Cello Lessons - Suzuki and Traditional

Greetings!

My family will be relocating to Castlemaine in January 2027; we currently live in Windsor. Please feel free to get in touch!

I'm a cellist with 16 years' teaching experience, welcoming students of all ages and levels. My background spans both Suzuki and Traditional methods, with teaching positions at Camberwell Grammar, Trinity Grammar, Xavier College, and East Bentleigh Primary School (Steiner stream), as well as maintaining a sizeable studio at home.

All prospective students (or parents) are welcome to observe a lesson before taking the plunge. For young Suzuki students (3-6 years old), we'll spend a few weeks to months beforehand covering philosophy and practicalities to make sure it's the right fit.

Rates: $98/hour as of 2026 (VMTA standard, pro-rata for shorter lessons). Flexible depending on family circumstances — please just ask.

Contact: jonathan.tosio@gmail.com

BMus (perf) · STCA (Primary)

FAQ:

1. Do you teach online?

For older students, yes I do!

2. What is the Suzuki as opposed to 'Traditional' method?

The Suzuki Method (suzukimusic.org.au/suzuki-method/), in a nutshell, is "ear before eye" — reading is delayed until developmentally appropriate, much like spoken language before literacy. "Traditional" teaching is harder to pin down, but generally introduces reading earlier and places less emphasis on daily listening and reviewing older repertoire. Neither is right or wrong — it depends on the student and family, and I'm happy to talk through both.

2. How do I buy a cello?

I recommend a security deposit so you can borrow a cello for a week and try it in lessons — photos and brand names alone don't tell you much. Whitehorse Music, Bows for Strings, and Alex Grant Violins all have experienced staff who can help. For a long-term 4/4 instrument, try at least 30 before deciding. Buying second-hand online is riskier — if the seller allows a trial via deposit, take that option.

3. What's your general approach to teaching cello?

Every student is different, and different students need different approaches, but in general, I'm of the mind that an efficiently set-up and moving body creates a beautiful tone which creates accurate intonation which creates wonderfully shaped music, which should always be our aim.

4. Is cello hard?

Yes, but with patience, self reflection, love and kindness with oneself and the instrument, a level of mastery may be achieved.

5. Is cello worth it?

Go listen to Emmanuelle Bertrand play Bach!