Cello Lessons with Mika Larson

Meet Your Teacher

Hi, I'm Mika.

I'm a professional cellist and Suzuki teacher with a Bachelor of Music in Cello Performance from Manhattan School of Music, where I studied with David Geber of the American String Quartet.

I completed the two-year Suzuki Teacher Training Program at School for Strings in New York City under Nellis Delay and Kit Brainard.

My teaching experience includes School for Strings, City and Country School, Turtle Bay Music School, and the Suzuki program at LIU Post, where I taught both private and group cello lessons.

I've taught children and adults in private lessons, Suzuki programs, orchestra and chamber music settings. Today I also remain an active performing and recording cellist in classical and contemporary music.

Learning Cello

Lessons that grow with the student.

Every student comes to the cello differently. Lessons combine strong technical foundations with listening, encouragement, musicianship and the joy of making music.

Adult Beginners

It's never too late to begin. Adult lessons are tailored to your goals, musical interests and pace of learning, whether you're starting from scratch or returning to an instrument you studied years ago.

Young Beginners

A warm introduction to the cello using Suzuki principles, with parent involvement and an emphasis on listening, beautiful tone and positive practice habits.

Growing Musicians

Individual instruction designed to develop technique, musical expression, confidence and increasingly independent musicianship.

My Approach

Every student can learn.

I believe music develops best in an atmosphere of encouragement, curiosity and connection. My teaching is grounded in Suzuki principles while adapting to the individual student... building beautiful tone, strong technique, confidence and a lifelong relationship with music.

Mika Larson performing cello with a string ensemble

Background

Training & Experience

Bachelor of Music, Cello Performance — Manhattan School of Music
Cello studies with David Geber, American String Quartet
Two-Year Suzuki Teacher Training Program — School for Strings, New York City
Suzuki teacher training with Nellis DeLay and Kit Brainard
Former cello instructor at School for Strings, City and Country School, Turtle Bay Music School, and LIU Post's Suzuki Program
Experience teaching private lessons, Suzuki group classes, orchestra and chamber music
Active performing and recording cellist with experience in classical, chamber, orchestral, solo and contemporary music

Now Accepting Students

Interested in cello lessons?

I'm currently welcoming new children, teens and adult students at my home cello studio in East Pasadena. I'd love to hear a little about your musical background, or your child's, and what you're hoping to get from lessons.

Contact Mika