVIDUAL CLASSES

Weekly Workshops

12 x 60 min hands on weekly workshops ($1500 value)

Each week I’ll lead a live one hour workout. These are hands on skills-learning based workshops with the cello, introducing concepts and putting them into the immediate context of exercises and musical repertoire. This is a chance to play along with Dr Sophie and your colleagues, together trying out musical-technical approaches, exercises and studies, and to ask any questions as they arise! The goal is to increasingly challenge you mentally, musically, and technically in a fun, supportive community environment.

Weekly Live Studio Class

12 x 60 min live studio classes ($1500 value)

Each week we will have a one hour live studio class. This is your chance to perform works in progress in a supportive group setting, ask questions, get feedback from your peers, and participate in group discussion.

Individual Sessions

3 x 60 min one on one sessions with Dr Sophie ($375 value)

I'll meet individually with you for one hour each month. We will work together to develop a comprehensive plan to help you advance with tools customized to your specific merits and areas of weakness.

Guest Masterclasses

3 x 2hr guest masterclasses with top internationally-renowned cellists and pedagogues ($1500 value)

Each month, we will have a 2 hour guest masterclass with top international performers and teachers from the esteemed music schools. This is a very special opportunity to play for the masters; students in conservatories often only have this kind of opportunity as a result of winning a competition. In past Labs, guest artists have included Hamilton Cheifetz, Richard Markson, Michal Shein, Brant Taylor, Brandon Vamos, and Uri Vardi. Guest artists for Cello Lab 3.0 will be announced on this page soon.

Small Group Sessions

3 x 90 min small group sessions with Dr Sophie, each focusing on one of several topics you choose ($525 value)

Work with two other students in small groups, learning from each other and the personalized feedback you receive from Dr. Sophie and your peers. These 90-minute sessions will occur once a month and focus on one of several topics you choose.

Cello Lab Online Performance

($100 value)

To celebrate and share our work with family and friends, a live online YouTube performance will be scheduled at the end of the 3rd module. All participants are invited to perform (with live/recorded accompaniment) a piece of their choice.

PRACTICE GUIDANCE

& CUSTOMIZED FEEDBACK FROM DR. SOPHIE

Individual Assessment of Your Progress During the Lab

($200 value)

During the first week of Lab, you will be given a short piece (appropriate for your determined level: early Intermediate, Late Intermediate, or Advanced/Professional) and asked to record it after 60 mins (only) careful preparation. At the end of the Lab, armed with the knowledge and skills that you have acquired/are developing during the Lab, you will then rerecord the same piece, again with only 60 mins careful preparation time. These recordings will be assessed by one of our Guest Artists for progress, according to a set list of criteria determined by Dr. Sophie.

Weekly Practice Proposals

15 x 60 min weekly written practice session proposals ($1500 value)

Every week, you will receive a 60 minute weekly practice session proposal (these are offered with options of varying degree of difficulty, to suit your current playing level). These proposals always incorporate the musical-technical tools we discuss in that week's Weekly Workout.

Practice Journal

At the beginning of the Lab, Dr. Sophie will send you a link to your own digital Practice Journal. While this is optional, it is highly recommended as a way to monitor your own practising habits, develop better ones, and receive customized monthly feedback from Dr. Sophie.

Customized Feedback on Your Video Recordings and Practice Journal

6+ x customized feedback from Dr. Sophie on video recordings, and your Practice Journal ($600 value)

Regular self-video recordings are a wonderful tool for self-improvement. In Cello Lab you are encouraged to make at least one short weekly recording of something you are practising (it can range from just a few bars of an exercise to an entire piece) and to write your own self-critique of it.

In addition, Dr. Sophie will provide you with customized feedback throughout the course, including on your Studio Class recordings, Pop Up Challenges (these are optional) and Practice Journal entries.

ADDITIONAL (OPTIONAL) PERKS

Online Cello Community Group

($400 value)

An exclusive access (optional) Facebook group is where you can come to share questions and discoveries about your cello work with the rest of us. In addition, 3+ Student "Reflection/Community" hour zoom calls will be scheduled during the course of the Lab as a way to connect more and share ideas with your cello community.

Pop up Challenges!

4 x pop up challenges ($400 value)

Each module, I’ll set a new challenge related to a current topic we're exploring. For example, I could ask you to play a short musical phrase/technical excerpt and record/post this video to the group or to document your own practice as you work through a tricky passage. These challenges are optional but highly recommended.

GUEST MASTERCLASSES

Cello Lab 3.0 Guest artists will be announced very soon... please check back.

QUESTIONS

How much does the course cost?

The cost for the entire 15 week course is $1550 (valued at $8600 --see breakdown of costs under "Methodology" section above). Several payment options are available.

Are there any discounts available?

Yes! And you can stack them.

LAB ALUMNI: $50 off any Lab

REFER A FRIEND: both you AND your friend receive a $200 discount each (this option will remain open to cellists who have registered until the registration deadline on Monday, January 27 or when 18 students have enrolled, whichever comes first)

EARLY BIRD SUPREME: Register by Sunday, November 10th and receive a $150 discount

EARLY BIRD SPECIAL: Register for Sunday, December 1st and receive a $75 discount

How do I register for the course?

To register for the course (during an open registration period), please first register your interest by submitting this form. I will then email you to schedule a "no obligations introductory call" with me to discuss your goals and see if the course is a good fit.

When does registration close?

Places are limited. Registration for the course will close when 15 students enroll or on Monday, January 27 (whichever comes first).

What do I need for the course?

You need a reliable internet connection and a device that can run Zoom. A quality microphone and hi-speed internet connection are recommended, but not required.

How long does the course run?

The course runs from February 3 through May 25, 2025. There will be three "reflection" weeks when no group activities will be held. Practice Proposals will still be given during these three weeks. You can use this time to do these extra assignments, catch up on material you’ve missed, or to simply take a break.

What is your refund policy?

If for any reason you feel the Cello Lab is not a good fit for you within 14 days of the start of the course, 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 entire course.

I’m busy or my schedule changes frequently, what if I can’t attend some of the live weekly meetings?

Not to worry! Recordings are made of all classes and will be available within 48-72 hours of the original class date for you to review at a more convenient time.

When will the group sessions be held?

Typically, we have been able to find times that work for everyone, but if there is a scheduling problem with timezones, there is an option of alternating the time of some sessions to make sure everyone can attend the majority live. All classes are also recorded in case you can't make one live for any reason.

Weekly workshops will be held early in the week, often on Monday or Tuesday. Weekly studio classes are typically held on Saturdays, although ultimately it will depend on when participants have most collective availability. Guest masterclasses will be scheduled about once a month. Regular class times/days may be rescheduled occasionally when I have performance conflicts. Upon enrollment, you will receive a link to a Google calendar where all session dates/times will be regularly updated.

I am a beginner, is this course for me?

Cellists at just about any level can benefit from this course, although most cellists who enroll are intermediate to advanced/professional level. Complete the initial registration form below and we can determine if the course is the right fit for you.

Anchor 1

Schedule a Free Introductory Call

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PARTICIPANT REFLECTIONS

QUESTIONS

“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.

...SAMPLE TEACHING VIDEOS...
(more free videos of Dr. Sophie's teaching are available on her YouTube channel)

An Open String (Casals-approved!) A workshop (Part II) on the Largo from Exercise for Improved Bow Control Chopin's Cello and Piano Sonata