Who doesn’t love the cello? Such a beautiful instrument, with a voice that sounds so melodious and warm. We welcome you to Charlotte Academy of Music where you’ll find cello lessons for kids, teens, and adult students, beginners through advanced levels. Whether you are starting cello for the first time or are returning to this lovely instrument, we are here to help you realize you cello playing dreams.
Beginning students start with the fundamentals such as posture, ear training, bow and left hand technique, and music notation reading. Students move on to advanced techniques, scales, speed work, and more challenging pieces. Cello lessons also boost coordination, finger strength, self-confidence, self-discipline, and right brain power in all students!
The Cello
The cello is a bowed instrument with four strings. It’s a cousin of the violin, viola, and double bass. One of the most incredible things about the cello is that it can become every string instrument in the orchestra. The cello’s size means it can play in three clefs: bass, tenor, and treble. Musicians have long considered the cello to be the instrument that most closely imitates the human voice. It can be played as a solo instrument, as well as in chamber ensembles, string orchestras, symphony orchestras, and some rock bands.
It’s thought cellos evolved in the 16th century from other similar instruments; instruments like the viola da gamba and the viol. Cellos in the Baroque era used to be held between the performers’ legs without any support. Today’s cellos have a large metal spike known as an endpin which helps hold the cello upright. Just like other members of the string family, cellos make a sound when the vibrations from the strings bounce around inside the wooden body. The bow, made from wood and horse hair, is pulled along the strings to create a sound. The strings can also be plucked.
Cello Lessons
Our CAM cello teachers customize programs based on traditional teaching methods based on the age, learning style, and interests of each student. All cello lessons are taught as private, one-on-one music instruction and are available in lengths of 30, 45, and 60 minutes. We suggest beginners start with 30 minute cello lessons and progress to longer lengths as your teacher recommends. For more advanced students, we recommend 45 or 60 minute lessons. Cello is a wonderful instrument for students of all ages!
What's Included
A Multitude of Performance opportunities
Orchestra Audition Preparation
Student Rewards to celebrate accomplishments
CAM tote bag and Getting Started Packet
Front Desk staff to assist you 5 days a week
Inspiring, supportive environment
Taking part in the multitude of opportunities at CAM is important to each student’s success. In addition to weekly lessons, many of our students thrive in our Compass Achievement Program, participate in our many concerts and special events, and work together to help our community through our CAM Cares program.
Our Cello Teacher
Ashley Flower
Ashley Flower is a musician, educator, and performer in the Charlotte, North Carolina area. Ashley first picked up the cello in third grade in an elementary orchestra class. Since then she has had numerous musical mentors including Miles Hoffman, Kathleen Foster, and Sarah Johnson. Ashley graduated with a Bachelor of Music in Cello Performance from the Petrie School of Music at Converse University in 2018.
As a cellist, Ashley has performed with the Atlantic Armstrong Youth Orchestra, Converse Symphony Orchestra, and is currently a member of the Toccoa Symphony. She has studied several music and physical technique methods including the Suzuki, Feldenkrais, and Alexander techniques. Ashley is currently working as the Assistant Orchestra Director at Providence Day School for K-12th grades. In addition to teaching beginner through advanced levels of cello, Ashley also teaches beginning violin and piano. She also helps direct several or our music summer camps. In her free time, Ashley likes to read, play video games, practice new music, and walk her Pit Bull Oda. We love having Ashley part of the CAM family!
To learn more about lessons, contact us for a studio tour.
Or, if you’re ready to begin your musical journey, enroll today!
All three of our daughters have participated in the SHINE musical theatre program at CAM, attending workshops, summer camp, and musical theatre lessons and shows. Every experience has been a positive one! Not only have they all had a great time, they have also developed skills and confidence, leading to a continued desire to participate more fully. The leaders have been stellar, the shows have been challenging and fun, and we, as parents, have been delighted to see the results of our investment in their participation! Our girls can’t wait for the next opportunity to SHINE!
